Sandy's Tunic by Lily Bird Studio

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Today we have a classic look for you with some fun details. Sandy's Tunic from Lily Bird Studio has some great details that take a little extra time, but wander away from the ruffles and gathers that are the norm in girls' patterns. Keep reading to see what Crystal and Rachel have to say about this sweet Spring and Summer look. Then, if you're wanting to shop, use code PRSANDY 25% off until April 15th for this pattern only on the Lily Bird Studio website. 

Hello Pattern Revolution Readers! It is Crystal, from Stitched by Crystal,  I had the pleasure of sewing up the Sandy’s Tunic by Lily Bird Studio and I am here today to share my review of the pattern with you!  

This was the first Lily Bird Studio pattern I have sewn and I am impressed!  I love the classic style and the pattern was professional and easy to follow.  The PDF has clear step by step instructions and photos to illustrate each step. I must say, this pattern has the best instruction photos I have ever seen!  They are large photographs taken of each step in contrasting fabrics on a crisp white background, they don’t ever leave you scratching your head while you are sewing!

The pattern has three sleeve lengths, the long and ¾ lengths have optional elastic wrist cuffs, and the short sleeves have some cute little ties.  The top features a front yoke with pintucks and a button closure and a plain yoke in the back.  I would say this is an intermediate pattern because of the pintucks and binding, but the pattern really walks you through every single step and even includes some additional instruction at the end on making your own bias tape and adding snap fasteners to the front, an adventurous beginner might be able to take this on.

You may be thinking “I thought this was a tunic, it looks like a dress”.  I sewed up the 24 months size for my 2 year old and found it to be a little long.  The pattern does include a finished length chart (which I didn’t check before sewing!) so make sure you check that before getting started.  I personally love the retro length dress I ended up with!  I also found it to be a bit of a slimmer fit than other patterns I have been sewing for her recently, and the ¼” seam allowance leaves little room to let it out.  But, I think this cute dress will fit her through most of the summer and I know there will be several more of these in her future, along with some other Lily Bird Studio patterns I am itching to try… like maybe this dress...or this one...or these shorts!

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I’ve found that the more I sew for my kids’ wardrobes, the easier it is to start to get into a bit of a rut. I end up sewing their favorite items, over and over again. Next thing I know, my son has a drawer full of raglan tees and my daughter has a closet full of leggings and knit dresses. So one of my goals for this spring has been to try out some new patterns and bring more wovens back into my daughter’s closet. Sandy’s Tunic from Lily Bird Studio was perfect for this - and since my girl could still style it with her beloved leggings, it was an easy sell. Hey, a tunic is just a really, really short dress, right? ;)

I sewed up the ¾ sleeve option, and based on the detailed measurement charts (body measurements AND finished garment measurements are included in the pattern) I opted to sew a size 4 with the length from the size 5 tunic. It was a perfect fit! I get a little nervous when sewing wovens since there’s less wiggle room for sizing, but this was spot on.

My favorite part of the pattern is the pintucked bodice - it is such a sweet detail, and the instructions included in the pattern are fantastic. This would be a great pattern to use if you’re doing pintucks for the first time. I also loved the way the bias trim was added to the collar, and the pattern includes a well-written and illustrated tutorial for making your own bias tape if you’re new to that, too. My daughter really liked this, so I’m sure I’ll be sewing up a short-sleeved version for summer. In the meantime, this is perfect for the transitional weather we’re having now - spring is trying so hard to arrive here, but it hasn’t completely made it yet!

Until next time,
Rachel