Something is following me...

One of the latest 'trends' is the high-low look with a shirt tail hemline. It is constructed with a longer length back and a shorten front and often has a asymmetrical hemline, sexy and elegant, to trail around after you.

In a dress style it does seem to (somewhat) work. But this is just a modern version of the classic 18th century  cutaway coat which started originally as a riding coat. It quickly became one of the most sophisticated items of clothing for men. Just think of Mr. Darcy and you will see what I mean...

 Well,   Butterick has tried to emulate this trend in a tunic...

Like a lot of other sewing/bloggers around I feel in love with the look of this one. It appears to have a modern twist to the top, a few creative plays with pleats and gives the look of a long, lean body (without the exercise).

My finished version...

...and the back...

My fabric has a self fringe woven into it, so I decided to make up the plain View A so that I didn't detract from the fabric...

Whilst I will be wearing this top a lot,  for a simple straight forward top it certainly needed tweaking.

The main let down on this pattern is the front facing. Butterick has it designed as two single layers of fabric with no interfacing. They recommend fabric such as chiffon, georgette, lightweight linen as being best to make this out of, but imagine trying to pop 5 buttonholes in thin chiffon??? No, I couldn't either. So instead, I used the main fabric on the outside of the placket (the one that actually covers the buttons) and used a doubled layer of matching cotton for the inner piece.

This then gave my buttonholes something solid to work into. Same as the buttons.

So following this colouring, I also used this fabric for the armhole facing...

 A very quick top to put together - 2 front pieces, 2 back pieces and the facings. Ideally this top is only suited to wear with pants, jeans or leggings - it just doesn't work with a skirt. Though, maybe a short tight skirt might work...

It is a very summery top, cool and modern. Just watch those facings and you will have a great trendy little top to wear for summer. Will definitely be trying another version, with pleats...

Here are the only other sewers who have tried this pattern...

1. Myra from Simple Inspirations

2. Ann

3. Diana from Sew Passionista

Wonder who else will pick this one up and give it a go...