Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Aw Sunki Sunki Now!

Things have been a little 'off' for the last several days. The smallest member of the little green cottage clan has had a bit of the flu, there has been some thievery of the bank fraud sort which had me spending hours at the bank and on the phone without resolution, and the hens have been squawking all the live long day as if doomsday were coming. Even though I have been running behind on all things house chore and business related, I felt the need to seek a bit of solace in stitchery. The girls (my machines) had returned home after getting a good tune and tidy from the wonderful folks at Modern Domestic - and I couldn't resist .

On a recent trip to Bolt, I spied a Figgy's Pattern I hadn't seen before. Now goodness knows I don't need new patterns, I have plenty of patterns I have yet to make up, or I draft my own, but this little number, with it's very clever curved seams caught my eye. I had some Sevenberry Japanese fabric in my stash that I had been wanting to use, so the pattern came home with me.

Figgy's Sunki Pattern is a tunic style pocket dress with zippered back and knit leggings.
I have never used a Figgy's pattern prior to this, though I have admired them. I thought I would give you a short review of the pattern.

I made the dress in size 8/9 out of apparel weight fabric. The dress has 3 sleeve length options, I went with 3/4 sleeve.
First, let me say that I love the little details in this pattern; the curved front seams and pockets, as well as the lapped shoulder detail.



Though I love the fabric I used, I do wish I had chosen something that would have better shown off the curved front, if I were to make it again, I would choose a bit of contrast for the side panels to make them pop.

The pattern pieces went together perfectly and the finished product turned out beautifully. I would not recommend this pattern for a beginning sewist, as the instructions are brief and basic; though I had no real trouble with the steps, it certainly helped that I had experience with curved and pocketed seams. I really like the way Figgy's package their patterns and the instruction booklet is very nice; though in this instance I do think they could have benefited from a little more explanation or a few more tips. I would categorize this as an intermediate pattern and a good challenge to someone wanting to push themselves a little.


As for sizing; my daughter wears a size 7 in most clothing and I wanted a little room to grow so I made up the size 8/9 and it JUST fits. If she grows even a little, it will be too small. Yes, I checked the pattern measurement guide, but it is possible that Pony Girl has grown in the last few weeks since I measured her last! So I would advise not only checking the guide, but to measure your child before making (always a good idea) and to measure the pattern pieces as extra precaution. I think the fit is better matched for a more petite and narrow child.

My other observation is that the pockets are a bit more shallow than I anticipated, not a complaint just something of note.



Overall, I think the pattern is great. The drafting is perfect and it turned out lovely. I would recommend it (with my above notes). I love a pattern that is different and clever and unexpected; Figgy's Sunki is definitely that.

Many thanks to Pony Girl for braving the cold wind to model the dress whilst not feeling tip-top!

See you soon!

19 comments:

yardage girl said...

Sorry to hear things haven't been great, but the results of your sewing are brill ~ love the pattern, and nice to have a bit of a challenge too!

Itchin' Stitchin' said...

Oh we are fighting that yucky flu here too. Hope Pony girl is feeling better ... I'm sure her new tunic dress top sure put a smile on her face. It sure is lovely :)

Pomona said...

She's a lovely model and the dress looks really sweet on her! And I hope you sort out all the other boring hassles very soon.

Pomona x

Flaming Nora said...

Love the shape of the dress, love the way it looks on Pony Gal. See what you mean about the need for a contrast on the curved seam. Great to see innovative design in children's wear. Way to much of it is way too predictable.

Colette said...

How sophisticated, love the curved details. I think PG certainly has grown since we last saw her - wishing her well again soon. x

Anonymous said...

Such a cutie, and what a gorgeous dress!

willow and moo said...

The tunic looks great on Pony Girl. :)

I have to admit that when I saw that pattern it didn't do much for me, but I like what you've done with it.

Hope PG is feeling better soon and you get the bank stuff sorted.

CurlyPops said...

Wow I love that tunic. Does it come in an adult size by any chance?

Kate said...

Oh honey, I do hope things calm down and sort themselves out in your world very soon. I absolutely understand the solace of stitching and I think it is most clever indeed to leave the humdrum and cut fabric. I love that dress. Love it. x

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Gorgeous tunic and so beautifully modelled. :)
Vivienne x

Bobo Bun said...

Great model that girl of yours. She looks so cool in that lovely top you made for her.

Hope the week just keeps on getting better .

Debby said...

Very cute. Pony Girl is a great model.
Hope you feel better.

Tas said...

Hope that everyyhing gets back on track soon.

That dress is gorgeous. I am not sure that I would have looked at the pattern twice but I am realising as I grow up that I should be more open minded as I am seeing a lot of patterns in a new light once I have seen them made up.

Annie said...

That really is different, and even better, I think, in the fabric you've chosen. Nice one :D

Sherri B. said...

So sorry that you have had a sick one...poor little lamb. - I'm sad that thieves have slithered like snakes into your life. - Isn't it amazing how the hum of the machine and the creation of a beautiful new outfit for the sweet girl can set things back on track. Pony Girl has sure become quite a nice model! xo

june at noon said...

It looks pretty great, especially on such a demure little model. Hope she's feeling better!

Tania said...

What do you reckon non-crafty types do for therapy? Bit of a mystery to me. And I do believe you have made my fingers itchy for a spot of sewing...

Hope all is back to well, any tick of the clock.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear things haven't been great, I think there's something doing the rounds at the moment! But the results of your sewing are lovely at least, I'm sure Pony Girl agrees!

Sew It Sherry said...

I really love the fabric you used. I just finished my first sunki. Check it out here: Sunki Dress
http://whatsherrymadetoday.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/i-made-sunki-dress-ill-show-you-how-i.html