FO: Mathilde blouse

Ok, this post has it all, guys: drama, tears, joy and one hella lovely blouse.

I think at this point, this patterns needs no introduction: it's the Mathilde Blouse, by Tilly (she of the buttons). First off, if you haven't already, go buy it! You won't be sorry.

It's a lovely button-back blouse, with front yoke, vertical tucks and puffed sleeves. All that loveliness in just one blouse.

When Tilly blogged about her original makes, I was green with envy. And when she announced that it was available for sale, I didn't even pause to think about what an incredible achievement that was - I just had to have it. And I was Tilly's first customer! But of course, now I've had plenty of time to think about it, and gosh... what an achievement! It's lovely - no?
 
Unfortunately, the vertical tucks are a bit hidden by the busy print - but if you peer closely, they are there! I used a light cotton lawn - it's a very dark navy blue with a lollipop tree design. I wouldn't want to go much heavier with this blouse - the sleeves in particular might be a bit too stiff. One day, when I'm all grown up, I might try this with a slippery fabric. But for now, cotton lawn suits me fine!

I used wooden buttons for the back closure (is it ok to use my rubbish "you can't see the wood for the trees" joke here?). As you can see from this photo, I could probably take some ease out of the mid/lower back (but do let me know if you think that would be unwise).

The fit is great. I cut a 2 at the bust, grading to 5 at the hips. I also added 2" length at the bottom, and an extra button. I didn't lengthen the sleeves, but I did remove 4" fullness from the bottom of the sleeve, just because at this length on me the sleeves felt a bit too full. I think this level of puff is just right for me. (Puffed sleeves always make me think of Anne of Green Gables!)

I just love this blouse. I'll be making it up again - I like the thought of a contrast yoke and shorter sleeves.

One happy customer!

So where's all the drama I promised? What about those tears? Ok, so brace yourselves - the next photo is pretty upsetting:

Let this be a lesson to those of you tempted to sew past midnight, when you already feel a little bit tired and that voice in the back of your head says "let's just finish this up tomorrow". Listen to that voice. And don't think you're above putting pins at each end the buttonhole before getting the seam ripper out.

I can't believe how stupid I was, but the proof is there. I didn't do too bad a job patching it up though...

You can't really notice it unless you're looking for it, and I don't expect many people will be paying that much attention to my lower back in any case.

And on the subject of buttonholes, my sewing machine (a Janome DC 3050) has a one-step buttonhole function. Hooray in theory. But in practise, it's a real jerk about it: jamming up for no reason, deciding it's done half way through, or seemingly losing interest and just stopping. I gave my machine a really good clean last week, so I don't think it's due to a build up of fluff, and it seems to do everything else with no problem. And I used a new needle for this make. Has anyone else had a similar problem? Any suggestions on how to deal with it? The most annoying thing is that I'll do half a dozen test buttonholes with no problem, but when it comes to working on the garment, the machine just starts playing up. It's like it knows!!!!!! Double grrr.

The sums
2m cotton lawn: £20 (from Fabrics Galore)
Mathilde pattern: £7
8 x wooden buttons: £5
Thread / interfacing: stash
Total: £32

A tad pricer than the usual make, but worth every penny.
~

Anyway, next up...  I haven't forgotten about my Moss mini skirt, but I also just received my Deer & Doe Sureau pattern, and also have an itch to sew up another Renfrew. Do you sometimes feel paralysed by too much choice?

Speak soon
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