If your anything like me you spend a lot of time daydreaming. "Some say I'm a dreamer...Well I'm not the only one." My work day consists of a lot of daydreaming in between analyzing all those numbers. One of my top daydreams...going home that evening and making a new top to wear to work the next day. Time is usually against me and I haven't been able to make that dream a reality just yet. BUT I'm really optimistic because I've been introduced to a pattern that will allow someone like me, who's slow as a snail, make that happen and I've been fighting with time all week to finally have the chance to introduce this pattern to you all. *big gasping breath* I was more than excited when one of my favorite bloggers, Jennifer Lauren asked me to be a tester for her first ever pattern. So with out further ado I give to you...
Jennifer Lauren Afternoon Blouse
An easy vintage inspired summer blouse with kimono sleeves and two decorative neckline options. This blouse can be whipped up in yes, just an afternoon! Wear it tucked into skirts or trousers for a professional put together look or wear it loose with capris or jeans for a more relaxed look.
Ingredients:
Fabric: Anything with good drape such as lightweight
cottons, silks and rayons. For a crisper blouse use
medium weight fabrics like linens or quilting cottons.
I used a medium weight mystery fabric from my
stash. I'm really unsure of the content but it was slick
and hard to cut and also makes that swishy sound
when it rubs together.
cottons, silks and rayons. For a crisper blouse use
medium weight fabrics like linens or quilting cottons.
I used a medium weight mystery fabric from my
stash. I'm really unsure of the content but it was slick
and hard to cut and also makes that swishy sound
when it rubs together.
Notions: Light to medium interface and one button, size of
your choosing
Needle: For my fabric type I used a microtex needle.
Pattern Assembly: There are 24 pages to this pdf but that doesn't mean you have to tape all 24 pieces together, why, because Jennifer is a genius and made it easy on all of us. Simply choose which version you want to make and print out only those sections needed. I ended up assembling the whole pattern because I knew I'd eventually want to make both versions but what I loved is that the front and back pieces were printed in their own sections. I was easily able to tape each section on my cutting table. Usually I end up on the floor taping together one gigantic piece. Yeah I'm sure we've all been there.
Fitting: My measurements fall into the size 8 but I decided to cut a 6 since this blouse was made with quite a bit of ease. The extra ease is because it's intended to have a blousier fit when tucked into pants. With the type of fabric I was using I didn't think it would really look well tucked in (only so so on the drape factor). I wanted a more fitted look when wearing it loose.
Construction: The only part of the construction that can get a little tricky is when are attaching the facing to the decorative neckline. As long as you slow down and take your time, Jennifer's instructions and pictures allow for no errors. My front and side seams are serged as well as my facing edges. I used a french seam on the shoulders. I intended to use a french seam on the sides but apparently I had a brain fart at that moment and instead they got serged.
Regrets: My only regrets about this top came during the cutting phase. My fabric was slippery and in the back of my mind I had a very vague thought about cutting it on one layer. The sewing angel, dressed in her perfectly tailored gown was on one shoulder saying, "Shannon you should really take your time and cut all your pieces on one layer to ensure your on grain and to avoid any wonky pieces." But on the other shoulder I had the sewing devil dressed in ill fitting rags with a ticking clock in one hand and in the other hand a pin steadily jabbing me in the shoulder saying, "Tick, tick, tick..ain't nobody got time for that!" I listened to the devil and cut on the fold. In return I got wonky pieces just like the angel said I would. When it came time to attach the back to the front I then realized the error of my ways. The bottom fabric had slipped on my back piece, probably during the pinning process and was all wonky. I didn't have enough fabric to cut another piece so I was forced to make it work. I had to trim the one side of the back to make it fit properly with the front. The result is wearable but it's a little tight when I move my arms forward. I wish I could say live and learn here. But what can I say I'm really hard headed and I just can't seem to get that sewing devil off my freaking shoulder! That pin hurts ya'll! If you follow me on Instagram you seen the beautiful Mood silk I was cutting into for a second version. I was so cocky too cutting this time on the fold. I'll show you miss prissy pants that it can be done! This time tho' the front pieces bit me in the ass. I still wanna cry when I think about the beautiful silk I ruined that is no longer available.
Loves: I'm loving anything these days with a kimono sleeve. I also love that this blouse is so quick and effortless to make yet the decorative neckline makes it look rather complicated and that you surely spent many grueling hours whipping it into perfection.
Next Time: Silk I will not admit defeat! Jennifer gave me some great tips on working with silk (she will be putting all those tips in a blog post for you all too!) so I'm on the silk hunt. I think for my next version I will cut a size 8 for a more fuller look when tucked into pants. I do rather like the way it looks tucked into my retro wide legged Simplicity 4044 pants...
So as I'm scouring the internet for some luscious silk I'm wondering should I go for a print or solid. I had a beautiful cornflower blue silk on order from Fabric Mart but somewhere in between clicking the add to my cart button and paying for my order it sold out and I got a refund. Dang it I hate when that happens! So please link me up a silk you think would be perfect for this top. Orlando and I would be ever so grateful!
Awe yeah as I'm putting the final edit on my post I suddenly realized it's the season premiere of Mad Men in a few hours! Let's see what Don the dirty dog can get into tonight!!
~Peace Out!~
