Well this is my second go with this pattern and it has got better! I tried the long sleeve version this time. I have never put cuffs on a sleeve before so that was a good lesson to learn. I am pleased with the end result although the cuffs are supposed to be double cuffs but since I forgot to measure the arm length before cutting (which was stupid as I KNOW I have longer than average arms) the sleeve was a bit short. Thankfully by leaving the cuffs as they are the sleeve was the right length.
I also forgot to lengthen the bodice a bit but I applied bias binding to the hem to keep the hem as short as possible. I self covered some buttons in the fabric scraps which I was really pleased with.
Overall I like the blouse although in retrospect I wish I had thought a bit more about how I cut it out as I would have liked the collar to have been in the pink/black check fabric. As you can see from my previous post the material had quite a wide band which was consumed by the facing as the facing on this blouse was part of the front as opposed to a separate piece. I could have cut the facing off, added a seam allowance and then could have got more of the pink/black check into the blouse. As it is the facing is all pink/black check which did show through the blouse until I put some interlining in.
Still all sewing is feedback so I learnt a lot on this project. I am going to have another go at this in a couple of months – I want to make a cotton, sleeveless version – this time I want to pin back the lapels. Still here is a reminder to lengthen the body first before I take hold of the scissors!!
This looks like a high-end-edgy RTW blouse! I think you made the right choice re b+w collar, the pink/black could be a bit too ‘matchy’. The covered buttons are inspired. Congrats on your new cuff making skills!
Thanks for your comment and you are probably right about the collar. Sometimes that is the fun thing about sewing as you make decisions through the process and you are never sure exactly how something is going to turn out in the end.
I very much like your fabric choices. I agree with CherryPix, it does look like high end RTW. Lovely work.
Thank you for your kind comment.
I love the cuffs! Thanks for sharing!
Well that wasn’t how the cuffs were supposed to be but I think it worked well in the end.
I’m going to chime in and say that yes, it looks very high end. You’re definitely not going to get the dreaded, “Awe..did you make that?” with that blouse! I think a lot of it is your very clever use of the fabric – and I like the collar as it is actually. The punch of colour on the button placket and cuffs are enough, I reckon. Your design is beautiful, you’ll get many complements and “where did you get that?” questions, I think!
Thanks Kat. I have yet to take it for an airing. It is soooo cold at the moment I am reluctant to take off my woolly jumpers!
HAHA! I’ll give you some of our Perth weather if you want in exchange!
This is lovely, you should be proud. Great fabric and I love the way you have used the fabric pattern.