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SewingPortfolios, Michael Miller, and a Paneled Sunsuit Hack

As an Ambassador for SewingPortfolios.com I received some amazing fabric from Michael Miller Fabrics for review and the colors/prints that were sent couldn’t have been more perfect.  The fabric line is Tamara Kate’s Frolic and I was sent three of the designs to make something fun for my girl.  Of course, my first thought was another A-line Paneled Sunsuit dress, but Bean has grown so tall all of a sudden that I didn’t have quite enough yardage for a dress.  So instead I opted for this fun reversible A-line tunic Paneled Sunsuit hack and I’m happy to show you how I did it.  this post contains a fabric review, but all opinions are mine

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack First let’s talk about the fabric!  Can those little hedgehogs in this Summer Portrait print be any cuter?  I love the brightly colored flowers against the white background and Bean thinks it’s pretty much the most fun fabric ever.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack The reverse side of the tunic is the Frolicking print in blue which is so stunning in person.  From afar the print looks very sophisticated, yet the animals leaping around the print give it a playful feeling, which is perfect for my girl.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack For both of the reversible sides, I used the Big Love print in this beautiful pink for the faux piping to give the tunic a pop of color.  I look forward to using the rest of this print for something else soon.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack So for this Paneled Sunsuit Hack, there’s not a whole lot that needs to be done to the original Paneled Sunsuit pattern pieces.  I used the long sleeve ad-on since it’s cooler weather here now, but this same hack would work for a summery tunic or dress.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Begin by tracing the Paneled Sunsuit Bottom Front Bodice piece in the correct size for your girl.  If you need to make any adjustments to the size to fit chest/waist properly do so at this point, using the Blending Sizes instructions in the original pattern file.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Trace the pattern piece, starting at the side notch which indicates the start of the large seam allowance and ending at the seam allowance on the center front edge.  The seam allowance is 1 3/8″ (3.5cm) on this piece, which we’ll conveniently use for the hem allowance of the dress/tunic.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Decide how long you would like the dress or tunic to be at the center front and slide the pattern piece vertically down from the tracing until the center front reaches the correct length.  For Bean’s tunic I wanted it to be 17″ so I moved the pattern piece until the entire center front length was 18 3/4″.  This measurement is the 17″ length I needed, plus the seam and hem allowances (3/8″ and 1 3/8″).

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Since most hip measurements are larger than the waist measurement and a nice A-line shape factors in the hip width, determine how much extra width the piece will need at the hip.  Using the Finished Measurements chart in the pattern file, keep in mind that the waist of the Paneled Sunsuit is meant to be pulled in with elastic (and to fit over the hips when pulled on or off) so there is plenty of extra room already included in the waist measurement for the hips.  That being said, there should still be an extra inch or so added to the width to create a nice A-line shape for a tunic, depending on the size.  For Bean’s tunic I decided an inch would be enough and it’s a great, comfortable fit.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Draw a new side seam from the curve in the traced portion down to the notch in the pattern piece.  To keep the slightly fitted look of the top, but still have a general A-line look, we keep the upper portion of the side seam intact and only fan out to an A shape where it begins to curve out.  The longer the dress or tunic, the more A-line the shape will look.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Trace up and over the original tracing marks, extending the new center front line down to the new hem allowance length.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Draw in the new 1 3/8″ hem allowance using the gentle curve of the original pattern piece.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack In order to recreate a similar side seam for the lower back pattern piece, first line up the center front to the new lower front pattern piece, and then match the under arm heights by shifting the pattern pieces vertically.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Trace the new side seam and hem allowance, curving the lower back pattern piece at the upper side seam.  Keep in mind that the back has an elastic feature across the back at the underarm so this piece will look different at the underarm from the new lower front piece.  Using the same steps as for this new lower back pattern piece, create the new lining back and lining front pieces.

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack Since the upper edges of these tunic pieces didn’t change, you will use the same size upper front and upper back pieces (as well as the faux piping pieces, straps, or sleeves) without any adjustments.  Construction of the dress/tunic is the same as view F of the main Paneled Sunsuit pattern with long sleeves, so this pattern hack is complete!

