Sunday, January 15, 2012

Vogue 8595 - Beach Tunic

Vogue 8595
- the windswept, unironed version (actually this is the only version) -

This top was not part of my Christmas holiday sewing but I did wear it a lot on my holidays and finally got around to taking a photo of it. I actually made it especially for the September holidays when I visited Magnetic Island with my sister and her family.

It was sewn to be used as a beach top. I actually HATE wearing rashie tops (lycra swim shirts) so this is my way of getting sun protection at the beach while avoiding the icky feeling of lycra clinging to my body.

I made it exclusively from scraps of cotton voile  and trims left over from other projects. Therefore it is light, airy and cool to wear. I know it's all a bit over-the-top in the colourful stakes, but you can get away with that  at the beach right!

In this photo, I'm not so much wearing it for sun protection, but more as a defense against sandflies. We stopped at Sarina Beach for the night on our drive home and went for a glorious walk in the late afternoon leading into dusk. Come dusk, those little beast are always waiting, ready to attack.

For the record, I did flare out this top from the armholes to the hemline quite significantly. I can't remember how much. Maybe as much as my scraps of fabric would allow. I wanted it to be as flowy as possible given it was a beach top.


- shadows in the late afternoon -

10 comments:

  1. So fun! It looks like you purposefully chose each print, not just used your leftovers. I love a good tunic.

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  2. I have this pattern, and wasn't sure if I'd ever use it after all. Glad to see such a pretty version to make me reconsider it. You have a great way with making very stylish garments from ho-hum pattern covers.

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  3. I'm freezing in Europe right now, but bought a lovely piece of cotton/silk voile in London with a similar tunic in mind. Right now as my pinkies are ready drop off, I'm dreaming of standing in a beach in Oz wearing it! Love the piecing together of scraps. This look is huge in Spain for winter coats and skirts.

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  4. I love how you've used scraps. It looks so fantastic.

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  5. It's lovely! I hate rashly tops too. It's just not comfortable to wear them on a hot, sunny beach. That said, I MAKE my poor kids wear them!

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  6. Perfect summery top for holidays...

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  7. Ooh I just love this top - those scraps sure look good together! I had not yet personally solved the beach wear issue and this seems like a great idea. I take it you are OK to wear it in the water too?

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  8. It's so pretty for a top made out of scraps! The fabrics go nicely together and it looks comfy to wear.

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  9. I love this top! The colors and piecing are fabulous. I'm with you about rash guards; can't stand them at all.

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  10. What a very "cool" beach tunic - I love the piecing! And I love that shadows photo!!!

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