So today I made it. Not as fast or intuitive as I thought it would be, but it wasn't hard to do:
I used the cotton jersey I bought to make a t shirt for the Spring Basics Palette. Not a t shirt, exactly, but it counts as part of the palette, as far as I'm concerned.It looks much richer than I thought it would in this fabric. The drape is lovely and the little flower appliques are from NYC. I bought them when I was notions shopping with Mardel last year.
The back is weird:
That shawl shoulder thing is what gives the front its elegant lines, but I'm not sure about the back view. On me, it hangs better cuz I'm not covered in fabric for skin.The thing is held together with three little snaps. You could easily use a pin or just let it hang open like a cardigan.
I didn't use my serger because I wanted a more vintage effect. I used applique scissors to trim the fabric close to the stitching and it worked fine. However, I was not looking for a fussy top with lots of slip stitching (that's what it calls for). I used my machine to top stitch everything. That means I can easily throw this in the washer and dryer on delicate.
Posts
Very pretty. The front is as you say, rich looking. I really like it. And even the back is interesting to me. The triangle effect at the lower back is nice.
ReplyDeleteAnd machine washable is a wonderful thing.
Thanks Sera! The back is actually nicer when you wear it. Swear.
DeleteOh K-Line I do love your new blouse. It is so classy. I would really, really love to have that pattern.
ReplyDeleteFaye: Just follow that link. The instructions cost 3.99. No pattern pieces required. Effectively, you work with a square of fabric.
DeleteWow, it does look like Casey's. I always thought the pdf one looked like it would be another top entirely. Looks great, please add a picture of it on you, ok?
ReplyDeleteI know, they're quite similar. It really does have 2 main seams and that's it. I will take a photo. Should have done it tonight before I went out for dinner.
DeleteWow I love this top and what a lovely touch with the little pink flower. This is sure to be a wardrobe staple.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katy. Made it today, wore it for dinner tonight and it looks great with jeans!
DeleteAh!!!! I think I love your top more than mine... Must have one in a similar color! hehe. The closure embellishment you used is such a great touch! :)
ReplyDeleteWell that's high praise! You know, this one is available for 3.99. And it's super easy...
DeleteI think I'm going to have to see it on you. Because when I saw the back view of Casey's I wasn't too sure. And I guess I'm still not. It looks like it would feel weird or something. From the front though, it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe back is definitely odd. I have to assume it was the shape of the time. It does feel a bit weird but it stretches fine.
DeleteAnd I bet it would never fly today. Few would buy it if it were mass marketed. It's super with a pointy bra. It really wouldn't do much for someone with very small breasts. It's rare that I think clothing suits a frame with larger breasts better than it does one with smaller breasts.
DeleteMore wearable prettiness that you made yourself! Clever girl! I'd like to see what it looks like on -- that back strangeness will probably not be an issue given the stretch of the knit. Does the front open too much/high at the waist, though, so you have to be careful to wear a cami?
ReplyDeleteI love to be called a clever girl! Next time I make it I will make the back slash less long. It will help with that issue. I did wear it without cami though and just pulled it down as necessary. (I was wearing high waisted pants)
DeleteOoh! Lovely! I think this may have to go on my list of things to sew.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lazy day project. Very satisfying, reasonably easy. And it looks terrific.
DeleteIt's so very you. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks L!
ReplyDeleteAnd it looks lovely! Glad you went for it---I hope it turns out practical, as it's certainly lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty practical. I wore it today and it was lovely and easy. I totally recommend it.
ReplyDeleteYesss! Oh my goodness. I was the commenter who found the Magic Blouse pattern, and I posted it in Casey's comment section not only just to be helpful but because I was selfishly hoping to see it made up. I bought the pattern right away but I'm a total beginner and I've been too nervous to start it (and confused, frankly, by the vague instructions for making it in a larger size - I'm a size 10 on top and I'm worried that the basic pattern will be too small). Anyways, thanks for sharing - your version is beautiful!
ReplyDelete- Blythe
Blythe: Thank you so much for posting that link! It really means a lot to me. And it's a weird pattern (in as much as it's just instructions, and loopy ones at that) but it's quite easy when you go step by step. Hard to envision till you're doing it. I used a small piece of paper to "pretend make it". Feel free to email me if you'd like to discuss it further. I'm quite sure you can do it!
DeleteHi, found this post via Google when I was searching for more info on the pattern! Yours looks fantastic, I'm so excited to make mine! However, can you advise re: the layout of the fabric? The pattern says something about 'tubular' jersey, I have no idea what this means or how you would begin... much obliged for any assistance! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about tubular jersey - I remember being concerned cuz I couldn't find any that would work. Some jersey comes off the bolt in the round (it's produced as a single, long tube). You don't need it. Having said that, I cannot remember how I laid out the fabric (except to say that I believe the majority of it was on the straight of grain so that the stretch went horizontally over the back and bust.
DeleteWhat's hard about this is interpreting the instructions. You actually sew like 3 seams altogether. Keep in mind, the way you think it's going to go over your head is actually the bottom (at the waist). So be prepared to turn it upside down.
Hello, me again! Thanks so much for your reply! I managed to figure it in the end, and I'm so glad I did- I absolutely love my blouse! I can see why some might find it a little strange, but I adore it and will be making at least 3 more! I cannot believe the result you get from such a quick and easy process. I don't honestly know why the pattern calls for a tube, as the first thing it tells you to do is cut through it! The upside down thing is what got me, I think, though once I realised it wasn't meant to go over the head everything clicked.
DeleteThanks very much for your advice and the blog post- the picture of your finished blouse is what pushed me to buy the pattern :)
Oh, so glad it was of assistance. I was wracking my brain, trying to remember how on earth I put it together (I make a lot of things so this is a distant memory!) I remember thinking - why on earth do they suggest tubular fabric when you just cut it open. I think this may have been the way the fabric was always produced in those days.
DeleteSo glad you like my version. I'm sure yours is also lovely. If you have a blog, link us to a pic.