I made this blouse for the Pattern Review Sewing Bee Contest. I think this is the second year the contest has run, but I didn't know about it last year until after it had started. I thought I'd give it a go this year since I find the Great British Sewing Bee so fun!
Round 1 of the Pattern Review Sewing Bee is complete and is now in the judging phase until next week. There are 4 mystery rounds in total, with some entrants being cut after each round until there is an overall winner. I have no idea how the judges are going to select winners. Every blouse entered is amazing, and I would honestly feel no annoyance if I don't make it on to the second round.
Anyway, here is my blouse made from out-of-print Simplicity 3789, a Khaliah Ali pattern I've had in my pattern stash for ages. I used view B, which has the little cap sleeves. A long, cuffed sleeves might have been more impressive for the contest, but what's the point if I won't wear it? The cap sleeve is more useful to me.
The fabric is dotted Swiss cotton, similar to a cotton lawn but with raised stitched dots. I bought this at JoAnn fabrics but don't see it on their website.
I rounded the points of the collar included in the pattern to give a Peter Pan collar effect. I also changed the straight bottom hem to a shirt-tail hem.
Since my fabric is a bit sheer, I used French seams. I also made sure the circle pattern continued across the fronts.
I've been having problems with my automatic buttonhole attachment. It seems to get confused halfway through the buttonhole and just keeps stitching in one place. My machine is due for a tune-up anyway, so I'll get it checked out then. For now, I just made them the old fashioned way - which really isn't that old fashioned. I still have special stitches for the buttonholes. I just need to control the length of each stitch section manually, if that makes sense.
Round 1 of the Pattern Review Sewing Bee is complete and is now in the judging phase until next week. There are 4 mystery rounds in total, with some entrants being cut after each round until there is an overall winner. I have no idea how the judges are going to select winners. Every blouse entered is amazing, and I would honestly feel no annoyance if I don't make it on to the second round.
Anyway, here is my blouse made from out-of-print Simplicity 3789, a Khaliah Ali pattern I've had in my pattern stash for ages. I used view B, which has the little cap sleeves. A long, cuffed sleeves might have been more impressive for the contest, but what's the point if I won't wear it? The cap sleeve is more useful to me.
The fabric is dotted Swiss cotton, similar to a cotton lawn but with raised stitched dots. I bought this at JoAnn fabrics but don't see it on their website.
I rounded the points of the collar included in the pattern to give a Peter Pan collar effect. I also changed the straight bottom hem to a shirt-tail hem.
Since my fabric is a bit sheer, I used French seams. I also made sure the circle pattern continued across the fronts.
I've been having problems with my automatic buttonhole attachment. It seems to get confused halfway through the buttonhole and just keeps stitching in one place. My machine is due for a tune-up anyway, so I'll get it checked out then. For now, I just made them the old fashioned way - which really isn't that old fashioned. I still have special stitches for the buttonholes. I just need to control the length of each stitch section manually, if that makes sense.
Even if I don't make it on to the next round, I have a cute new blouse! :-)
This is a really great layering piece, which is why I think it really works without the longer sleeves. You should totally make it to the next round!
ReplyDeleteThe blouse is great! Good luck for making it to the next round!
ReplyDeleteIt really is a cute blouse. I like the change to the collar and hem.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely blouse and your sewing is exquisite.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely blouse, beautifully made so I am sure you will make it to the next round. I have thrown my hat (blouse) into the ring too. I was like you I didn't realise it had started last year until too late.
ReplyDeleteLove everything about this!! I hope you make it to the next round!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute blouse Jenny! This is a great staple piece for your wardrobe that can be worn with just about anything! Pants, jeans, shorts, skirt… Everything! Nice job!
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! I adore the fabric and the fit is so perfect on you. I've only just done my first French seams on my latest project - I'm not sure why I left it so long to try them as it wasn't difficult and they look so much neater!
ReplyDeleteSian xx Rebel Angel