After coming across this pattern again and again on flickr and sewing sites I finally got hold of the pattern book it features in and made myself one. It's pattern B from Stylish Dress Book. A loose blouse with gathering around the neck. The sleeves are in two pieces with gathering at the middle and an elasticated cuff. I assumed the book would be in Japanese like other ones I have, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was in English. That saved a lot of head scratching and poring over a translation sheet. Still, with these Japanese sewing books you have to remember to add seam allowances and when tracing out the pattern for the lower sleeve, remember to add an extra 10cm to the width for the gathering.
I bought this fabric last year and was waiting for the right project. It's Peaceful Cooing by Nani Iro and it's a double gauze (two pieces of gauze like fabric invisibly stitched together). It's very soft and warm... would make a beautiful quilt.
I'm sure I'll be making this pattern again and again (and many others from the book). Next time though, I'll make the next size up (size 12) as it's a little tight round the shoulders, and I'll extend the sleeves two or three inches.
The first bit of sun we've seen in weeks today. Still freezing on the beach, so a very brief photo shoot! I surreptitiously snapped off some beautiful greengage blossom on our walk and brought it back to the house. Spring is here!
Top looks really lovely, great with jeans. I love the Japanese sewing books, but so scared of the sizing! How is it to sew with double gauze? Thinking of making Rae's Washi dress with the same fabric.
ReplyDeleteThank you Minkymoo! The fabric is very easy to sew with and I think it would work well for the Washi dress, although it is definitely a lot warmer than you'd imagine, so maybe not so suitable for a really summery version. Sizing wise, I am an English size 10, (USA 6) and I think the size 12 in the book would be right for me. Most of the patterns are quite loose so you can get away with a bit of size guess work! x
Deletewonderful fabric,love the color
ReplyDeleteI was searching the internet for photos of this top, make by different people. I have to say that yours is my favourite! What wonderful fabric - and what a stunning colour!!!
ReplyDeleteAND, I'm very glad I clicked on the picture, as now I've discovered your lovely blog! :-)
I LOVE the Stylish Dress Book! I'm new to making my clothes, but am loving this little adventure! I've made the dress on the cover, and now I'm working on Pattern B.
Have you made any of the other garments from the book???
Carly
x
Hi Carly,
DeleteThanks for your kind comments! I haven't made any other patterns from the book... yet. I'm thinking of maybe B, S or V next. I really like the versions by 'the workroom' on flickr. Do you know her work? Enjoying looking back through your blog too! Amazing crochet! Can't believe you are a beginner!! x vicky
Oh I made this last year , love your choice of fabric - looks lovely on, might have to try some nani iro I have in my stash
ReplyDeleteI have some of this fabric in another colour and was thinking of making this too with it. But I think you must have cut the pattern pieces against the grain to make it fit as you have done. Can I sk if this has worked / sewed well or not?
ReplyDeleteI have some of this fabric in another colour and was thinking of making this too with it. But I think you must have cut the pattern pieces against the grain to make it fit as you have done. Can I sk if this has worked / sewed well or not?
ReplyDelete