I may not have shared a finished project since December, but I hope you'll agree it was worth the wait. My first make of 2016 is pretty special, for two main reasons. The beautiful silk fabric was custom-printed for me by Bags of Love using a stunning photo taken by my talented photographer friend, Ed Melia. If you're interested about the process I went into the detail here.
I needed a simple pattern to let my fabric sing and one that I could squeeze out of a mere metre of fabric too. Although I'm almost two years behind the times, the Afternoon Blouse by Jennifer Lauren Vintage was just the ticket! The pattern has been on my wish-list ever since it was released in 2014, so I'm glad that I finally got to make it up in style.
I love the simple lines, lack of closures and vintage-inspired design details. With no sleeves to set in either, this really does only take an afternoon to sew up! My silk fabric was a dream to work with and feels sublime to the touch, while the perfect button, a shiny/reflective lilac affair, was languishing in my stash.
Jennifer's instructions and diagrams are crystal clear, which is a huge bonus even for a make as simple as this. The only things I did differently were to under-stitch my facing and to finish off with a roller hem...it's crazy how bulky such slinky fabric can become when folded!
Would you consider custom-printing fabric for a special make? Bags of Love have a really extensive range of fabric options!
Oh my goodness, that is beautiful. The perfect marriage of pattern and fabric.
ReplyDeleteYou're too kind!
DeleteAbsolutely stunning K xXx
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks!
DeleteOh this is lovely! You're so right, that fabric takes center stage with this blouse - great combination.
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz, glad you agree :o)
DeleteWhat a gorgeous combination of fabric and pattern! Your fabric is making me imagine walking through a field of flowers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely vision, thank you!
DeletePerfection.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
DeleteFabulous! The fabric is beautiful, and the pattern sets it off perfectly; simple enough to let the fabric shine, but just enough detail to make it interesting. And finding the perfect button in your stash is always a win!
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks so much!
DeleteWow I have never heard of making fabric from a photo print. That is a really special blouse. Sometimes a button is waiting for just the right garment. Jo x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo! It was a pretty cool process :o)
DeleteTotally gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLovely as always! Such a beautiful print!!
ReplyDeleteYou're too kind!
DeleteNicely done! I like the closure of that pattern and very interesting the custom-print fabric, I didn't know about that.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThe blouse is a beautiful way to showcase your custom fabric creation! I've looked into custom printed fabrics, but I always shy away.
ReplyDeleteThanks :o) It was an alien concept to me too and I think I'd suck at designing the print myself, but luckily help was on hand for this!
DeleteThis is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabric and beautiful pattern, perfect for spring! I feel very inspired 😊
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have inspired you :o)
DeleteOooh so pretty! Great match of fabric and pattern. Totally intrigued by this pattern now, the front construction looks really interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie! I think you'd love making this blouse and I reckon you'd really enjoy wearing it too :o)
DeleteThis blouse on this fabric looks stunning on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteSuch a gorgeous blouse!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletegorgeous and beautifully made. x
ReplyDeleteYou're too kind!
DeleteThat blouse is beautiful! I love the colors, print and style. It not only looks lovely but comfy which is always a plus. Nice first make of 2016 and happy sewing to come.
ReplyDeleteYes, totally comfy as well as :o)
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