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!