As part of her new fabric and patterns online business - Backstitch - Alice recently asked me to review a sewing pattern for her. Which has been the perfect excuse to sit down and make something - hooray! She allowed me free rein of her patterns to select from - Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, Oliver + S - they're all there and more. But I decided I'd like to have a go at the Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic. So Alice popped a pattern in the post to me.
Look, cute packaging - the epitome of understated chic. I was all excited about getting stuck in. And slightly nervous about the responsibility of reviewing the pattern. But I began, and I finished too - you can see the my full review of the Schoolhouse Tunic on the Backstitch site.
Just don't get me started on the trauma of photographing it - I thought about showing you the out-takes, but I am too embarrassed. Clearly my photography brief to the hubby (Come, take a photo of me wearing this. Try to show it clearly and make me look good) is not up to scratch. Next time, he can wear the tunic and I'll take the photos.
Oh you make me laugh! I love the colour you chose for your tunic...It looks great! Lots of love, Amanda xxx
Posted by: amanda makes | 24 June 2010 at 14:37
the shirt looks fantastic! and I just tried to get my man to take photos of me for the ol' blog and it was a total disaster. I think a tripod is in order.
Posted by: meg | 24 June 2010 at 15:17
I have this pattern on my 'to make' list, so popping over now to read your review!
And G and I go through some of the same trauma photographing knitting and sewing projects for the blog!
K x
Posted by: kristina | 24 June 2010 at 15:25
Great review. Sleeves are my nemesis too, so your comment about one taking four attempts made me feel better! You look great by the way but I totally understand the "make me look fabulous" sentiment! I do like this pattern, but have reservations about the gape at the bust annoying me - maybe I'll give it at a try.
Posted by: lina | 24 June 2010 at 16:24
I love the fabric you have chosen for your tunic and great review too. My husband takes most of my photos for my blog as well as my daughter, but they are actually better than me.
Also thanks for link to Backstitch, will definately have a look.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | 24 June 2010 at 17:08
Looks great! I've always wanted to give that pattern a try, but have the suspicion that it would look awful on me (bust shaping / needing an undershirt / the length).
Your husband did a much better job than mine. I asked him once to take a picture: he took one and it was out of focus. Then he looked at me as if I was crazy for wanting to waste his time when I asked him to take another...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 24 June 2010 at 17:42
Oh what fun, it looks lovely. Great colour choice.
And love that image in the post below.
Posted by: Pebbledash | 24 June 2010 at 19:06
nice top, well done! as for photos - there's a reason i am always behind the camera for my blog ...
Posted by: julia | 24 June 2010 at 19:43
looks like a lovely pattern - you do make me wish I was better at sewing! I know what you mean about husbands doing photoshoots - I think you've got the perfect solution though!
Posted by: Julie | 24 June 2010 at 20:19
I love the colour, it's perfect for summer and you look tanned in the photo which really shows it off well.
Well done.
Posted by: Claire | 24 June 2010 at 21:07
It looks great, despite your photographer, and the colour is fabulous. I keep thinking about making clothes but was put off by making a seven gored skirt at school!
Posted by: French Knots | 24 June 2010 at 21:25
Sheesh...had a panicky moment reading that first sentence...
Posted by: Alice C | 24 June 2010 at 22:09
I am going to be making my first ever thing for me, a skirt soon. I am off to read your review now, Oh and I adore the colour Ali
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 24 June 2010 at 23:19
I would die of happiness if you made your hubby model the tunic. Pleeeeeeze?
Meanwhile, it looks darn cute on you.
P.S. Tired of those lace-up wellies yet??? Just asking...
Posted by: Lynn | 25 June 2010 at 03:20
It looks gorgeous Ali - such a lovely summery colour! I asked hubby to take photos for one of my apron patterns - he had no clue. I ended up taking one of him to show him how I should look. It worked - I was very happy with the result!!
Posted by: Louise | 25 June 2010 at 03:25
Lovely stylish top, can see why you you chose it and a really zingy summer colour too, just right for showing off any smooth summer tan!
Lisa x
Posted by: Lisa | 25 June 2010 at 07:13
Looks good to me... you and the tunic!
Posted by: Gina | 25 June 2010 at 07:59
I too have this pattern and am about to go fabric shopping so thank you hugely about the 'voile'.
Posted by: Julie | 25 June 2010 at 12:13
Fabulous review. I was tempted by this but was nervous about how it might look on an, ahem, larger lady. Your comment about the lack of bust shaping has convinced me not to bother, though it looks very flattering on you! ;-)
Posted by: dottycookie | 25 June 2010 at 15:59