Tuesday 15 November 2011

Close up on Jasmine

You saw this shirt in the post from yesterday but I thought I'd share a few extra details with you.

To date I haven't done a lot of sewing for myself. 
Largely because I have had issues with fit. Or really me not knowing how to get a good fit and so not wearing the things I make, which puts me off making more.

I made this shirt straight off the pattern and it fits me perfectly.



It's bias cut which means there are no zips or buttons to contend with. (Pieces are not cut with the grain of the fabric but across it).

The down side of that is that you use a lot of fabric to get it all cut out and you need to take your time when positioning the front and back pieces to ensure the pattern will match when you sew the front and back seams.


This shirt has lovely details that are perhaps a little hard to see due to the pattern.

There is a little tie on the collar at the front, the two pieces are tucked through a small loop so you don't have to worry about how you tie them together, they just stay where they should.

The sleeves have a band on the end and there is a gently curved collar at the neckline, details that would be more evident if I made it with a contrasting collar and sleeve bands.
Which is what I think I will do next time - as there will definitely be a next time with this shirt.



Even the pattern itself is very sweet.
It's a booklet...


...with very clear step by step instructions and great illustrations...



...and a pocket at the back for the pattern and any notes you want to make for next time.

I'd highly recommend this pattern to a confident beginner sewist.
Make it easier on yourself for the first try and don't use a directional print - instead try it with something like a dot - or a solid.

If this pattern is anything to go by then I am looking forward to getting some time to cut into the Colette Clover pants I plan to make.


THE NITTY GRITTY

THE PATTERN: Jasmine by Colette. (View B)

THE FABRIC: Voile from Spotlight

17 comments:

Christy said...

Love it! It's on my list. Isn't Spotlight surprising for good fabrics these days??

Susan said...

It looks great. Definately on my list to sew! Can I ask what size you cut? (I have a parfait dress here waiting to trace and it would be a good check for me :) Susan

thornberry said...

It really does look fantastic Karen! You've done a wonderful job, and that's a great review.

Cas said...

karen it fits so well b/c you look amazing. beautiful blouse, thankyou for sharing :)

Unknown said...

It looks great on you. The fit looks really good. Isn't it amazing though, how fussy we are about the things we make and how they fit, and yet will buy stuff off the rack that really doesn't and be okay with that.

make it perfect said...

gorgeous karen! might have to make one for myself!!

Claire - Matching Pegs said...

It's very flattering - I too have only just started making things that are for me.

I don't want to put in heaps of work on a garment that turns out not to suit me.

I have several patterns lined up, of things my Mother has already made - so I know they are good patterns.

Wearing voile is just lovely - I have recently completed 2 kaftan style tops from voile, and they are so light and airy.

Good on you Karen.

rachelmp said...

This top looks so cute on you - perfect. I can't believe you found that fabric at spotlight. I couldn't find anything at the Ballarat one

red in oz said...

That looks fantastic Karen, well done!

Bek said...

Lovely! The minute I saw that pattern I fell in love! I haven't bought it yet... Maybe one for the Christmas list?

Cindy said...

The blouse looks lovely on you!

Andrea said...

Hi,new to your blog via Quilary and just love your top, great pattern and fabric!

michal said...

wgat a great top! Love the way it looks on you!

Annie said...

Karen, what a surprise to see my smiling face on your blog. I have finally posted re: Sewjourn. Didn't we have fun! I have cut out a new table runner tonight with an Aunty Cookie panel in red and white. I'll work on it again tomorrow after some report writing. I bought a collette pattern today, inspired by you. It is a dress with short sleeves.

Unknown said...

I love this! The details are so lovely and it is the perfect sleeve length. It looks fabulous on you.

Rachel said...

It looks great! Can i ask you a question about the pattern though - how accurate did you find the fabric requirements? I was going to buy some fabric to make one of these yesterday but didn't because the fabric requirements seemed excessive (I don't actually have the pattern yet)

Sally said...

I really want to start sewing for myself more in 2012. This looks like a great pattern... thanks for sharing. I love voile. So soft and light. Perfect for Perth.