Does anyone else spent a disproportionate amount of time leafing through sewing magazines? If I didn’t have a paper to write, I’d do nothing but. I’ve been trying to be more organized about it, though: I decide on a certain project I want to sew or choose a fabric I want to work with, and then I look at the magazines with that in mind.
In this case, I wanted to use up the rest of the fabric from my maxi dress. I quickly found the right pattern, Burda Style 05/2015 Nr. 124, a sweet little blouse that required just little more than 1m. This was perfect, because I didn’t have much fabric left … All the same, I nearly gave up on the blouse after unsuccessfully trying to fit the pattern pieces on the fabric! My mom came to the recue. She moved and turned and rotated the pattern pieces until everything fit neatly. My mom is dedicated when it comes to the fiddly stuff!
The instructions called for piping here, but I was like, naaaah, I still have yellow bias tape, might as well use that! It’s cheaper that way. It looks fine, although piping probably would have been better – you wouldn’t see it beneath the fabric that much I think. I definitely shouldn’t have used it for keyhole neckline, though. I cut little notches into tape and seam allowance so it would keep its round shape; when that didn’t work, I folded the bias tape and stitched over it again. Now it stands at attention like a well-trained supersoldier, but the overall feel and look of it would’ve been softer if I had cut the bias tape from the fabric as instructed.
I finished the neckline with the rest of the bias tape. Then I picked a button from my Grandma’s stash – or rather, my Dad picked it. He has a keen eye for matching buttons, I always let him choose them. I think the slight sheen on this one makes it quite special. 🙂
Look at this little bird flitting about inbetween flowers! Doesn’t he look happy?
This darling little blouse is the ideal addition to my wardrobe! I need more loose-fitting, comfortable garments to wear every day. If I find another lightweight fabric, I need to make myself another version!
8 responses to “Pretty Little Leftovers”
awesome job! it looks beautiful!
Thank you! I’m so glad I decided to use those leftovers, I would’ve missed out on a nice blouse!
Very cute! Don’t you love it when you can squeeze something extra out of your fabric!
Thank you! Oh God, yes, that was very satisfying!
I just adore the color and fit of this blouse on you! I think the best part about this story is the fact that your mother helped lay out the pieces and your dad picked out a button from your grandmother’s stash! How beautiful it is to have such a wonderfully loving family around you. Also I think the bias tape is cute and you will be the only one to notice such a tiny detail! It is so easy to be critical of our work isint it? I find it hard to appreciate what it is I do at times. Being a seamstress is no small task, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back ever now and again. Adorable!
Thank you! Hah, I didn’t even notice that this was kind of a family project, but you’re right! My family is very supportive. 🙂 It’s good to know that the bias tape thing isn’t very visible – because yes, I tend to be too critical of my work. 😀
It turned out beautifully! All those perfect little details!
Thank you! I hope there’ll still be some sunny days this month so that I can wear it.