Fabric

A Truly “Terra-fic” Pattern for Spring

…A Mini Pattern Hack Blog Post

So exactly what makes the Terra Tunic from Love Notions such a terrific pattern? Why do you need to add the Terra Tunic to your pattern collection? Keep reading to find out!!

The Terra Tunic is the $5 Feature Friday pattern for Friday 3/10/23.  So if you don’t own it, I highly suggest you grab it today! You can purchase the Terra Tunic HERE, and make sure to use my code SEWMARY10 for an additional 10% off.

Simply put…

  • This pattern is soooo versatile. It can be casual or work appropriate depending on fabrics and options chosen. Most of mine are casual~ I’m a retired teacher!
  • So many options: 6 neckline variations (and they are all awesome!), 4 sleeve lengths, elbow patches and welt pockets. My favorite sleeve length is the 3/4 sleeve.
  • Can be worn year round! (It even makes a great beach coverup come summer!)
  • The Terra is also a very “hackable” pattern.

First I want to talk about fabric choice. My pink floral version is made from a stable cotton lycra French Terry. The Navy version is made from a lighter weight rib knit that has a lot of drape. Both work well for the Terra, but as you can see they create very different looking tunics. Since the rib knit is lighter weight and has much more drape, you can see that the V-neck appears lower~ but they are actually the same. Remember, different fabrics give very different looks sometimes!

Visit my detailed Terra Tunic blog post for more fabric examples, fitting information, a funnel neck hack and some helpful sewing tips specifically for the Terra Tunic.

However, today’s blog post is dedicated to my favorite V-neck hack for the Terra. This is a V-neck with a facing rather than a neckband , which I feel gives the tunic a dressier look.

How to create a facing for the V-neckline:

  • Take your front body pattern piece, place a piece of pattern tracing cloth(I use Pellon Easy Pattern 830) on top and trace the v-neckline, shoulder and center front.
  • Measure 2″ away and mark. Use a French curve to connect the markings. This is your front facing.
  • Repeat the process for the back using the back body pattern piece.
  • Sew front and back facings together at the shoulder.
  • Pin and stitch facing to the neckline right sides together.
  • Clip at V being careful not to go through stitching
  • Press facing and sew allowance away from the body.
  • Understitch, then turn facing to the inside and press
  • I chose to topstitch 1.5″ away for the look I was trying to achieve.
  • I LOVE the look of Rick Rack on a tunic. It adds just the right touch of “coastal prep” which is just my style. You do NOT need to add this trim to yours. The top-stitching in the step above is sufficient.

Below is a picture of the V-neck without any trim. This was my tester version of this hack last year. This fabric was horrible to sew with and uncomfortable to wear, but I was able to tell that I liked this hack and wanted to do it again.


Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac

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You can purchase the Terra Tunic pattern HERE.

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code SEWMARY10. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern. This code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working.

Fabric Resources

Fuchsia French Terry ~Raspberry Creek Fabric

Navy Geometric Rib Knit~ This fabric was purchased from Mily Mae Fabrics. It is no longer available. You can find many other ribs at Mily Mae, Raspberry Creek Fabric and Surge Fabrics.

Sewing Up Swim With Raspberry Creek Fabrics

…The New 2023 Swim Collection

DISCLAIMER: If you’re expecting to see cute swimsuits sewn up in beautiful Raspberry Creek Fabric swim fabrics- you won’t find them here.  BUT– you will see some other ways you can use this awesome swim fabric from RCF! Hopefully my blog post today will inspire you to grab some of these awesome swim fabrics and make something other than a swimsuit! Because we all know swim fabric isn’t just for bathing suits anymore!!! The fact that Raspberry Creek Swim fabric is UPF 50+ makes it great for any day/activity out in the sun.

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Dreaming of Spring with A Rhapsody Ruffle Sleeve

…A Mini Pattern Hack Blog Post

This is a mini blog post on how to create a Bishop sleeve with a ruffle cuff. For more detailed information of the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse visit this blog post.

With the anticipation of Spring’s arrival, I am always anxious to add a few new Rhapsody Blouses to my closet. Add in new rayon challis prints available from Raspberry Creek Fabrics ~ and I am ready to get sewing.

I made a ton of cap sleeve Rhapsody Blouses last summer as my everyday tops. They were perfect for hot and humid weather, and looked so much cuter than a basic t-Shirt. When Fall came around, and we still had a few get aways planned- I decided to add a long sleeved Rhapsody to my travel wardrobe. I wanted something romantic and soft with full arm coverage. So came up with what I’m calling a Bishop Ruffle cuff sleeve! It’s a really simple hack that you could use on any long sleeve Bishop sleeve.

