It’s one of my favourite colours.
But strangely, I have almost nothing in that colour in my wardrobe. Time to remedy that. I’d had a length of linen/cotton blend fabric in a floral lilac print for a while. I hadn’t been sure what to make with it; my initial thinking was as part of a quilt, but I only had 2 metres. And then I remembered an old pattern I had.
I’d made a top out of this before, but from batik. In retrospect, the fabric was too stiff and tightly woven for it to be really comfortable, and I’d put the pattern away. Now, I’d make it with something softer.
I had enough to make it a bit longer than the pattern, almost to the knee, and I also moved the side slits up for ease of movement, since lengthening it where suggested would have made them too low. I also dove into my scraps to find a toning fabric for cuff and facing. I’m proud of how neat and tidy that facing is! I’m still debating whether it needs a tiny bit of some sort of antique silver trim around the edges of those, or maybe a bit of beading?
Any way, this is my new tunic/kurta. A nice quick make, comfy and cool. You can’t see the hip-length side slits, but they’re there. The only thing is, I wish I’d thought of pockets…
It’s not elegant or fashionable, but it is both practical and comfortable.
talltalesfromchiconia 
It looks comfortable, even soothing to wear. If asked, I’d say my favorite color is green but I have almost nothing green to wear. And if anyone looked at my walls they’d see orange, fuchsia, blue, and other vivid colors yet (other than scarves) I have no clothes in those colors either. I need to liven up!
Back when I was a career woman in first London and then Melbourne, I lived in black and grey clothing. I was starved for colour! These days I am always colourful, and I feel the brilliant sunshine and my ashy hair allow me to get away with a lot of brightness that I wouldn’t have dared before.
Definitely getting older gives us more fredom!
lovely! wondering if you could add a couple of patch pockets, if you really need somewhere to keep your hankie?
I probably wouldn’t do that as the fabric is a little too delicate to take a patch pocket wth something in it without long term damage. If I make this again, I’ll put a side seam pocket in and drop the side slits a little.
It looks great- how satisfying! Would you put pockets into the side seams next time?
Yup! That would be my preferred solution.
That turned out wonderful!
It’s really comfortable as well. The pattern is very simple except for the facing, but even that turned out ok!
Love the color and love the style too – so flattering!
And perfect for this climate, where you really don’t want things to be too fitted.
I like it. Lilac is a favorite color of mine, also
More interesting than blue, more grown up than pink!
Yes! I hadn’t thought of it that way 🙂
It looks lovely and comfy. Yes I do think it needs a bit of trim, but I wouldn’t put it on the edges, I’d put it on the middle of the facing. Congrats on yet another very successful project.
I was thinking about around the outer edge of the facing, and just a very narrow, discreet edge trim. I’m worried that putting it in the middle of the facing might come across as a bit ‘bling’ for daywear.
I’m with Caroline ~ some trim would set it off perfectly, take it to the next level! However I am not sure about the placement. On the edge, near the neck could look good. With or without the trim, it will be a good addition to the wardrobe.
I’m still debating it, but my own thought was around the outer edge of the facing, and keeping it very narrow.
I think I’m with the ‘something around edge of the neck facing’ party. Something not too blingy around the neck edge would finish it nicely. It is just the sort of ‘comfy’ item crying out for side seam pockets – I have a dress that should have them and am always trying to put my hands in the side seams. Next time……
I think I’ll just have to remember to wear pants with pockets underneath it…
Pretty and practical. I like it must the way it is.
I’m waiting to see if I change my mind… just a teeny weeny little blingy.
To trim or not… hmm. I know you have some beautiful jewellery to dress it up.
I made that necklace to match my earrings that will go perfectly, but it’s major bling, so probably not for everyday. The earrings by themselves would work, though.
The fabric is gorgeous, Kate. I’m all for comfort, and when I can wear something in my favorite color, even better. It’s nice to reuse patterns from your stash, especially when you know the fit works well for you.
That’s exactly right! And I know this pattern can be easily adapted in all sorts of ways, too.
Looks great and comfort is all!
Yes! Especially in our very hot and humid climate.