Hi There Friends!
One year ago Julie Starr and Sarah Gunn asked me if I would be interested in sewing up a tunic to be featured in The Tunic Bible, which has now been published. To say I was flattered to have been asked was an understatement. I have long admired both Julie and Sarah’s work and the book seemed like a great concept. There are SO many options for collars, neck plackets and sleeves as well as lengths, styles, fabrics (including knits) and trims….this is not just a one trick pony. If you don’t believe me, head over to The Tunic Bible website to check out the gallery (you might see some familiar faces). A group of bloggers were asked to sew samples up to be featured in the book and every single one of us made something completely different and varied.
Anyway, I chose to make an autumnal version from a soft, fine printed babycord with an outside-facing wide split placket, an angled collar and sleeve cuffs sewn in a contrasting corduroy. All the details for all the options are given in the book. I barely made any changes whatsoever to the pattern: not even my usual FBA or sway back adjustment. Aside from fiddling with the length and dropping the bust darts 0.5 inches and including back darts, that was it. I was very impressed with the fit. Note that the size range goes from XS to XXL.
I am still waiting to receive my hard copy of The Tunic Bible (on its way), but have seen the full final version electronically and it is beautifully photographed, presented and written. Incidentally, anyone interested in sewing Indian style Kurta tops; this book is perfect for you and before I go to India next time I would love to sew a couple up.
If you would like to be in with a chance to win a copy of the book and check it out for yourself then there is a giveaway. Winners in the USA will receive a hard copy of the book; outside of the USA winners will receive an electronic copy, so this is open to all. All you have to do is leave a comment below before midnight GMT on 12th October 2016. If you want to be in with more chances to win then here’s the list of other participants of this book tour; you can enter on every single site if you wish 🙂
October 3 – C&T; Pattern Review
October 4 – Cloning Couture; Generation Q Magazine
October 5 – Oonaballoona; Featherstitch Avenue
October 6 – Allie J; Thanks I Made Them
October 7 – Sew Busy Lizzy; Jennuine Design
October 8 – Inside the Hem; Girls in the Garden
October 9 – Sewmanju; My Love Affair with Sewing
October 10 – Evolution of a Sewing Goddess; Creating in the Gap
October 12 – House of Pinheiro; The Tunic Bible
Good Luck and well done Sarah and Julie for making this idea a hugely inspirational success.
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED*
I really like your look, and tunics are my go-to. How big is your closet?! You are prolific!
I love how you use corduroy to make a tunic. who would have thought and it looks fantastic!
Lovely! Perfect for autumn.
Nice tunic dress janie
How exciting to be part of such a fab book! It looks really flattering, and minimal adjustments too! 😀
Looks perfect for fall season! I love the softness of baby cord. Thanks for the giveaway, too! Enjoy your tunic and congrats on being published!
Never made a tunic before.
Love your colors. I’ll have to check out the book. It would be nice to make something without a lot of adjustments.
Love this!
Adding darts on the back of garments is my next fitting thing to learn I think. Your tunic looks lovely.
Your tunic is beautiful!!!! The colour scheme suits so so well.
The book sounds great, I hope to win 😉
The tunics great. Lovely colours on you.
Love your dress – looks great for the winter.
I’ve checked the book out on Amazon and love the many different variations.
Saw your post on IG where I am a follower and hurried over to the blog to enter.
Your tunic version looks so lovely in the Autumn colours
Looks great. The book is on my list. 🙂 Of course, winning it would be lovely, too.
I was immediately thinking of a Kurti when I saw your version in my reader! I had one very similar when I lived in India. In love how different all the interpretations are and would love to win the book.
Wow! Looks great! Would love to win a copy of the book! Love the tunic style.
Your tunic dress looks wonderful, Manju! Nice to see the pattern works for a curvy figure when adding back darts!
Love your tunic dress Manju! Silly me but l usually think of tunics as summer wear but after seeing your make I am inspired to make a fall one! Thank you for sharing. 😍
You look great, the colours are beautiful and the tunic fits you well. Good to see no major adjustments were required
Your terrific tunic dress is giving me an idea to change my mind about corduroy! I really like your version, and would be pleased to win a copy of this new book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Great fabric choice for the autumn! I was wondering what fabrics would be suitable for the autumn myself. So exciting to see all the different versions of tunics!
Thank you for sharing, your version is lovely!
You look lovely in your new tunic! Great fabric choice for the Autumn!
Your outfits are always beautiful and inspiring
I love the colors. We don’t get really cool weather for very long where I live, but I do need the occasional cold weather piece. Tunics are very versatile!
Your tunic is really nice! I love the colors! Would be happy to win a copy of this new book! thanks for sharing!
love the colour! 🙂
So fun! I’d love to win a copy! Congrats on being featured in the book!
This is so lovely on you! I love the autumn colors. I’ve always shied away from tunics as I think they would be unflattering on me, but you are tempting me! I’d love to study the book and find one that works for me. Thanks for inspiring me again!
I have some beautiful fabric from India just waiting to be made up. Would love this book!
Great look for fall
I would never have thought of corduroy. I love it! Your tunic is awesome. So thrilled you were featured in the book.
What a cute version! I’d like to try one in baby cord too.
Yes!!! I am loving all the tunics, many different looks are so inspiring. I had always thought that tunics were not in my style aesthetic, but am really wanting to make one, two, three or more. I would be Blessed to win the giveaway.
Thank you for the giveaway, I would love to win it! I really enjoy your posts Manju, you are such an awesome sewist!
I have been anticipating this book since I first heard about it. It looks like something that I can really use to make items for myself.
Your fall tunic is inspiring. Hope I get around to making one for me
I love your version! I would have never imagined that a tunic could be such a versatile garment!
I just love this style. I don’t know why it’s never occurred to me to make tunics before.
Great colors for fall. The interpretations of the tunic on this book tour are fantastic.
Love your tunic, and would love the chance to win a copy.
love the look and fabric combination!
fantastic pictures too!
Your tunic dress is beautiful!
Your dress is lovely – you look great in it! I’m a fan of tunics but have been put off by fitting challenges in RTW.
Your autumnal version is beautiful, especially paired with tights and boots. It says, I’m ready, bring on the cool weather! I want to try a version in a stable knit for the body, with a contrast woven collar and cuffs.
I love yours! It’s perfect for fall!
Your version of the tunic is great–terrific colors on you! Makes me excited to try my hand at this book’s ideas!!!
Love the autumnal colors of your tunic. Gorgeous!
Love the tunics and all the choices.