....but not the kind you thought! With a piece of the finest silk that was gifted to me by my daughter's friend's mother. The woman in case is extremely tasteful, elegant and only wears black, white and creme clothing (usually of the expensive variety). Imagine my delight when she handed me 2 metres of gorgeous, hideously expensive silk - left over from a dress that she'd had made.
I have been working on this blouse for quite a while. Silk is not a particularly cooperative fabric and I wanted my blouse to be something special. I think I succeeded - just needs buttons to finish.
I used Simplicity 2501 a pattern that I have been keeping my eye on since I saw Eugenia's version back in September. It has separate sizing for D cups, so didn't need much adjustment. I did make two changes to the pattern and construction. Firstly, after cutting the longer ruffled sleeves, I decided I didn't like them. This left no choice but to cut away the massive sleeve head and pleat the sleeve into place at the shoulders. I really like the sleeves which look very vintage. The other change I made was to self line the flounce and to line the peplum. I did this to achieve a couture finish and to provide the extra weight needed as the fabric was very fine.
I was also able to put to 
use the understitching technique I learned at my first sewing guild meeting. This is such a simple thing - after clipping facing seams, open the facing out and stitch the facing and both seam allowances very close to the seam. This helps the outer fabric to roll neatly over the facing. I also did it around my peplum lining to great affect. I wish I knew the things I'm learning 20 years ago!
use the understitching technique I learned at my first sewing guild meeting. This is such a simple thing - after clipping facing seams, open the facing out and stitch the facing and both seam allowances very close to the seam. This helps the outer fabric to roll neatly over the facing. I also did it around my peplum lining to great affect. I wish I knew the things I'm learning 20 years ago!I promise to post a picture of me wearing the blouse when the buttons are on.
It's looking lovely - looking forward to see the photos on you!
ReplyDeleteGail, this is beautiful! The charmeuse that I thought I would line my trench with needs to be made into something like this. I love understitching. I read a brilliant article in Stitches Magazine (by Martyn Smith) and I have used this technique a on most garments since then. There's a BWOF skirt that kbenco made for her daughter (forgotten the number) that has a ruffle on the back that I think would go nicely with this blouse. Yes, please show pictures on you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blouse and lovely pattern design. You are tempting me to try this design, particularly with the cup options. Lining a blouse makes such a difference.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot title!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a GORGEOUS top! I am going to seriously look at this pattern. The fabric is stunning and I cant wait to see it on you.
That is gorgeous! What a wonderful gift!
ReplyDeleteLucky you to receive such a gift...and you used it to great effect. I can't wait to see how you wear it.
ReplyDeleteI love it! The fabric and style. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail - thank you so much for the mention! I really love your version of this blouse pattern. That fabric is so beautiful, what a lovely gift. Your altered sleeves look great and I really like the way that you have lined the peplum and the flounce - your construction looks perfect. Fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this pattern and you did an amazing job, this blouse looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat is so gorgeous. You have made the most of that beautiful fabric. I love the front ruffle, it drapes so nicely.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely fabric - lucky you! I love the flounce. I wonder what kind of dress your friend was making to have 2 metres left over. It must have been quite elaborate.
ReplyDeleteOh this blouse is gorgeous! I love the silk and the style. I've made this for my DD (Bcup)and myself(D cup). It's a great pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute top. Simple but dressy just the same.
ReplyDeleteYour blouse is gorgeous... the print works so will the the blouse shaping. I have that pattern and actually pushes it to the back of the pattern stash, but after seeing your blouse....mmmm.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blouse.
ReplyDeleteWonderful blouse and can't wait to see it on you. Pattern noted for the ASG Industry Day LOL.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabric indeed. I also love love that pattern. look forward for ur picture wearing it :)
ReplyDeleteLove the print! Great blouse~
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gift - some beautiful silk fabric! Your finished blouse looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteReally lovely, that blouse. And I recently discovered understitching too. It's such a great technique, I too wondered why I never heard about that before :-)
ReplyDeleteYour blouse has inspired me to dig this pattern out again and make a version with the front ruffle. It is lovely.
ReplyDeleteOooooh! This is beautiful! I would never have thought to line the peplum but it makes total sense. You are a sewing genius. xxx
ReplyDeleteit's beautiful.
ReplyDelete