Redemption

 I had to redeem myself after the Tigra mishap.  So I made one more version of Simplicity 2601.  I love this little blouse pattern.  The shape is so nice.  Makes me feel like I have a little waist- even on days when I know I don't ;)

I did several alterations on this version based on my other two versions.  I did a square shoulder adjustment and lowered the back neckline 1/2".  I took in the midfriff 1/2" on each side, tapering the bodice and peplum sections to match.  I added an extra button, although on this particular version I forgot to extend the underlap.  Oh well.  And I slashed and spread the cap sleeve about an inch to accommodate my, erm, bulging biceps.

This blouse was a laborious bit of sewing.  Yes, it's Liberty tana lawn (ooh la la!).  I wish I could afford to buy yardage but sadly, I can't.  I'm on a strict fabric diet at the moment.  This was all salvaged from a dress I found at a thrift store.  Not just any thrift store, but the "by-the-pound" thrift store.  That's where thrift store clothing goes to die.  When stuff doesn't sell or doesn't even make it in to the regular thrift store, it gets sent to the "by-the-pound" store.  Everything is thrown in huge bins and yes, it's sold by the pound. A dollar a pound.  It's actually a little gross.  Makes you feel like you need to take a shower after you've been sorting through some of the bins.  I don't go there very often, but I was glad when I spotted a dress made from Liberty.  I'm guessing it didn't even cost me a full dollar.  It has to be old because I haven't seen this colorway in the Wiltshire print before.   It's mainly orange on a blue background.

As a result of it being salvaged from an existing garment, there are a few weird seams throughout.  But I'm not fussed about it.  Since the fabric is so fancy-schmancy, I made sure the insides are just as nice as the outsides.  French seams where possible and all the other raw edges are bound, including the sleeve seams which I hardly ever worry about.   The buttons are faux mother of pearl.  I may switch them out for nicer ones someday.  Or not.

Please excuse all the wrinkles in these photos.  I finished it last night at about ten and then wore it to work today straight away. 

I skipped the interfacing.  I figured the heavier weight polka dot shirting I used for the under collar and midriff facing would stiffen those pieces up a bit.  But my collar flips up a bit at the edges- methinks because there is no interfacing there.  What is the true purpose of interfacing anyway?  Can anyone enlighten me?  I tend to skip it wherever possible, but maybe I shouldn't.  I avoid the white, cardboard-y stuff and stick with fusible tricot when I do use it.  Any good resources for buying good quality interfacing?

As for other matters of business...

 

Yep, I'm joining the fun.  May is an extremely busy month for me at work.  I'm frantically trying to finish up lessons, plan art shows, do end-of-year assessments, etc.  I know I'm not upping the ante this time around, but I'll be happy if I make it through the month wearing one me-made a day.  My challenge is going to be in photographing, specificaly posing.  No repeat poses this month.  I can only stare at the ground one time.  We'll see how silly this gets :)

One more thing: Hooray for PicMonkey!