Vogue 1197 Sandra Betzina Tunic

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  While my daughters and husband braved the Black Friday shopping crowds, I opted to stay in and sew!  I'm not much of a clothes shopper these days- just prefer to the challenge of making my own. 


It has turned cold here in Illinois, down to 21 degrees this morning, so I wanted something warm.  I had 2-1/2 yards of this brushed microfiber knit in a pretty cranberry, that I thought would be fun for the upcoming holiday season.  I liked Vogue 1197 from Sandra Betzina for the long large cowled tunic version.

Vogue 1197 cover

I also like the short sleeve top in this pattern, but will have to save that for next summer.  The leggings are just one pattern piece, and I definitely will be giving them a try too.




I like the huge drapey cowl collar.  But, I would be careful with the fabric choice.  My fabric is very thin, and I think that is good for this style.  This pattern is perfect for thin rayon jerseys.  I think that if you were using a beefier cotton interlock or even a poly jersey, the cowl and the sleeves would get too thick.  The short sleeve version of this shirt shows a modified collar that isn't as big, so if I were to make this pattern with something thicker, I would probably use that collar instead.

Extra Large and Drapey Cowl

Ruched Sleeves

I also liked the extra long ruched sleeves.   Here's the inside where you can see the clear elastic that I zigzagged to the seam allowance to create the ruching.  Take a look at the tissue for these sleeve pieces- they are shaped like a big hook.  Very neat- I never would have imagined the pieces like that, but it sure works!

Sleeve from the inside with clear elastic for the ruching.

Sleeve pattern pieces

I didn't add any length this time, and it seems plenty long enough.  I think I'll probably wear it with a belt to give it a little more shape at the waist, but I LOVE this pattern.  Another winner from Sandra Betzina.