This is the Lisette Souvenir Blouse, in a cotton voile print that is very like toile, except that there are no people. I bought this piece of fabric a few months ago from Vogue, intending it to be for the muslin of this blouse - which technically, it is. But I ended up really loving this print! So I'm glad there were no unhappy surprises in the construction of this piece.
I cut a straight size 10, and only made one modification. Rather than doing a deep hem like the pattern calls for, I did a tiny hem to make it longer. Do you see where I'm going with this? Yes, it covers up the wavy zipper of my Clover pants! But to accomodate my hips, I ended up having to make side vents. I just unpicked each side seam 3" and then stitched 1/4" from the fold:
I love this blouse, but there's one tiny detail that I'm not too happy with. On the front neckline, there's a part of the design that makes it look like I made a mistake in stitching! See if you can spot it:
I swear, it's the print of the fabric and not shoddy stitching!
This pattern wasn't too difficult; I'd say the whole thing took me about 4.5 hours, and that includes tracing the pattern and cutting the fabric. The construction of the sleeves and yokes is interesting, and I'll admit the directions didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. But I was able to figure out how it was supposed to go together and just ignore the instructions.
Yesterday I wore it to run errands and do chores around the house, pairing it with the Clovers for their test run. I'm pretty happy with the fit of the pants, and they didn't loosen up (read: get baggy) as much as I'd suspected they might. And with this top to cover up the zipper, I felt pretty darned cute, even though allergies are keeping me from wearing any makeup these days.
Are any of you thinking of making this top? When the new spring patterns from Lisette came out, I was a little underwhelmed, but they've really grown on me!
The pattern doesn't look as nice on the envelope as it does on you. You chose a great fabric for the top. It really dresses up the pattern.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melizza! I do love this fabric. I'm headed out to the fabric store today, and if there's more of it, I'm thinking I should get it. I love it that much!
DeleteI agree with Melizza...your version is far lovelier than the pattern envelope. I'd definitely be snapping up more of that fabric...it's delicious!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Evie! Sadly, no more of that fabric to be found. But I didn't come away empty-handed!
DeleteVery clever with the tiny hem. I can clearly see your stitching at the neckline. No problem, atall
ReplyDeleteYep, cute as ever.
Great job on both garments
Learning on the way
hugs
Thanks, Gerry!
Deleteah side vents! perfect solution... whenever i make tops i almost always have to lengthen them, then widen the bottom as i'm itty bitty on top, hippy on bottom... your blouse is lovely and that fabric is just great!
ReplyDeleteHehehe - I would have preferred your way, but I didn't realize until it was too late that the hip measurement wasn't quite as much as I needed!
DeleteI love this outfit on you ! The top is gorgeous, the clovers fine. Loving the fabric too. As usual, well jell. Loved the stamp yesterday too. :) side vents are a great idea, I may have to try them as they look cute too. Hope your hay fever is better soon, I feel your pain on the one xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kirsty! I just bought that fabulous skirt pattern you've been using the other day! Hoping to make one in denim :-)
DeleteThe two pieces look like they were made for each other. Seriously awesome. Ugh I need to get my sewing butt in gear. lol!
ReplyDeletehehehe - that's because they are! I bought the two fabrics at the same time to go togehter!
DeleteOh my gosh, I love this outfit!!! Not only is red my favorite color, but I love a good toile print. And I love when you make a muslin that you can actually wear!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I've had mostly good luck with these Lisette patterns, because they're not too fitted.
DeleteI'm loving red this season and love your cute outfit!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristen!
DeleteSuch a great outfit! :)
ReplyDeleteI made this top but cut it to the dress length (without the frill) but I am thinking I need to shorten it as I have to wear it pulled up over a belt or risk looking like an elllie-print blimp!
Love your Clovers!
I considered cutting to the dress length because I've seen a couple project done that way. But I ended up doing the top length. I think if I wanted the deep hem, I'd have to do the dress length, but still put in the side vents.
DeleteEep!! You look so cute! I LOVE this outfit-- it's very chic and cheerful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ginger!
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