Friday, December 2, 2011

As promised.

I'm wearing my new Continental Blouse today, and I feel pretty darned cute!  Wearing it with some pants from Anthropologie that I've had for at least 5 years (likely longer) and BC Footwear wedges that I've probably had for just as long.

front

back

blowing a kiss, just to be silly

better view of the shoes

So here are the particulars.  I cut a straight size 10 with no modifications.  I generally take a size 12 to accommodate my wider hips, but this design has plenty of room in the hips, and I didn't want the bust to be too overwhelming.  I'd say this is a good fit without any modifications.

The fabric is a design by Anna Maria Horner.  I wasn't too familiar with her fabrics until the other day, when I (finally) took a trip over to The Needle Shop.  After long deliberation, this is the fabric I chose to come home with.  I think it's such a cheerful print.  Here's a closer look:


I googled it when I got home, and it seems to be a print called "Shattered" from a line she did called "Innocent Crush."  This is a pretty heavy cotton, which is what I wanted for this top, since I want to be able to wear it all winter.

I did two new (to me) techniques on this top.  I finished all the seams with the "Pinked" finish I learned from Sunni's blog.  I really liked this one; it took a fair amount of time, since you're essentially sewing each seam thrice and then trimming away the excess, but it is very neat and doesn't create extra bulk.

The other technique was to use three rows of stitching for the gathering, a la Colette.  This really does create a much more even gather.  I'll be doing it this way from now on!

So what do you think?  If you sew, have you made this top?  Is it on your list?  I'm sure I'll be making at least one more!

15 comments:

  1. One word: awesome! And the shoes!!! I’m definitely making this one as well… some day :)

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  2. As usual, you have another hit ! !

    L♥ve your aqua? shoes.

    hugs

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  3. Beautiful outfit! I love the blouse, and the shoes are wonderful. I'll definitely be adding this pattern to my list.

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  4. I've had that pattern for ages but the blouse never called out to me. In fact I will admit that I didn't really think it was a blouse for some reason, it's not shown very well on the cover.

    However, now that I have seen your wonderful version I'm going to pull out some cotton and the pattern and give it a go for sure.

    Fabulous shirt and a great outfit all around!

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  5. Thanks so much for reviewing this pattern and posting your cute pictures. I've been thinking of getting this pattern, but couldn't tell from the envelope what that top would look like. Now I see it's adorable!

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  6. Thanks, Sara! I agree - the envelope doesn't show the top to its best advantage. I wouldn't have been drawn to it either, if I hadn't seen some lovely versions on flickr.

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  7. You really are so talented and what I especially love is how you make clothing that really looks great on you!

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  8. Thanks, Evelyn! I think I've learned to work within my limits!

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  9. Those shoes are great--glad you gave them a close up!

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  10. Thanks. They gave me a blister though :-(

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  11. Oh man, too bad that the shoes hurt your feet! They're so cute! Love the whole ensemble!

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  12. Thanks, Ginger. I think I'm going to have to get rid of the shoes :-( Slowly editing down my collection from what I used to be able to get away with in St. Louis.

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  13. I love your outfit. I think you made the right choice for the fabric. Why should we wear grey in winter? Of course, I love your shoes!!!

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  14. Glad you think that - I chose hot pink for your hat!

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