A Match Made In Heaven

Echino Fall 2010 Bird Border Eggplant is such a stunning and unique print. It was a bit of a challenge to figure out a way to show it off without taking anything away from the gorgeous pattern. Amy Butler's Anna Tunic pattern turned out to be the perfect match. It is as if the two were made for each other because the pattern is able to maintain the entire print so none of the fabulous design gets lost. I just love how this print takes a very simple dress pattern and makes it into something really gorgeous and interesting.

Amy Butler Anna Tunic Pattern

Amy Butler Anna Tunic Pattern

Echino by Etsuko Furuya Fall 2010 Bird Border Eggplant

Echino by Etsuko Furuya Fall 2010 Bird Border Eggplant

Here is Arleen, looking lovely as usual, modeling the dress.
Just belting the dress creates pleats down the front.
I did end up making a couple of changes to the pattern. Since the Echino is a linen/cotton blend, I opted out of lining the dress. I didn't want the dress, especially with the gathering under the yoke, to look too bulky.


The pattern uses the lining to finish the underarm edges so I had to do a little improvising. I made bias tape with some of the extra fabric. Before attaching the yoke, I cut a 1 1/2" strip, folded it in half and sewed it on to the right side of the dress. I then flipped it over the raw edge and sewed it in place. That was it - a fast and easy way to finish the arms.

The last change I made was to use a cotton solid for the lining of the yoke rather than the Echino. The little pop of color is super cute. I also used turquoise thread in my bobbin rather than brown thread to keep the stitching as subtle as possible.


Enjoy and have fun sewing!