Perhaps I'd more accurately entitle this post Monday cutting, Tuesday bias tape making, Wednesday bodice, Thursday Sleeves, Friday hemming and Saturday photoshoot. Not as catchy, but more truthful. I am not a speedy garment sewer.
But it was high time for a first attempt at a pattern made from Heather Ross' book - because although it's eye candy in it's own right, it's good to actually complete a project from a book every now and again. I have to remind myself of this, each time my fingers itch to bring home a new one.
One of my favourite things about our blog community is the ability to learn from others, and there was no shortage of posts on the summer blouse I planned to make. So I knew to lengthen the body (thanks to Erin) and to open up the neckline (thanks to Ashley). The dangers of the pyjama look (thanks to simply h) and that it looks wonderful in a very lightweight cotton (thanks to Amanda). I was all set to go.
My trial run, in inexpensive fabric. Because I was very unsure after the Japanese dress experience, that I would manage to set in a sleeve in a way that allowed me to move my arms.
Mercifully, my arms can move freely in all the directions nature intended. Look, I can smell the lilacs in my pretty shirt. Even if my neighbour thinks I am gardening in my pyjamas (again). I guess you can be told things, but sometimes you need to experience them for yourself to really learn the lesson!
I've looked everywhere for this book in Bristol - desperately want to make the shirt too - your colour combos are fab!
Want one now!!!!!!!
Posted by: claire | 11 May 2009 at 21:32
ah- i love your top!! such great fabrics you chose.
i hope it's not too wierd a thing to write- but i will do it anyway. you have a really beautiful neck. :)
Posted by: melissa | 11 May 2009 at 21:47
Because it is so pretty (and your combination of materials lovely) I suspect you should make more (lash out and do one in a Liberty lawn??)
Posted by: mary | 11 May 2009 at 22:24
It's beautiful! That's the one item I most want to make from the book. Bet mine won't be as nice as yours though - although it will be one heck of a lot bigger!!! ;o) Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 11 May 2009 at 22:41
I do like this design but alas I'm crap at sewing clothes so I shall just admire the impressive fruits of your labour from afar instead!
Posted by: lina | 12 May 2009 at 02:16
Cute fabric! I really like the inner fabric you picked. I just got my hands..finally on the book too. I'm going to give something in it a try. But I'm not going to mention in on my blog until it's done..if I can finish it and learn a lesson. :) (fingers crossed)
Posted by: Gina | 12 May 2009 at 05:34
It makes me tired just thinking of all the things involved in sewing one top. My mojo will come back. One day.
Very sweet, Miss A.
Posted by: Megan | 12 May 2009 at 05:52
It's SO pretty! I can't remember the last time I did any dressmaking. I should really, shouldn't I? But I'm not sure I have the courage. Well done you - your summer top is lovely. x
Posted by: Kitty | 12 May 2009 at 07:31
I am still so scared of sewing clothes.Don't know why but they are in the same category as zips!
Posted by: Kristy | 12 May 2009 at 07:46
So beautiful. Looks absolutely perfect!
And big congratulations on the sleeves! Sleeves are my nemesis...
K x
Posted by: kristina | 12 May 2009 at 07:54
hey look at you!
that is brilliant... I'm absolutely petrified to try sewing clothes.
I've got 'clothes-block'. Severely.
Posted by: monica | 12 May 2009 at 08:22
It looks fantastic! Well done!
Posted by: Di | 12 May 2009 at 08:24
Lovely fabric Ali. How did you find arm sewing/setting? I haven't braved arms yet - keep putting it off!!
x
Posted by: JuliaB | 12 May 2009 at 08:54
I think a week is pretty good going to be honest. I still have things I gave up on in 1998
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 12 May 2009 at 09:09
Such pretty fabric.
Well done you for being so talented.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | 12 May 2009 at 09:22
Your fabric combination looks so pretty Ali. It's gorgeous!
Posted by: Gina | 12 May 2009 at 10:50
great top!
Posted by: two hippos | 12 May 2009 at 11:27
Hi! I love your top! The fabric are so pretty. Thanks for sharing the links to sewing tips.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | 12 May 2009 at 12:21
Love the top. Love the fabric. WANT the book! Thank you for sharing that. :)
Posted by: Julia | 12 May 2009 at 12:23
nice work! i'd already planned to go get that book now this morning and you just gave me the push i needed.
Posted by: Jade | 12 May 2009 at 13:32
I so wish I had the time to sew clothing. It's really lovely Ali and I so agree with Melissa - you do have a gorgeous neck!
Posted by: Louise | 12 May 2009 at 14:07
Your summer blouse is lovely Ali, and a beautiful choice of fabrics. I loved all the tips, my pyjama one is still sitting in my drawer, but I will make another and agree re lengthening it and probably a size smaller (plus I will use a much nicer less pj fabric!)
Ps I agree with Melissa - you do have a lovely neck!!
Posted by: Simply H | 12 May 2009 at 14:30
Very pretty! Your fabrics go beautifully together.
Posted by: cathleen | 12 May 2009 at 14:37
Oh it looks so good. You are faster than me at making my dress. That Amy Butler fabric on the placket is the one I am using for my dress. I might have to get this book
Posted by: Thimbleina | 12 May 2009 at 14:42
Those are really cute fabrics that you've picked. I've just bought that book. That top was one of the patterns that caught my eye, but now you've scared me off a little. Although I could do with some new pjs...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 12 May 2009 at 15:13
well done - it looks fab. By the way what's wrong with gardening in your PJs?
Posted by: Julie | 12 May 2009 at 17:11
Really very pretty. I've been making mega simple peasant tops & dress for me and the girls, also in cheap cottons - it's very rewarding, isn't it?
Posted by: dottycookie | 12 May 2009 at 19:02
Gorgeous Ali, Such delicious, sweetie-like colours x
Posted by: Emma | 12 May 2009 at 20:00
Oh that's very nice. Love the Amy B on the inside collar.
Posted by: Jo | 13 May 2009 at 09:03
very lovely and with one of my favourite amy butler fabrics. I'm keen to make this one but I think i'll have to have a first go with an old sheet given my sewing abilities!
Posted by: claire | 13 May 2009 at 19:50
The colors you've chosen are simply lovely. I'm sure I would stay in that beautiful shirt my entire day. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Posted by: Launi | 14 May 2009 at 16:37
I love your top, the fabrics look great.
Posted by: shannon | 15 May 2009 at 04:20
Very, very nice, I love the fabrics you've chosen.
Posted by: Rebecca | 15 May 2009 at 13:08
The top looks great, and always a bonus to be able to move your arms. I like the collar facing fabric. I have my eye on that book too, but feel I should make something from some of the other sewing books I own first.
Posted by: Helen | 15 May 2009 at 14:50
well done, ali! it looks great.
Posted by: erin | 17 May 2009 at 22:22
so very pretty!
Posted by: Claudia | 21 May 2009 at 14:51
Oh, and I walk my dog in my pyjamas. What...I go back to bed after!
Posted by: Claudia | 21 May 2009 at 14:53