The Stevie Tunic – Ankara Everyday

So, I made a dress for my birthday. I didn’t want to make anything too fancy that would sit in my wardrobe and not get much wear and I wanted to make something quick in beautiful fabric! So I teamed this gorgeous red and gold ankara fabric from Dovetailed London with my beloved Stevie tunic, with a twist. But let me back up a little.

The Stevie tunic is a Tilly and the Buttons darling of a pattern that I love. Why? It’s a quick, easy make, so wearable. It’s hackable, has a dress and top version with a button or tie closure at the back, and can be worn all year long, layered with cardi, tights and boots for cool days. I have made 8 variations of Stevie, 6 for me and one each for my sister and daughter. I don’t usually navigate towards tunics or shift dresses because I prefer a more fitted shape on me and yet I am drawn to the shape of the Stevie, it has a 60s mini dress vibe which I love.

This latest Stevie is hacked with a ruffle and exposed zip at the back and side seam pockets. The ruffle was made by gathering a tube of fabric to the desired width across the back seam. I then sandwiched it between the lower back and upper back. The ruffle could be made out of a single layer of fabric finished with a narrow hem or overlocker. There seem to be a lot of ruffles on clothing these days and that back seam was just crying out to be ruffled! The exposed zip is something I’ve wanted to try for ages, I love the effect it gives this garment. I made a size 4 grading to a 5 at the hips.

Ankara fabric works well for a Stevie. It is a pattern with few pieces which means prints can be shown off beautifully. The Stevie I made for my daughter was also in ankara.

Perhaps if you have just a small amount of ankara you could try making the Stevie top, to change up your usual tee and jeans combo.

As much as I love the Stevie, I’ve got a little round up of similar tunics or shifts that you could try with waxprint: the Carnaby dress by Nina Lee London, The Camber dress by Merchant and Mills, the Lulu dress by Sew over it, the Farrow dress by Grainline Studios and Vogue patterns V8897. I’m really wanting to try out the Carnaby dress.

Remember, ankara is a medium weight waxed fabric and will tend to give garments a more structured, stiff-ish look, it is not drapey. I love the shape it gives the Stevie tunic. The Stevie makes a very casual, every day dress but the right ankara fabric can lift it into a party dress!

If you follow #sewingstevie on instagram you will see a few other Stevies in ankara. I’m hoping that they’ll be few more now!