Monday, April 9, 2012

Lovely Linen


I love linen.  Sometimes I worry that I'll turn in to that crazy old art teacher that wears nothing but rumply linen shirts, capris and birkenstocks (with socks).  

I may not be too far off from that.


I also don't feel the need to iron linen completely.  You have to just embrace the wrinkles.  I know it bothers some folks, but not me.

This blouse was actually made up as a muslin.  Albeit a wearable muslin, but still.  It was practice to check the fit on Simplicity 2601.  I have had this blouse on my to do list for ages.  I've seen some really fantastic versions.  And anything with a nipped in waist like this is more flattering for my shape.  At least I think it is.




All those cool "design" details in my version?  They were out of necessity.  I used the last little bit of gorgeous linen I used to make this baby robe.  I didn't have enough to cut the bindings and facings so I used a loosely woven linen in a similar color.  The loosely woven stuff was so wiggly I couldn't get my bindings to turn under well.  I had to run a second row of stitching to hold the bindings in place a little farther in.   I kind of like the way the double zig zag looks.   I'll just pretend I meant to do that.


I also couldn't make those dang loops out of that same wiggly linen.  I ended up using a bit of pink floral quilting cotton to make the loops.  I like the little bit print there.  Again--  I meant to do that.  I picked the neon pink buttons after I did the loops.  I added one more button at the bottom to keep from showing belly.

It ended up a tiny bit big.  I cut my normal size because I knew I needed it through the shoulders.  I did a square shoulder adjustment, though I do it highly nontechnical-like.  It was pretty shapeless when I first sewed it up.  There wasn't a big difference between the midriff and the rest of the blouse like the line drawings indicate.  I ended up taking in the midriff piece at least a 3/4" on each side.  Then I tapered the top and bottom pieces to match.  I think the shoulder and top pieces are a bit wide still, but hey- it's a casual linen top.  It will be perfect for those sweltering summer days.


I really like this pattern.  I love the shape of the blouse.  I love the loops and buttons on the front.  I love all the collar and sleeve variations.  I can see it becoming a staple with a little more tweaking.


Have a great week!

23 comments:

  1. oh lovely, and the pink buttons and loops are fabulous! I'm so excited to see this because I also own this pattern but have never made it--thanks for the tips!

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  2. wow, this is gorgeous... i love all of your "design details". that side shot is perfection.

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  3. Absolutely adore this blouse - so beautiful! Love the simplicity of the linen with the pop of the red buttons.

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  4. It's really lovely! The quilting fabric loops and pink buttons are the perfect touch for the linen. It would make a great staple piece, so versatile.

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  5. I love this pattern and would love to make it up sometime.

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  6. I like it, especially the silhouette from the side. Of cause everything was intentional, isn't that always the case? ;-)

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  7. Oh, I love this blouse! You've inspired me to try out this pattern! The pink loops and buttons are wonderful.

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  8. I love the shape of the blouse and the little details, like the buttons are adorable. Gorgeous!

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  9. I would never think of making this in Linen but this is beautiful . Perfection.

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  10. If this is a "muslin" wowee! It looks like a gorgeous designer piece! (Especially how you've hung it against the wood panels) And yes it does look amazing off the hanger and on you as well. I can see why you're pleased with it & will make more....

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  11. cute! love the bright buttons contrasting with the neutral linen. this will be such a nice top for summer time. i have this pattern, too, but i've found that i like the design much better on other people. great job!

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  12. What a great blouse! It's a truly cute pattern and I love the pop of the contrast buttons!

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  13. Very chic! A fitted waist does show off your tiny waist beautifully!

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  14. This is beautiful! I think its totally okay that its a bit big because it still has an amazing shape - which must mean its comfy AND flattering!! Seriously perfect combo. The hot pink buttons/hint of print are amazing! Sometimes "mistakes" totally make the piece :)

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  15. Well, thanks so much for all the nice comments, people! Sometimes accidents can be happy ones.

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  16. Adding another button at the bottom is a good idea--I wore one of mine the other day and the lower peplum splits open too much. I need to add a hook and eye. Your contrast button loops and buttons are so fun!

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  17. This is lovely! You and the linen -- I still dream of your linen blue parfait -- I'm finally hoping to make the dress this summer.

    But what a great silhouette and the pink details give a basic pieces a little snazz! :)

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  18. This is so sweet, I want linen in my stash now...without socks of course.

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  19. very nice! Always inspiring us!!! Thanks

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  20. I haven't posted much to your blog, but I have been admiring your work for quite a while now - this shirt is no exception! Also, I have nominated you for an award on my blog - no pressure to accept, but you are welcome to post the Liebster Award to your blog!

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  21. LOVE THE HOT PINK BUTTONS!!

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  22. This is gorgeous - I love the pink accents against the neutral body, and this blouse looks absolutely fab in linen!

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  23. This is adorable - a very flattering shape. I like rumply linen (:

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