A-line Tunic Paneled Sunsuit Hack You’ll have to ignore the ridiculous “model face” (as she calls it) in the above pic, but I wanted to squeeze in one more picture of the gorgeous Frolicking fabric side of the tunic.  A huge thanks to both Michael Miller and of course the fabulous Sewing Portfolios for sending the fabric for this review.  I know you’ll enjoy both the Frolic fabric line and this fun Paneled Sunsuit hack, so I’ve decided to offer the Paneled Sunsuit pattern for just $5 this week, with no discount code needed.  Enjoy!!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maggie Bernabe

    November 8, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    Aww !!! I love that top. Thanks for the hack tutorial

    Reply

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I have two patterns coming out in the next issue o I have two patterns coming out in the next issue of @onethimble and here’s a first look at one of them!  The Diamondback Cami & Crop view A cami 💕 
This traditional camisole shape has a shelf lining (perfect for swim!) and a fun twist on the reverse side.  Fold-over elastic for the edges and straps makes this a quick sew with clean finishes and has sizes newborn through 16years. 😘
One Thimble Issue 28 releases for preorders on March 11th so head over to get your preorder in now 😍

#designsbycallajaire #dbcadiamondback #ot28 #onethimbleissue28 #pdfpatterns #pdfsewingpattern #sewingforkids #sewingfortweens #sewingswimwear
It was so nice to be able to be outside after napt It was so nice to be able to be outside after naptime in some sunshine and warmer weather. Spring is coming 💕💕
It was so fun pulling things from my scrap bin ear It was so fun pulling things from my scrap bin earlier this week for the #fabriceggstravaganza hosted by @postalthreads. Lots of memories and fun textures like @shannonfabrics Cuddle© minky and Embrace double gauze. 
I love how fun the fabric eggs were to plan and how quickly they sew together. Now I can’t wait for @yarn_n_paint to get her box of eggs so I can share how they turned out. 
Also I’m already planning more to make cause let’s face it, when I said that I pulled from “my scrap bin,” we all know there’s way more than one scrap bin 😆😆
This baby wearing a shirt from back in the day tha This baby wearing a shirt from back in the day that she found in the hand me down bin. It’s wrinkled but still cute! 💕 Scroll to see her sister wearing it with a bow belt  back in February 2014 😍
So excited about these patterns in testing. Sneak So excited about these patterns in testing. Sneak peek of this amazing fold over elastic from @minervadotcom 😍😍
#dbcadiamondback #designsbycallajaire #sneakpeek
We had a fun craft night last week with the @redee We had a fun craft night last week with the @redeemer.lutheran moms group. Shout out to the ladies who braved the glitter vinyl/felt combo 😆😆 
The finished product turned out lovely 😍😍
Testing is going well for the new patterns and I’m especially loving this @wolfandrabbitfabrics plaid right now 😍😍
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This little cutie begs for “pictcha” any time This little cutie begs for “pictcha” any time I ask the nine year old for fit pics of a design. 
Sneak peek of the #DbCADiamondback 😍😍
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The Diamondback Cami & Crop AND the coordinating D The Diamondback Cami & Crop AND the coordinating Diamondback Leggings are ready for testing!  Testing will begin on Tuesday the 9th and will end on Saturday the 20th.  These are two separate patterns, but will be tested in the same group simultaneously.  You can sign up for whichever (or both) you'd like, but as long as you complete at least one final version you will get both final patterns 😘
Works great together for dancewear or sport and as separates for casualwear.  The Cami & Crop are also able to made as swimwear 😍, but FYI this pattern doesn't include a swim bottom. (I do have a FREE #classicmaillotswimskirt available in the shop though 🤷🏼‍♀️) 
Depending on the fabrics, the crop can also be used as an undergarment bralette.
The Diamondback Cami & Crop and view A of the Diamondback Leggings require fold-over elastic.  You can use any knit for both patterns with at least 75% stretch, but the leggings need 4-way stretch.  Sizing nb-16years

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I've always loved making. At an early age I started cross stitching and sewing and I taught myself to knit and crochet during college. When our seven year old daughter Bean was born I was filled with all sorts of inspiration, so now I find ways to manage my crafty time and treasure those moments. Though sewing is what I'm most passionate about these days, there's something about the portability of yarn crafts and embroidery that keeps drawing me back in.

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