Stitch and bitch #7. Hanging by a thread

thanks all - I'm going to put a "flange" round the edge (zip width) and the zip will come 1/3 down the sides (so very long zip) - if it doesn't work, i'll find some way to adapt it. But batting may be a good idea too.
The interfacing i have is actually a tad thick for what i usually make (fabric baskets, zippered pouches) so i think 2 layers of it will be ok.

Will report back when i finally get round to making it :) (as we all know i now have to sit and ponder for a week or two before cutting...)

I reckon viscose would work. I think the blouse is cleverly constructed, how they get the volume into the sleeve whilst it sits on the shoulders so nicely.

A pattern like this might be a good starting point https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/verona-woven-top/?aer=eu ? I cannot find a pattern that would give you the long cuff with rouleau loops, but I think, if you can find a short cuff it wouldn't be too hard to lengthen to make the drama.

@kittykarate brilliant thank you that pattern looks ideal.

No doubt my first attempt wont be much good so I'm going to get some cheap stuff to trial. I thought I'd attempt to make the sleeve length above wrist & add on a long ribbed cuff to make it a little more casual. It may end up looking awful but I have it in my head now

Some possibles are the remy raglan with the big sleeve or this one
https://maison-fauve.co.uk/products/chelsea-blouse-paper-sewing-pattern which has big cuffs but a few other pleated details.

I too was coveting Sara's top - so pretty. I have made something vaguely similar (although not a bishop sleeve) from one of the Big 4 patterns, I think a McCall's. I'll go and check.

@PickAChew thanks the remy is definitely very similar. It looks a bit bigger in the body width than I'd like but I guess I'd just size down...

@dubyalass oh do you have any pics? It is such a pretty top. I'm just going to attempt to recreate in plain black to hide any flaws, I'm not confident with bias binding yet. Be great to know which pattern you used.

I’ve been taking my time cutting out this dress. I’ve still got the sleeves to go but I’ve managed to play pattern Tetris pretty well and have over 2m left at this stage. I’ve even applied interfacing before cutting the neckband on the bias as it did stretch out quite a bit last time.

However I’ve not been able to find matching thread which means no topstitching the bias strip down

@Jins if you can't find matching thread, would it be worth using a contrast thread and making a feature of it?

@FletchingStraight this isn't the one I made but I think it's an even better option! I might have to treat myself...

jaycotts.co.uk/products/sewing-pattern-m8147

@InMySpareTime I’ve looked at a few contrast options and I don’t think they’ll work. The neck binding is supposed to be slip-stitched in place so I’ll do that rather than my lazy option.

@dubyalass that's gorgeous. Not a fan of a neck bow but they have a little collar option which hopefully I could manage!
I definitely prefer a paper pattern to work from. Think I may have just added to basket...

Yes I thought the low collar option matched it pretty well. Glad to be of service!

You can combine views, too, @FletchingStraight so view A but with the view B sleeves rather than the armadillo on your shoulders.

@PickAChew 😂 😂 armadillo shoulder

But yes will definitely pick & mix

I also love that maison fauve blouse - would be perfect for my new work wardrobe when I magically become a sophisticated businesswoman 😂

For the first time in ages I’ve done some sewing for me today, I got most of the way through the Declic top that I’ve had cut out for weeks. I’m thinking double gauze wasn’t the best choice for it, but hopefully it’ll make a nice casual top. I’ve got some nice 1m cuts of viscose I could use to make a more polished looking version once I work out if I need any adjustments.

I hate to frighten you all but in sewing terms (at my pace of sewing anyway) Christmas is just round the corner.

I have committed to sewing a few items to add to stock for DD's Christmas sale of works at her office (funds going to Women's Aid). I'm planning to make a few wine bottle gift bags and maybe a couple of Christmas aprons. If anyone has any suggestions they will be gratefully received.

Also planning to make a grown up sized apron for DM as part of her Christmas present. She is nearly impossible to buy for!

There shall be no mentions of the C word until 1st December at the earliest!!

@GnomeDePlume no Christmas sewing for me this year - there’s a new baby due in the family in October so that takes priority!
Would scrunchies, headbands, sleep masks (Tilly has a free pattern) or reusable makeup remover pads be any good for your daughters sale?

Sorry, have I broken the rules!

At the pace at which I sew if I don't start now it will be C-word Day 2024 before things are finished.

@SBAM thank you, excellent thoughts. I will ask DD.

I make reusable gift bags for Christmas (and other presents) Small drawstring, large envelope type specifically for LPs etc etc

Bunting. Make-up wipes (scrap cotton fabric, and towelling - boil washed - as the pad, cut in a square, sew together right sides together, turn out and topstitch all round. Make a small fabric bag to store/wash them in.
Bunting. Tote bags, Kindle pouches (i have a nice envelope shaped one). Bunting. Zippered pouches.
If you look on YouTube Christine's HomeAffairs makes little zippered pouches with a clip to attatch to the handle of the lead, for dog poo bags.

so many things.

I wrap gifts in random fabrics from my stash and collect the fabrics back in again to tidy away afterwards.
I made some gift bags but don't use them much as I tend to get odd-sized gifts that never quite fit

Quiet rainy day sewing preparation for me Cut out 2 t-shirts, about to cut out a pair of trousers. I finished off a dress on the to-do pile, not happy about the style of it, while I don't have much of a waist it really makes me barrel shaped.

MrKitty has a raging hangover so I can't start sewing anything.