I know for many of you this is not a big deal but for lazy me with deteriorating eyesight and a 'couldn't be bothered' attitude, this indeed is a day to celebrate. And now that I've done it once I'll be doing it again and again and again..... I attacked the multi-coloured map of sheet A in May's edition to locate the 4 pieces needed for this blouse.
While waiting for my green organic fabrics to arrive I kept busy with tracing and then making. I found this fabulously coloured and patterned jersey in my local fabric shop and although it was fairly expensive (compared to USA and internet shops) I splashed out and purchased 2 metres. I tried to find a fabric similar to the Burda one online and under £20 p/m but without much success.
Where do you buy colourful and patterned jersey at reasonable prices?
As the fabric is so abstract the left and right sides are completely different - a bit like the Ikea summer dress.
I was quite impressed how well the hand traced pattern pieces went together and it sewed up without trauma or tradegy. I didn't exactly follow the instructions but just muddled my way through especially at the neck edge. Working with such a stretchy fabric made the job easier too as I just pulled it into place and gave it all a good pressing as I went.
SLEEVES - While I was tracing the sleeve piece I realised that the patterns are used for multiple garments and this sleeve piece has cap, short and wrist length. Because I don't do sleeveless, I just traced the longest length and didn't have to worry about ill-fitting sleeve heads. I think my sleeve should have a cuff but I like bracelet length so everything worked out fine in the end.
FRONT CLOSURE - Again because the fabric is so stretchy I didn't think I'd have any trouble pulling this on over my head so didn't make button holes just sewed the buttons through all thicknesses and that's what holds the fronts together.
HEMS - I don't have an overlocker (serger) or a blind hemmer, the hems were just folded over 1.5cm and straight stitched then trimmed close to the stitching - this works just fine, it's quick and looks OK. I wouldn't do this on a heirloom piece or something that I was planning on wearing for years to come but for T-shirt, run around tops type of things - it's good.And here's a picture of the cat slinking away.
