My frankenpattern blouse is done, and I'm really happy with it!It was basically finished yesterday, but I couldn't face doing all the hand-sewing and held it until this evening.
I brought it out to the couch and watched the presidential press conference with Mario and it took almost no time to do what I couldn't deal with last night. Go figure. Plus I earned myself some relationship points by not retreating to the sewing room and leaving him alone with the TV.
When I decided to cut into my last precious piece of Liberty for this project, I wasn't really even thinking about how much of my existing wardrobe it would work with, but it really does.
Because I can't have something nwe and not immediately want to wear it, I'm pairing it tomorrow with my green linen suit. In the photo I'm wearing it with my dark brown pants from PR's 2008 Wardrobe Contest. It'll work with the olive denim skirt I just finished from BWOF's April 2009 issue. And so on.Jeez, do you think I'm getting predictable with my colors here? I make something without thinking and it drops without a ripple into the existing wardrobe.
All in all, this project went much more smoothly than I would have expected. It only took minor adjustments for the upper bodice to align with the lower and, at least to my eyes, the resulting top is more flattering (at least on me) than either of the original patterns.
Frequent sewing of BWOF patterns has convinced me that the amount of ease in most Big 4 patterns is excessive. These two patterns can be included in that category. I removed a good bit of the ease here, yet the top isn't tight. It's fitted, and it looks it, but I can move and bend and nothing binds or catches, and I'm certainly not likely to pop a button.
I think the fabric also helps. Liberty is interesting because it looks so airy and delicate - and it weighs absolutely nothing - but it's got the strength of bed sheets. Honestly. Of course, that's probably why it costs an arm and a leg, but you know what? Next time I run into some, it's coming home with me.
That blouse is so pretty and looks great on you! Run out and buy more Liberty and make another one immediately!:)
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! The fabric works well with your pattern.
ReplyDeleteVery, very pretty!
ReplyDeleteVery cute blouse. I love Liberty. I have some in my stash awaiting the perfect pattern!
ReplyDeleteFirst - this is the cutest pattern and the resulting top looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteSecond - when you can sew something from your stash and it fits right into your wardrobe you are doing something right and that's a good thing!
Third - I count on all that ease in the Big 4 patterns...*LOL* I need that extra space!
and just think while you were doing something productive like hand sewing during the Presidential broadcast, I was just listening!
The blouse looks great! You've inspired me, but the timing sucks. I have to wait until after graduation to pull my sewing machines out...
ReplyDeleteand clutter up our dining room table again.
Simply Darling! I love the print! I've already put my daughter on notice that when she moves across the pond...Liberty Lawn Baby! That's what Mama wants!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous blouse! I am totally loving the fabric.
ReplyDeleteAdorable! So happy it worked.
ReplyDeleteNice pattern-matching! Great blouse. If I see any Liberty on sale in the garment district I'll let you know.
ReplyDeletePretty blouse, the fabric works well with that fabric.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Pretty blouse. The fabric is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your blouse. It looks perfect :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blouse and it looks so nice on you. That is the joy of a good stash; if you buy what you love it should all work together.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty shirt! Love the fabric!
ReplyDeleteHa! So true about Liberty fabric. What I like best about it is not the prints in the end, but the fabric itself.
ReplyDeleteYour blouse looks great.
Great blouse! I love that neckline.
ReplyDelete