The Afternoon Blouse

Sunday, January 27, 2013
Thanks so much for all of your comments on my plaid dress - it's quite reassuring to know that we all seem to be in the same boat when it comes to sewing with plaid. We love the outcome, but it's a long hard slog to get there!

Let's talk about this blouse that I've named 'The Afternoon Blouse'.

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I have to honest, I've always been a bit envious of those that seem to be able to whip up garments in a day (or a matter of hours!). I've never been able to do that. I could probably whip up a circle skirt relatively quickly in a day if I wanted to (or desperately needed to), but because I like to take regular breaks and my time is limited, my garments are usually made up over a few sewing sessions.

Having said that, I was really quite proud of myself when I made this blouse from start to finish on Boxing day afternoon last year. This is number 2 on my sewing list now complete.

Pattern 9

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The blouse was really very simple and quick to make up. I made a number of changes in the pattern, the major one of which involved taking out quite a lot of fullness from the bust area before tracing my pattern ready to use and drafting a longer (and more shapely) waist/hip design.

You can't really tell because of the fabric, but the little front button detail is very sweet and makes the blouse look a tad more difficult that it actually is.  In fact, my button isn't actually even a working button (though the pattern does call for an actual button hole in the instructions). The small v-neck is just big enough to make this a 'pull over' blouse with no zips or closures.

I plan to make a few more of these in plain fabrics so that the front button detailing is more of a feature. The circle skirt is one I made last year.

I'm really interested to know how all of you like to sew - is it short sharp bursts like myself or do you prefer to complete your projects in one go?

XX
Jen
16 comments on "The Afternoon Blouse"
  1. That is sooo cute! I love the button detail, and the fabric is gorgeous.

    I can never sew something in a day- unless it's a simple pair of kids' shorts or drawstring bag or something like that.

    I usually sew at night time for an hour each time, but not every night. On average it takes me about a week from start to finish for a project like a blouse with lots of buttons or a dress.

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  2. Oh, cute pattern. I've seen this one around and thought the front styling was really interesting, I may have to hunt it out and give it a go.

    As for finishing things in a day, nope, very rare. Like you life gets in the way and I just can't spend all day sewing. It might be different in the winter, but in the summer, I'd rather be outside!

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  3. What a gorgeous top! I love the simple style but with the added interest of the front detail. It goes perfectly with your skirt too :)

    I think I sew similarly to you. I used to be able to sit down for a whole day and just sew, but now I am a bit more easily distracted and I find that I make a LOT less mistakes if I sew in small blocks. I like having the time to think things through (like construction methods) and find it a lot easier when I'm away doing something else- the answer will often just pop right into my head!

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  4. Really really lovely! Particularly in combination with your skirt.

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  5. Oooh, this is seriously cute...I would love a bunch of these in my wardrobe!

    I think I enjoy sewing more and produce better results in short bursts, but in reality due to work and social commitments I probably end up cramming it all into a weekend.

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  6. Adorable! I am the opposite - once I get started I keep going until I either finish or completely stuff up because I went too long without stopping.

    ps - I nominated you for the Liebster Blog award http://missfairchildscharmschool.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/a-very-belated-liebster-blog-award/

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  7. What a pretty blouse! I love the one button closure and pretty kimono sleeves. I tend to sew in short sessions. Like you, my time is limited so it takes several sessions to complete a garment.

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  8. Hi. I really love your blog. Maybe wanna follow each other?? Let me know :) XOXO

    http://bblluusshh.blogspot.com

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  9. It's beautiful! I'm so in love with that kind of blouse - gathered at the sholder, kimono sleeve... I'vd love to try to draft one of my own, but I can't figure out how to give shaping to the waist or hips. Is it just straight up-and-down, or are there some darts hiding somewhere?

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  10. That is wonderful! Thank you for sharing... I do not finish anything in one sitting, too many requirements on my time, but I too wish I could sometimes. Regrouping after stopping and starting can take time I don't want to spend (I have to re-group because I am a slow beginner). Would you be willing to share the pattern number or is that a secret. I need to sew blouses so badly and I love this one!

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  11. Thanks everyone :)

    Gillian - no darts, which makes it even easier!! The sides are slightly shaped in at the waist but just enough so that you can pull it on with no closures.

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  12. Hi Asalittlechild - the pattern number is not a secret at all. It's McCall's 3030, and I believe it's from the 1950's :) Hope that helps!!

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  13. Yay love your blog! Just found you through WeSewRetro - cant believe I've just found another vintage sewer in Sydney yay yay! That top is darlinggg! I love how simple and also versatile it is!

    Nora
    NoraFinds

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  14. This is adorable! I love it! Looks so cute on you!

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  15. This is lovely. That print works really well with the design!
    I like to sew in one big go as I lose interest in projects really quickly! I end up staying up all night getting things finished!

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