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Tuesday 14 June 2016

A Sutton blouse


Oh how I love this top! I love absolutely everything about it...the length, the depth of the neckline and how it doesn't flop forward into a 'wardrobe malfunction' if you lean forward, the fabric, the finishing, the hi-lo hem and yes, the challenge it gave me. More of that later. So there we have it, I really like this pattern...*hovers over Publish button'...but...I know you'd like some more details so here we go.

This is not a picture heavy post, by the way. I took these photos a few weeks ago on the Sutton's inaugural voyage outdoors so I just need to get the bloomin' thing blogged! I've washed and worn the blouse twice already.

I've had my eye on the True Bias Sutton blouse pattern for a wee while and then there came a time when I thought I needed some more summer top patterns as the ones I have feel a bit same-y. Yes, dear readers, I purchased the PDF.

I already had 2 metres of this 100% polyester John Kaldor 150cm wide fabric hovering at the top of my 'to sew' list but no pattern leaping out at me until the Sutton.

This pattern takes quite a reasonable amount of fabric. I can't remember if I cut a size 10 or 12 but the fabric requirement for both sizes is around 1.6m and I lengthened the body by 2". I didn't make any other adjustments to the pattern. Basically I used up most of those 2 metres I had.


The neck edge is finished with bias binding made from the fabric. It has kimono sleeves and a yoke so there are huge possibilities for 'doing your own thing' with this pattern and ending up with very different garments each time. I particularly like this version with a lace yoke so you may see my version in the future.

The challenge for me was that it's constructed throughout using French seams. Hey hey, that was a surprise! I've never sewn French seams before but there's nothing like having to just get on with it so I slowed right down and...followed the pattern! Who knew that would work out so well, ha ha! Accuracy (and following the instructions too) was the key when you're sewing teeny-tiny seams and not the hefty 15mm seam allowance I like to charge my way through in a cavalier manner. Having said all that, because you're sewing each seam twice, it does take a little longer to sew up than 'normal' but you're also aware that you're sewing a good quality garment. I found the whole process very satisfying. All of this careful sewing has resulted in a lovely top that fits really well. There will be more!


Wednesday 1 June 2016

It's another pair of jeans!

Here's one thing ticked off my Me Made May To Sew list already! I identified jeans as being a gap in my wardrobe! Yes, they are another pair of Named Jamie jeans, how I love that pattern now I've got the alterations to my liking. I also think I'm turning into quite a Named patterns fan-girl. Their patterns are real slow-burners for me. I see the pattern release and think they're ok and a few weeks or months later I suddenly love it and buy the pattern. And of course, they design for tall women (5'8") and I'm 5'9" so adding length isn't such a radical operation as it can be and this could go some way to explaining their attraction.


The fabric is a stretch denim from Mandors in Glasgow, bought during a weekend there in April. I liked the fabric so much I bought 5 metres of it as it's really difficult finding just the right weight of stretch denim in a nice colour. My hands do take on a blue tinge with the dye when working with this fabric even though I pre-washed it. I didn't do contrast top stitching, just used a dark navy thread. I got my hammer out and added a jeans button but no rivets as I wanted these to be 'low key' jeans. 

Good back pocket placement
I didn't add belt loops as I can't stand belts tied around my middle. I'm realising that I have a mega-short waist. My usual alterations are adding 1" to the rise and 4" to the length of the legs. I also take a huge chunk out of the centre back seam, tapering it in till the yoke. I love the curved waistband on this pattern. I'm usually absolutely useless at straight waistbands but curved ones are the way forward for me. It uses up more fabric but the fit is so much better. 

Secret Paisley pattern pockets
I love my new jeans! Just need another pair now as these are in the wash...