Friday 15 January 2016

Replica

I have had a blouse from Boden that I have worn and worn. It went with all my handmade patterned skirts and I loved the shape but sadly is has a spagetti bolognese mark on the front, a little hole in the back and the underarms were no longer white. 
What's a girl to do?



I unpicked half of it and found out several things I had not noticed while wearing it for four years. It had french seams, it had pin tucks in the arms, a little gathered section a the back neck and the hems on the arms were constructed with tape. Interesting.



I ironed the pieces flat after unpicking all the pin tucks and french seams. I marked in felt pen any information I might find useful then made a paper pattern transferring the markings.



I have never made a muslin of any garment, I usually fit as I go but this seemed a bit more risque - I didn't quite trust my own pattern drafting skills, after all I had never done this before. I used an old duvet cover because the cotton had roughly the same weight as my chosen fabric.



Then I made it with the fabric I bought at the NEC last autumn for £6 but I only used about 0.6m of it. I had already pre-washed it - I know get me...


Highest praise indeed came from Bloke when he said, 'What are you doing to your blouse?' I said, 'I made it.' he countered I hadn't because he remembered ironing that one with pleats in the front lots of times. There, I fooled him with my replica.




 

Just what I wanted but for a fraction of the price. I also have a fabulous go-to pattern now too. One in the wardrobe, one out.

If you want to get into sewing or 'back' into sewing there is a year long FREE set of tutorials on the Foldline sewing website. Here is the link. The first session is on reading a pattern and types of fabric to choose.

Happy sewing! Jo xxxx






19 comments:

  1. Well done, my favourite RTW top a thin cotton blouse from M&S many moons ago is almost thread bare in many places. At some point I will bite the bullet and replace it, though I think I will opt for the PaulineAlice Camas pattern as its virtually identical. Good for you a beautiful blouse.

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  2. Wow that's amazing, well done, I wish I was that brave.xx

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  3. You have impressed me on several occasions but this one tops it all. IMPRESSIVE!!!

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  4. Dear Jo
    What a great job you've done. Congratulations!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  5. That's an amazingly good job you have done and a lovely top. I can see why you wanted to replicate the original as it will go with so many things.

    There is lots online about the technique of making a pattern from clothing you already own. You don't need to take the old garment apart either, so it doesn't need to be sacrificed. Last year I watched several YouTube videos which have you carefully draw around your garment and which also showed how to mark for dart placement etc. There is also a Craftsy class. If you don't need to cut up your clothes that are still functional, it is a good way of using something you know you like and that fits well to make a pattern.

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  6. Brilliant ! That more than makes up for your last booboo. Looks fab and of course fits lovely, being made up to the same size as the one you cut up. mmm I see more of these blouses being made, ha ha. xxx

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  7. You are so inspiring Jo! I have a couple of Boden blouses that are falling apart but I never thought of copying them. Clever. Your new one looks fab. x

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  8. Fantastic Jo!!! You are so very clever!!! It looks really great on you and now you can make lots more and really confuse your husband! xx

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  9. Love it,love it,love it! Xxx

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  10. Clever old you, it looks lovely! And now you have a pattern for future use!
    Caz xx

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  11. Your so clever, it's such a lovely blouse. I shall certainly check out the link x

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  12. * You're - typing to fast so I can go food shopping!

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  13. Well done on fooling the Bloke :) This is a great make you should be really proud of yourself. I do need a bit of sewing inspiration so I will give Foldline a visit thanks

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  14. Jo! This is so fantastic. You've done an amazing job of it, and you've inspired me like crazy. Your replica looks perfect, well done! :)

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  15. Clever lady, totally impressed thanks for the link I'm desperate to sew one thing it his year

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  16. You are brilliant! That is a fantastic top and now you can have oodles more of them.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  17. I am in awe. What a bloody brilliant idea. I have a few Boden favourites which I wear and wear as they're so well cut and well made. And what you've made looks so professional. Nice job. xx

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  18. Your pluck and determination are epic in my book, Jo. Thanks for sharing your making process of your pretty blouse. Inspiring! xx

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