My Holiday Tunic

In December, I find myself gazing out the window into my past …riding memories that take me back to childhood and the Scandinavian Holiday traditions in my family. Finding this beautiful corduroy speaks to all of that for me!!

So much of the satisfaction of a creative project is holding the materials in hand and remembering a favorite dress or furry stuffed animal.

This beautiful print from marcytilton.com, is very reminiscent of the embroidery my Mormor and her sister would sit and create as dinner was cooking and the chores of the day were done. After a wash and dry, it felt like the perfect piece for a tunic.  

I used Katherine Tilton’s Butterick pattern #6491 for a Holiday Tunic.

The Collar- The collar edge was changed to create a stand collar. The wavy line, was cut along the finished edge of the collar pattern piece as shown in the photo (remember to leave a seam allowance when you do this). I used the stripped fabric on-grain as the collar pattern piece called for, then added a bias cut piece of the corduroy print stitched, flipped and steamed to the edge before the linen collar lining was added.

To add some structure to the neck and shoulder area, a generous facing was added in the brown linen. The collar, trimmed in a grey/brown linen is a nice combo with the strip and the corduroy print…and sets the stage for my favorite finish with french knots!

The Vintage buttons that close the tunic are reminiscent of holiday candies of the 50’s for sure!!! They are the perfect color and called for bound buttonholes.

Can we ever have too many French Knots?! I showed restraint on the front edge, but couldn’t help myself on the sleeve ends.

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We will welcome Katherine Tilton into our fall ‘26 Design Outside the Lines studio in Ashland, Oregon. Join us for a week of inspired design and textile play!!

Ashland, OR • Oct 22-26, 2026- (Thurs-Mon) Couture to Handsewing- Design focus on elevating your style and technical skills for making outer garments.

Guest Teacher: Katherine Tilton

We look forward to MAKING with you in 2026. All my best to you for a heartfelt holiday season…and may we all bring Peace in the ways we can, Diane