Thursday 21 August 2014

Last of Summer Blouse from Minerva

Hello everyone and my new followers. This month in my Minerva Crafts post I have made a peasant style blouse that feels nothing like 'peasant'... The fabric is stunning.



This pattern is a vintage find from 1978. The t-shirt and skirt are a definite no from me but I handed over my £1 because I loved the top. It reminded me of the children's ones I had done from this pattern here.



 The pattern was easy. Two sleeves, a front and a back. I used my overlocker to finish and sew the seams and then made casings on my normal machine for the neck and the sleeves. 




I like to top stitch my elastic casings. It helps them lie flat and stops them looking like a pump bag on a garment! Sew the seam that makes the casing then press flat. Next sew 2/3mm from the edge of the fabric to make a neat edge instead of a baggy one.


There was some tacking required because it was a slinky, slippery customer but it is light and fluid. Perfect for light summer tops, Christmas party tops and it would make a beautiful dress with a drape like this or a skirt like this


The other technique that was useful with this fabric was using a blind hemming foot. If you have one, dig out your manual and have a go, it makes a beautiful neat hem only showing little stitch pick ups along the way. The reverse looks neat too.


If you like this fabric you can get it from Minerva crafts here and it comes in other colour ways too.


I have worn it to a 65th Birthday meal and to a raving drunk pub night and it suited both perfectly, but not with shorts obviously! Jeez, I need a haircut...

Happy Sewing, thanks Minerva. Jo xxxxx

19 comments:

  1. I love your blouse Jo, it looks so pretty on you and the fabric is stunning.
    Jacquie x

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  2. So many techniques I've never come near to trying... The elastic collar looks really complicated but (as they say on the sewing bee) beautifully executed!

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  3. You look adorable, and I love your new top, well done.
    Meredith

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  4. It is beautiful JO! What a cool top! Your really are amazing!!!

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  5. Very pretty fabric and such a comfortable top.

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  6. Good for you, Jo! Pretty material and a well executed pattern, showcased on a lovely model, you! xx

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  7. Well done a beautiful top and stunning fabric, a real delight.

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  8. It looks great Jo and the colours really suit you too! xx

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  9. Love that fabric & the style - am sure I had a few tops like that back in the summer of '78! ;-)
    Thanks for the tip about top stitching the casing & the blind hem too. Happy weekend, xx

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  10. Looks fabulous. I've been looking at that print so it's great to see it made up.

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  11. Looks great, the fabric is fantastic. Well done.
    S xx

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  12. Great looking blouse - you did such a good job - You could make lots of different ones by just adding trims etc.

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  13. I like the sound of a raving drunk pub night.... my last one was with the PTA before the summer holiday.This is a beautiful blouse Jo, one that might be adaptable for large sizes, hurrah (I am size tent). I have never used my blind hem foot, only my rolled hem foot. Definitely something I need to change. Have a great weekend. x

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  14. Beautiful fabric - your blouse looks so lovely on you, Sam x

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  15. Pretty blouse in a lovely fabric. You look great in it! Bee xx

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  16. This is such a delicate looking top and you've put in so much work into it. No wonder it's so lovely.

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  17. Lovely top and I am super- envious that you can wear it with denim shorts! I never had the legs for that and I'm not sure that will change LOL

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  18. I love your top Jo, the fabric is amazing!:::Silvia

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