Thursday, March 14, 2013

Silk Cotton Portrait Blouse


This past weekend was a long weekend here in Melbourne, and I spent a very enjoyable weekend doing a combination of playing SimCity and sewing up this blouse. I wanted something nice and easy to work on, and since my first version was so successful, I decided to get on with making another version of Gertie's Portrait Blouse.

 

This iteration is made with the silk-cotton blend that I bought when Social Sewing went on the road. It really is beautiful fabric to work with, I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more of the same or similar. It was easy to cut, easy to sew and easy to press. Nothing to complain about at all!

 

The blouse was made almost identically to the first, except I lowered the armholes by about an inch as I have found the armholes on the first version a tiny bit restrictive. However it turns out this wasn't the right alteration to make, as now you get a nice view of the side of my bra at the bottom of the armhole. Thankfully I kept the bits I cut off, so I'll have to try something different next time. Again. the armholes and neckline were finished with self bias binding, and the hem just a narrow rolled hem.

 

This silk-cotton blend, which is a lot like a voile but with a slight sheen and an incredible soft-ness, has nice drape but doesn't have the weight that the silk crepe de chine had, so doesn't hang quite as well as the first version, but is still more than appropriate for the style of blouse. As you can see in the pictures, it works tucked in or left loose.

  

Between this and the Pendrell Blouse I'm pretty sorted in the simple blouse pattern department these days, which is nice! I'm finally getting a nice collection of smart separates as an alternative to dresses for work.

11 comments:

  1. Lovely lovely lovely! That fabric is so pretty. I really need to make myself more tops. I only seem to make dresses and skirts. I made on for my sew for victory outfit and its only the second top I've ever made. I'm hoping to get a few more made this year

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  2. That's a beautiful print! Like you, I have a lot of Pendrells - They are my favourite quick project for spring and summer! I should give this pattern a go too! :) It looks lovely on you.

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  3. really lovely. did you have to add length? this is on my list but as gertie notes it is short and i normally add length to everything i wondered!

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  4. So pretty! I love this print! I've been planning on making this pattern up for spring - must get busy!

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  5. Rachel this fabric looks gorgeous and the colour is perfect on you. Definitely a great addition to your wardrobe! I also need to add some tops to mine as I don't have enough.

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  6. I LOVE silk voile. You are encouraging me to "think spring" on this gray and dreary Seattle Day!

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  7. 'tis gorgeous fabric, transformed into a perfectly gorgeous blouse. Long live beautiful fabric!

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  8. How lovely - I have this book and haven't tried any of the patterns yet! You have reminded me to get it back out again - thanks!

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  9. very nice! love the print you chose too!

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Comments make me smile :)

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