Tuesday 14 June 2011

Summer Sunshine & A Homemade Blouse


I have finally finished exams and I'm back home - which can only mean one thing: lots of time for blogging! Unfortunately my blog always gets a bit neglected at this time of year (as does a lot of the blogosphere!), but I'm sure you can understand why - exams have to come first.

I've only been home for a matter of days, but I have been itching to get back to sewing, so I jumped straight back in with the pattern cutting, pinning and hemming to produce this 50s/60s style sleeveless top. It had to be sleeveless, because I only had a metre of material - but I think it is better that way, and besides, I barely have any sleeveless tops for the summer!

The material is left over from when I made a bow-tie for my boyfriend's birthday - so I'm hoping we don't match one day by accident! Since then, it has been a 'table cloth' for my bed side table, but after packing up my university room I thought it might look better as an item of clothing.

This is probably my favourite creation to-date, largely because I spent a bit more time on it and paid more attention to the finish. For once, I have covered all the seams - so I don't need to worry that it will fall apart in the wash!
I used the same pattern that I used for this blouse, and again had to adapt the dress pattern (making sure to add material for the button overlap). I also changed the collar from a pointy one, to a rounded one, in keeping with the 60s aesthetic that I love so much (trying to aim for a sort of 'Orla Kiely' look). The thing that is great about patterns is that once you have found one that fits, you can carry on making lots of different items and feel confident that they will all be the right size!

I know lots of you have asked for advice on sewing, and all I can really say is just try it out! Patterns are brilliant because all you have to do is cut out the pieces and sew them together - they usually include instructions as well to explain the more complicated bits. My favourite place to find patterns is eBay, as there are loads of lovely vintage ones up for grabs! Bear in mind that you might have to go for a larger size than usual - I have used up to a size 14 vintage pattern, although I am a modern size 10. Also watch out for american sizing differences!

Sadie xxx

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Its an amazing top!!
wow you're so talented!!
Love the pictures, you look great xxx

Julie Khuu | Haute Khuuture said...

Homemade...that's amazing! I can totally see this on the front page of etsy...you look so summer chic!

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!

Haute Khuuture Blog

Bethany Kellen of bunnypicnic said...

i love seeing the different things you make! they inspire me so!

Mary said...

I just adore your style, the hat is fab! xx

Unknown said...

Talented lady. Such a cute top you should be proud :)

Unknown said...

Hey baby I like so much your blog! Just following you! ;) Hope you can also follow mine
Mary
www.venusathermirror.blogspot.com

Little Girl in Wonderland said...

The top is really cute!

I recently ordered the Violet blouse from Colette patterns which resembles this blouse a bit. I can't wait to get started! I've never made a blouse before, so I hope I can make it work. What type of interfacing did you use for the collar?

Unknown said...

Such a lovely top, it's got such a great vintage look. Also it shows that you've taken your time creating it, you can tell it's been finished really well just from the photographs. xx

jazzabelle said...

your homemade blouse is beautiful, such a lovely style and colour. you are so talented! i adore your floppy hat too, it's lovely.

x

Unknown said...

you're such a talented seamstress. kewt photos.

objectslog.blogspot.com

Jessica said...

you're really talented. looking adorable as always with gorgeous pieces :) :)

Meena Dhuga said...

that's so cool that its home-made and I love that hat!! :)

http://pinklemonsorbet.blogspot.com/

Meena xx

Anonymous said...

So cute!

Anonymous said...

The blouse is lovely! Ebay is so great for patterns

Rachel said...

You did amazingly well with that bluose - very talented! Also, I'm totally in love with that hat!

Unknown said...

I'm in the same boat with exams! Over next week luckily. Great job with the blouse, I'm dying to try my hand at making my own clothing once summers here and I finish college forever! xo

http://louisejoyb.blogspot.com/

Phara said...

Love that blouse, what a beautiful collar!
X

Steph & The Spaniels said...

I adore the hat, the shirt is great!!
God job
xx

Vanessa, Take only Memories said...

That hat is simply adorable! And the blouse is super lovely, too!

olivia grace said...

You have such a lot of talent! Look gorgeous as always, and adore the blouse! xx

The Quick Red Fox said...

Lovely! The colour and style really suits you Sadie. I love the big straw hat too, on the lookout for something similar! Wish I was as good at sewing as you too ;) xxx

Laura Jones said...

love your outfit :) !

Ashley said...

I love your blouse! You really are very talented and inspirational, too. I think I'm going to attempt sewing my first skirt after perusing your archives, so thank you! xx

Kaz Cooper said...

you need to start selling these creations, you'd make a fortune! definitely an idea to consider over the summer? Lovely post x

Anonymous said...

That hat is fabulous!

Tor That's Peachy said...

AMAZING! I love the entire outfit, you're so clever xx

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

This is so pretty! i love the colors!!!

Katie said...

WOW I would never ever have guessed that it wasn't stpre bought, need to send some of that sewing talent my way haha :) you look fab, will probably see you about this summer, I'm heading back to somerset in a week or so wooo!

Chloé and Beth said...

Love it! Looks very well made also, congrats!
http://www.bootoagooseblog.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

wow wow wow! just came across this goldmine of a blog, you're amazing. unbelievably jeal of you talent!

Kellie Wellingtons said...

it's absolutely gorgeous, I'm so jealous of your sewing abilities!

Unknown said...

i cant believe you made that blouse, its so cute! just found your blog and i love it!!

<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons

Lucy said...

That's amazing, I wish I was good at making clothes! x

sharpest-lives@blogspot.com

Laura Rowe said...

This is lovely! It has inspired me to have a go at something! So glad I found your wonderful blog!
xx

Siena in Style said...

just found your blog, following u now:)
kiss from prague
http://sienastyle.blogspot.com/

Puti Adrian said...

definitely totally love your blouse and pants...lovely earth color :)

Anouk said...

Great !

Tilly said...

Uhhhhh i wish i had your skills! O_O!

Yayy on finishing your exams! xx