I put all the buttons on but will likely wear it open at the neckline.
It's not really a summer blouse, but could be great for the 'wear red' dress code for choir at Christmas.
Pattern Information.
This is my current favourite shirt pattern. It is adapted from a shirtdress pattern which was in the March 2020 Prima magazine (UK women's magazine).
Yes a change from blue!
Again these are adapted from New Look 6438 D with an altered crotch curve, slash pockets and an elastic waist.
The fabric came from Economy Fabrics in June 2023.
I lengthened the sleeves, added a bound slit and buttoned cuffs. I also put the buttonholes slightly closer together and used more buttons.
The pattern does not have you interface the front band, but I did as the fabric is so lightweight.
The fabric was quite tricky to handle. I pressed the fabric, then laid it out on a table with a lot of weights, carefully cutting the larger pieces with very sharp shears. For the smaller pieces I cut them out of interfacing first, then fused the interfacing onto the back of the fabric pieces once I'd made them as straight as I could. I then cut round the interfacing.
For an accurate collar I traced the stitching lines onto tissue which I placed on top of the piece when sewing.
I had a remnant of this fabric left from making something for Auntie J and there was just enough to cut out my favourite shirt pattern with long sleeves, cuffs, buttoned pockets and etc.
I wasn't able to even attempt pattern matching, but did try to have pleasant looking sections for the collar ends and pockets.
I made it just slightly oversized as its a viscose with a slight crinkle texture which I think would shrink up slightly after washing, and maybe not always need ironing. I did have to iron it to cut out, so we'll see how this one works out!
Pattern Information.
This is my current favourite shirt pattern. It is adapted from a shirtdress pattern which was in the March 2020 Prima magazine (UK women's magazine).
I have shortened the length to a shirt length with curved hem. I have added patch pockets from another Prima pattern, and pocket flaps from a big 5 pattern. I also make the cuffs deeper and have a continuous lapped placket instead of just a gap in the side seam.
This top started out as a gathered skirt many years ago. At some point after that I recut it into a woven tee shirt and left the bits in a bag. Later I found the bits and sewed it up into a very lightweight summer top. Unfortunately the pattern I used wasn't with it, so I can't easily replicate what I did.
Last week the weather was hot for the first time this year, so I pulled out my hot weather clothes and wore the top. It was OK, but the body was a bit long and the sleeves a bit shorter than I like.
Lightbulb moment - I cut 2 1/2" off the hem, did a lot of unpicking and resewing to have a shorter body and a ruffle on the sleeves.
It'll get worn out of the house now, rather than just at home.
My lovely sewing friend has been in our area for a few days and yesterday (31 July 2024) we went to
Left - 1.5 metres of pink stretch lace with a paisley design - for a top (can't find on website)
Centre - 2 metres of teal blue viscose floral print - for a blouse - link here
Right - 2 metres of navy viscose floral - for summer trousers (can't find on website)
Also some lightweight interfacing (no photo)
It'll be interesting to see how long these marinade for before appearing back here as clothing!
