Here is my finished Summer Blouse from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. I have a few works in process from the book, so it feels good to finally finish one! After reading everyone's blog posts and viewing finished blouses on the flickr group, I knew that I would need to make some adjustments to the pattern and didn't want to use the "good" fabric on the first try. I used what I had on-hand with enough yardage, which happened to be a heavyweight cotton curtain panel from the IKEA as-is section. (I guess this is where it might be helpful to have a thrifted sheet or two or some muslin onhand.) The facings were made from a paisley home-dec remnant. Unconventional fabric choices, right? Somehow, though, they worked out!I made a few alterations to the pattern. The neckline was lowered about 1.5" and hits just at the collarbone. I brought in the sides quite a bit and added an inch or two to the length, but unfortunately, I cannot remember how much. The book calls for a button and loop closure, but with my lowered collar that feature would not make sense.
I liked applying the facing along the neckline so much, that I went crazy and used facings to finish the cuffs and hemline. It is a nice method for hemming, especially with a heavier fabric like this. I was not looking forward to turning up the hem a couple of times and then trying to stitch through all the layers! Disclaimer: the flipped-up hem in the picture is soley for demonstration purposes! I don't plan to walk around with it flipped. I think I could pull off the flipped cuffs, though!
Today I ordered some great cotton lawn to make another version of this blouse, probably with 3/4 length sleeves and a v-neckline. It will be interesting to see a more relaxed shape using the lawn, since this finished version is so structured with the heavyweight cotton.
Your Summer Blouse turned out great! I made the same adjustments to mine, bringing the neck down and the sides in, and it made such a difference. Good luck with your second one!
ReplyDeletei love what you did with this blouse! i'm just about to make one of my own and this is my first time making a garment -- did you lower the neckline by cutting the pattern 1 1/2 inches lower across the whole neck line, or did you just lower it 1 1/2 inches at the lowest part of the neck line? sorry if this is a basic question!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley, I lowered the neckline when I cut the fabric. I first cut out the front panel piece per the pattern. While the piece was still folded, I measured 1/5" down at the fold, made a mark and drew an arc to connect my mark to the top. Then I cut out this piece. When unfolded, the piece you are taking out will look like a crescent moon. Making the cut with the piece still folded ensures that the neckline will be even. Hope this makes sense!
ReplyDeleteyour shirt is my favorite one so far. i love that you took it in and the length is great. it finally looks like something i'd actually wear. i'll have to give this shirt a shot.
ReplyDeletethanks for you nice comment on my shirts too!
i love the facings on the hem & cuff! i'm going to have to steal this idea =)
ReplyDeleteLove how this turned out!! I've liked every version of this top - can't wait to get my own copy of the book. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteSew cute!
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