This top ended up a bit warmer than I had anticipated, but it will be welcome on a cooler summer day or evening. My BSF and I decided to try Katherine Tilton’s Butterick 6136 because we both like princess seam lines for flattery and fit. The decorative topstitch lines on the pattern are also a terrific idea for adding extra detail to a plain tunic.
We made quite a number of modifications to the pattern. The biggest was a change to the armscye and sleeve, since it was too generous for our taste. We used one of our TNT’s Vogue 8952 (view B) thereby producing a closer fit. We’re both getting more comfortable with changing patterns in this way to get exactly what we envision.
I took Katherine Tilton’s simple yet brilliant idea of decorative topstitching, but didn’t follow her exact pattern. A thin ribbon attached with a zigzag stitch created a bolder line, but the top still seemed plain. It sat on Roxie for several days without the side seams, since I knew there was something I wanted to do. Finally I took a scrap of the patterned knit and draped it down the front between the two topstitch lines. Big improvement, and easy to do!
Finshing the top included a wedge-shaped collar that used previously on this Marcy Tilton dress. This time I tucked the short end under the long to give a little lift. This is such an easy collar finish.
That leads me to a question. I’m taking more time sewing these days in order to concentrate on details like the collar, and this is leading to fewer posts. Would my readers like some photos of work in progress, exposing more mishaps, fixes and other details? Let me know if you just want to see the finished product or more process.
West Zen Studio 
Excellent top! I love the way you combined the fabrics and especially added the collar. I’m with you on the armscye & sleeve cap of most patterns being far too generous – at least for my body. I have my own blocks that I regularly use instead. Saves having to fit them every time.
I like the idea of developing blocks. How many do you have? I assume I could start with one each for knits and wovens. It makes so much more sense than opening up a pattern each time!
YOU, YOU, YOU!!! are on it girlfriend!!! very nice combo and technique…thanks for sharing this with us. Diane >
Thanks Diane!
Wish I could be at DOL in Taos this fall!
Would love to see more of the process. You are very creative, so anything you show is wonderful.
Yes, please send your in progress thoughts and pics of solutions. I eat that kind of stuff up!
More process, please!
Ceci
Ok! It sounds like more posts in between the finished pieces.
I also love in progress posts. More posts are always welcome. This is a very fun addition to this pattern. And anything that breaks up my torso is a good thing. Thanks for the idea!
Yes! Yes! Yes! The more detail the better! Also, it is always good to see how more experienced seamstresses handle problems, mistakes, bad fits, etc. I find myself wanting to do more complex work and do less – which translates to less clothes, but better quality. I am liking it that way!
Thanks for referring to me as a “more experienced seamstress”. You made my day! Some process blogs soon!
I love to read how you plan, think, etc. because I am just getting back into sewing again, and love your ideas….
This tunic is amazing. Would love to see it modelled, just to see how flattering those princess seams can be! In enjoy work in progress posts too. They’re always good for picking up new ideas on techniques.
I should model it, but it takes so much longer to get photos of myself. No photographers in the family, so I take quite a few with a remote just hoping that some work out!
I know what it’s like – my other half is an appalling photographer, but selfies are so hard to take too.
I also would love to see WIP photos too. Love your creativity!
I’d love to see more process photos.