Finished Project: Butterick 612

What d'ya think?

All in all, considering I went straight for it and didn't do a muslin, I don't think the fit is too bad.

I think next time I'll make the bust darts a little longer as I feel there is a bit of excess fabric around my chest. I'm also quite surprised at how many buttons it absorbed! Count them, there's 9!

Originally there was just 5, but I had some gaping issues.

The fit around the hips however, is perfect for me. Not too tight, but not too baggy and the cut gives a flattering 'hourglass' shape.

I think the next time I use this pattern I'll probably use something slightly thicker, or maybe just go to the extra effort of lining it if the fabric is a little see through like the gingham.

So for this weeks theme of 'Red' over at Sew Weekly, and in honour of Valentines Day, I paired the top with a red bangle from my collection, red lips & a red paisley bandana (which my husband loves to see me wear!). As my fabric was gingham and for some reason I can only associate this fabric with hot weather, I teamed it with some denim capris and tennis shoes.

I can definitely see this top getting a bit of wear in the warmer months, and I'm glad I finally used it for something!







Butterick 612: Quick Update

I'm about 2/3 of the way through so I thought I'd do a quick update to show you how its going.

So far the only problem i've come across is with the interfacing pieces, as for some reason they don't match with the front/back blouse pieces.

This created an interesting problem when trying to do the neckline as nothing matched up?!

I solved this by shifting a few pieces, and basically making it fit.

I'm not sure what could have caused this problem in the first place? The only thing I could think of is that the interfacing pieces given are from a different sized pattern? Nevertheless, I now have the correct sized piece which I can trace for future use.



This was taken after I'd moved the front pieces to fit. The back however, is still way off!

So now I'm at the stage where I need to stitch down the facings and the sew up the sides, followed by the armholes.



Front




Close up of neck



Back



Sew Weekly Theme: Red

As previously mentioned I've recently joined the Sew Weekly, which if you've never heard of it, is a website started and managed by the lovely Mena Trott. Anyone can join, whether you sew or are just a lover of handmade clothes.
Each week has a theme, last week was UFO (unfinished objects), which I didn't participate in, although now looking around the room I see a few neglected projects?!
This week to coincide with the most loved/loathed holiday of them all, Valentines Day, the theme is Red. You're encouraged, but not obliged, to sew a garment each week that relates to the chosen theme.

As I've very recently made a dress from a rather bright red hue, I've decided to go down the route of using a geometric pattern instead, more specifically, gingham.
I've also decided to stick with my recent sewing win, and make another blouse. This time using a recently bought Butterick 612 from (i'm guessing) the late 1950's, early 60's.
Now, I've cheated a little with the inspiration for this fabric as it's actually on one of the illustrations on the front.

But doesn't it look so cute?? To tell you the truth, I've had both of these cotton gingham prints sitting in my stash now for at least 18 months. Whenever I got close in the past to choosing it for a garment, I had flashbacks to when I was in Junior School. If you're not from the UK, you will have no idea what I'm on about. Basically it was school uniform for girls to wear summer dresses when the weather was hotter, and these dresses would either be blue, green, or red gingham.

But as the illustration looks pretty cute, and not school girl-like at all, I'm going to give this a whirl!

I've also decided to not make a muslin this time around as I'm fairly confident about the fit (famous last words). Wish me luck!