For this month’s Minerva make I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit, both in terms of construction and style. I went for a Vogue 1247 blouse in an unusual polyester fabric.
The fabric has the look to me of sandwashed silk: it’s dull and slightly rough, but catches the light in a very pretty way. It also reminds me a bit of a soft chambray denim. As well as being interesting to look at, it was easy to sew and feels light and comfy to wear. It’s tricky to iron (and needs a press cloth as it marks) but I think it works with a slightly rumpled finish. It was a devil trying to press out all the origami-style French seams in this top, though! Looking at these photos, it definitely needed one more good press along the front.
Otherwise I think it was a good match for this Vogue pattern, which has been on my to-sew list for a while. It’s not what I would consider my usual style (in that it isn’t a knit t-shirt, ha ha), but I love the unusual style lines: the kimono sleeves ending in a rolled-back cuff, the curved hem, front and back shoulder pleats, the centre-front darts and panelled bottom half giving a star-shaped seam effect to the front.
It was pretty fun to put together: it all slots together like a jigsaw and the directions include useful extras like where to French seam and how to finish the curved hems. Despite looking complex, I finished it in one afternoon sewing session. I’m generally not a big fan of sewing a bunch of darts and pleats, but I really like the effect they give this blouse so I think it’s worth it from time to time. As you can see, my front seams could be sharper and better lined-up, but I found it tricky to counter the bulk of the French seams with getting crisp points. I think a lighter fabric would make it easier.
I didn’t toile, just went a size down as it’s marked as ‘very oversized’. Luckily the fit turned out pretty good: I just opted to add little side vents as it was a bit snug over my hips. Next time I would probably go down a size at the shoulders/bust and up one at the hips. I’d quite like to try this top again in something lighter too; perhaps a floral lawn or viscose for spring. The pattern also includes a cute basic skirt, which I’m looking forward to whipping up soon in some leftover denim. As ever, you can buy the kit for this make on Minerva here.
I love it in that fabric, it is so unique and really accentuates the pleats! I was just thinking I should make that pattern up again. It is cute and so easy to wear.
Very nice – l like the colour, and the pleats on the shoulders are a lovely detail.
This is such a cool design! And that fabric looks awesome – so comfy to wear, I bet :)
Wow, I love that fabric! And you’re totally right; perfect for the pattern x
I love this top – it does look very complicated and so pretty! Just like Oragami! The fabric looks gorgeous.
Wow! This is such a gorgeous, interesting top. Those seams work beautifully with this fabric. I never would have picked up this pattern, but will definitely be giving it a shot now. Lovely!
That fabric looks deliciously soft. Very lovely!
It’s lovely. Like you I’ve loved this pattern for ages too. I’m not sure I knew it had pleats in the shoulders – your textured fabric shows them beautifully. And I love the colour. Navy is so underrated!
I have been wanting to make that top for awhile now, yours looks great, so adorable on you! I know the frustration of pressing poly, that is why I tend to shy away from it.
This looks great! I made this top and it was seriously the worst thing I have ever spent 5 hours on :) Yours looks so much better!
Very nice! Interesting pattern AND fabric choice, I like both! Thumbs up!
You picked the right fabric to make this top. It’s going to be very easy to wear when the heat kicks this summer.
I really like the complex-looking construction in this top and the fact you whipped it up in an afternnon is splendid.
This fits into the whole ‘over-size’ origami trends that are sweeping the A/W 2014 fashion houses sp you are peaking with this style early and really pulling it off! (Not that as home-sewers we aim to bend to the often fickleness of high fashion!)
The fabric is beautiful and I can see this working with the Grainline Scout T really well too.
Great job!! I love this pattern – it has such interesting style lines! And your pairing with this fun, sueded looking fabric is a great choice!