Now that my March New Year's Resolution project is up on the Fiskars website I can share with you the blouse I made. So I'm just scraping in a few days before the end of the month.
It's the Jasmine blouse by Colette Patterns and I sewed it up in this beautiful cotton silk called Freeform arrows in navy, designed by Domesticate.
I was a bit nervous, never having sewn with silk before and this being a very expensive fabric. I quickly realized that I needed a brand new needle (the older one was snagging on the threads) but apart from that, it was an absolute dream to sew with. And it's a great fabric to wear: it just feels very luxurious.
Oh and cutting and matching up the center chevron pattern was a bit of a brainache, but that was bought on by myself. I also spent a surprisingly large amount of time considering whether the chevrons should point upwards or downwards. I went with downwards in the end, but I wonder if there is a rule about such things?
I went for version 1 of the pattern, the one with the longer dangly bits :) though I prefer to leave them hanging loose rather than tying them in a bow at the front like the pattern shows. I like the blouse (mainly because I LOVE the fabric so much) but the sleeves aren't perfect. I'm considering whether to remove the cuffs completely or to redo them and make them about 1/2 the width they are at the moment. There's something not quite right about them at the moment I feel. I think they're a little too billowy. But nothing that can't be fixed once I make a decision about what I'm going to do with them. For now, I'm just wearing a cardigan over the blouse and all likelihood, I'll never get around to doing anything about the cuffs.
Click here to read all about my project and for some tips about sewing this up.
Did you make any new year's resolution plans this year? If so, how are they progressing? Or not?
Looks great!! Sewing with slippery fabrics is always a pain.. and patterns too. But this turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeleteOoh, it's so pretty! And great work on the chevrons. I think down was perfect to work with the neckline.
ReplyDeleteI have that pattern waiting for me to decide on a fabric and make it up. Hmm, interesting about the sleeve cuffs. I think they look nice but might be more comfortable if they were narrower. Maybe they just need time to settle in.
My resolution was to make the bed every day and I've probably done it 95% of the time which I consider a win!
This looks amazing. I love it! I noticed the fabric width on Spoonflower for this is only 40" - how did you adjust the recommended yardage? I got this pattern and I've already aquired at least one fabric option for it as well. I'm excited to make time and dig in.
ReplyDeleteJane - you may be right that the sleeves need to settle a bit. Perhaps a few washes and wears will do the trick. They are interfaced which does make them seem a bit stiff compared to the sleekness of the rest of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteAmanda - hi and thanks! I bought 3 yards (which from memory, was about 1/2yd more than the packet suggests). It was a squeeze to get it to fit mainly because I was trying to line up the chevrons but it was enough and I have a small amount of odd shapes left over that I'm keeping for a rainy day. Good luck with yours. Let me know how you get on :)
I LOVE this blouse! I can't believe you made this! the chevron pattern looks great by the way- the v-neck kind of leads the eyes down so it flows well :)
ReplyDeletexo
Amanda
Hi Emma!
ReplyDeleteYour blouse is amazing! I totally understand about matching up the chevrons ;-) You did an awesome job! I have never tried a Colette pattern, although I like their overall retro feel.
I'm sure you will be receiving lots of compliments on your beautiful blouse!
Wow, this is just stunning. I love the herringbone printed fabric on the bias (with a center chevron, no less). I love this pattern - it is on my "one day I will buy that one" list. That day may have just gotten a bit closer.
ReplyDeleteWow, I looove this top!! I'd like on please :) Good call on matching up the chevron & pointing downwards, it's perfection.
ReplyDeleteThe Colette Patterns photos show a tight fit, like a 1950's style. They probably used a size down from the model's normal size. Your blouse has a contemporary fit, languid & sweet. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I think you're right. My top is more fluid than the ones on the Colette website ~ I like my clothes to be loose and comfortable in general. Some would call it scruffy but I like your term, languid!
DeleteLove this pattern and good call on the chevrons. They work beautifully with the v-neck. I think it would have looked awkward the other direction. Very graceful this way. Agree that there's something about the cuffs- length of the sleeve, perhaps? Maybe if the sleeves were a wee bit shorter or longer (more like a 3/4 sleeve), but you're right, once worn and washed a bit, will probably settle in - soften the interfacing.
ReplyDeleteSue (mammajamma on Spoonflower)
Hi mammajamma, I think you might be right. The sleeves are a bit in-betweeny, neither short nor 3/4 length. I'm not sure I have the desire to go back and re-do but I am keen to make the blouse again and will definitely reconsider my sleeves next time around!
DeleteLovely! Great work, blouse and blog both.
ReplyDeleteSuze
thejoyofsew.blogspot.com
Thanks Suze! I'm having trouble viewing your blog BUT I can see the beautiful photos of your makes! Gorgeous collection.
DeleteThis is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI have just made this blouse in version 2 with the shorter tie and different sleeves, but I'm not sure about the sleeves either. Think it might look better with a shorter sleeve with a thinner cuff or no cuff.
ReplyDelete