My tunic is linen with my own eco-dyed silk at the back yoke (detail, right). Do you see a butterfly/ moth? The drape and weight of linen makes it a nice choice for this garment. The tunic can be worn so many ways, it's a real wardrobe work horse! Sam gives options for handling View A's front closure. I chose the one-button closure.
While at Squam, my tunic didn't actually have a button. At home, I tried both antler and horn buttons from my stash, but they all felt too masculine. Who saved the day? Sarah Waldo Jagger! While sewing in her class at Squam, she came over to my side and held out the perfect button, explaining that she found it at the bottom of her sewing basket. That's Squam love right there. Thank you Sarah!
In the months leading up to Squam Art Workshops, Elizabeth Duvivier announced the release of the Westwater Tunic pattern co-designed by herself and Samantha Lamb. I bought my copy, chose my fabrics and eagerly set to work.
I loved the process and the end result so much that I decided to bring my finished tunic to Squam and show Elizabeth and Samantha.
They were both so kind, and made me feel good about my work. Personally, I credit Sam for her exceptional technical writing, not to mention loads of helpful photos. The collar (which I had been fearing) was actually a breeze! I would definitely make this garment again, and would try View B, which is a pull over rather than button front.
In this time of indie designers, social media and movements like #whomadeyourclothes, being able to connect one-on-one with the designer is important. For me personally, meeting the designer makes the process and the finished piece even more meaningful, bringing me closer to the garment.
I'm especially grateful to Elizabeth Duvivier for creating Squam Art Workshops, a most magical, soul-filling experience deep in the woods of New Hampshire.