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Love Notions Lincoln Top~ Making it Longer

….A Mini Pattern Hack Blog Post

I don’t know about you~ but I’m ready to sew for Spring. I always like to add a few transitional pieces to my closet this time of year. Things I can wear now and right into the warmer weather. This time last year, I tested the Lincoln Top pattern from Love Notions. I fell in love with this pattern because of the cute button side detail and that it’s a pretty quick sew.

Last year, one of the testers made a longer version of the Lincoln Top and I’ve wanted to make one ever since. Have you made a Lincoln Top yet? Use my code SEWMARY10 to get an additional 10% off.

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It’s Sloane Season Again!

…A Pattern Hack Blog Post

Every Autumn I am always excited to add a few new Love Notions Sloanes to my wardrobe. I’ll be honest, I already have about 50!!! Yes, I have been called the “Sloane Queen”. Since the Sloane Sweater is the Feature Friday $5 pattern this week, there is no better time to grab this versatile pattern! ($5 sale is over, but you can always purchase it with 10% off using my code listed at the end of this post.)

Last Fall I hacked the Sloane to have a funnel neck and I found I wore that version all winter! Then Spring came and I hacked the Sloane again to have a split hem. So naturally I decided to combine both of these hacks into one awesome sweater! I know this is going to get worn a lot this Winter!

If I’m being honest here, I typically don’t find apparel fabric that I love at Joann Fabrics. But, a few weeks ago I spotted this ribbed sweater knit that I really liked! Then it went on sale 40% off and I had an additional 20% off coupon~ so it came home with me!

This blog post is going to be short and simple with directions on completing the funnel neck and split hem hacks, If you want more details about the Sloane such as sizing and alterations that I make to fit me, visit this blog post HERE. This post also includes a ton of information on the different options , fabric types to use and ways to color block this pattern. It’s worth a visit~ there is a ton of detailed information there.

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One Can Never Have Too Many Boyfriends…..Cardigans That Is!!

I love the month of September. Where I live the crowds leave the beaches and it becomes what we call “local summer”. The days are warm enough to spend at the beach and in the ocean, but the nights turn cool and breezy. September is when I look forward to pulling out my cardigans! One of my most loved cardigans is the Boyfriend Cardigan from Love Notions.

What better way to celebrate the arrival of September than to grab the Boyfriend Cardigan pattern for just $5 today (9/02/2022)

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Sprinting Into Summer-with the Love Notions Sprint Muscle Shirt

I might be biased, but I think my little great nephew is just the coolest showing off his muscles in his first Sprint Muscle Shirt. Want to keep your kids(grandkids) cool and comfortable all summer? ~~ then sprint over to Love Notions today and grab your Sprint Muscle Shirt for just $5! (Sale is 7/8/22 only)

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Sew Mary Mac Sews Miss Mary Mack

Does this title confuse you? Can you say that five times fast? Regardless~ one thing you shouldn’t be confused about is whether or not you need the Miss Mary Mack Tunic pattern in your library. If you want my opinion, that is a definite YES!

Little Vivi Lou (my little grand niece) is turning one in less than a week~ and that means that it was time for Aunt Mary to sew up some more cute clothes. I was so excited to sew up a whole bunch of Miss Mary Mack tunics for her! It is such an adorable and timeless style!

The Miss Mary Mack is just $5 today as one of the Love Notions Feature Friday patterns. Keep reading to learn about 2 others that are $5 today too!! (SALE IS NOW OVER) Even if you don’t have any little ones to sew for, this is a great pattern to have on hand. You never know when you might need it. Read my tips below for another idea for this timeless tunic!

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The Ballad Blouse and Block Fusing

Today I wanted to share with you my newest Love Notions sew~ the Ballad Blouse! And yes, it is the $5 Friday pattern today, 6/17/22. Along with a detailed review of the Ballad Blouse, I also wanted to discuss in detail my top tips for sewing this blouse! Keep reading to learn more!

This is such a perfect blouse for summer. Sewn in the right fabric it will keep you looking cool and comfortable all summer no matter how hot it gets where you live!

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Rhapsody In Blue….

and plum and cream and florals and so on……

If you haven’t made a Rhapsody blouse…what are you waiting for? Don’t be like me and miss out on this awesome pattern any longer. Can you believe that I had never made one until just a few weeks ago. Fast forward to today~ and I now have 5!!

I LOVE this pattern! My go to woven top pattern used to be the Harmony, and although I still love my Harmonys~ the Rhapsody has moved to the top! I find it so amazing that one blouse(and dress)pattern can create so many totally different blouses! A casual top to wear with jeans, a dressier blouse to wear to work, or a boho blouse to wear with linen pants~ the Rhapsody can do it all!

I HIGHLY recommend grabbing this week’s Love Notions Feature Friday pattern today (5/20/22) for $5. You will not be disappointed!

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