Several moons ago (last year) I attended a natural dyeing course with my fellow One Year One Outfit-ers at Trudi Pollard‘s amazing studio. I bought some Cambodian silk from her and dyed it with her madder and this glorious fabric is the result!
I was exceedingly anxious about cutting into this precious fabric, but it’s “face your fears” month on my Facebook Stashbusting group and this fitted the bill perfectly.
The shirt pattern is Vogue 2634 from 2002 which I bought in an op shop for 50¢, but I see that it’s still available on the Vogue website. Because I bought it in an op shop I didn’t have any choice for sizing, so mine is for a 32″ bust. Ahem!
I duly took it off to my pattern making class at Workspace-fads and Sarah and I redrafted the pattern to fit me. This is a fabulous pattern, and one of the things that intrigued me was the shape of the sleeve.
The placement of the seam means that it’s at the back rather than under the arm, which I rather like.
I made this shirt with flat felled seams rather than the French seams that I’m so partial to. Sarah pointed out that the flat felled seams are much less bulky and she’s right. Flat felled seams also look so nice.
This shirt also forms part of my Sew a Seasonal Wardrobe challenge and it goes really well with my new Hollyburn skirt
My Oslo cardigan is the perfect outer layer as the weather cools down, and I’ve also added a slip to the Sew a Seasonal Wardrobe, which is made from a luxurious stretch silk crepe and Vogue 8219, and which I am rather coyly displaying here :).
The shirt goes perfectly with my self-drafted black bengaline trousers and my orange Frye Jillian oxfords which I found, brand new, in a vintage store in New York. Here I am admiring them, although I hadn’t intended my trousers to fold over in that way – heh, heh.
So, how much more will I make for my Sew a Seasonal Wardrobe challenge? I have a couple of pieces to blog, but my mind keeps flitting to other things I could make!
You’re just showing off now Sue! That shirt is fabulous, the fabric is fabulous, the colour is fabulous, your collection is fabulous, they all go so nicely together.
Haha! I’m really pleased with the way that they’ve come together. I’m beginning to feel that I need a jarring note though…
Beautiful Sue, how satisfying to have dyed and created such a lovely garment. The colour looks perfect on you!
It’s a glorious colour, and I’ve got some madder dyed linen as well.
Lovely shirt, beautiful colour and matching shoes too. Marvellous!
Thank you! I’m rather partial to those shoes!
Lovely shirt, pretty colour and it fits in so well with all the other items in your seasonal wardrobe. I love flat felled seams too…such a neat finish inside and out.
Thanks Jean. It is a perfect piece in my SSW, and I’m really happy with it.
What a lovely colour, and perfect to make it into a classic blouse. What will you do with the linen? I’m slightly jealous of the shoes too! They do match beautifully. I think your seasonal wardrobe is a bit warmer than mine! The sun’s shining but I’m still in woollies.
Cooling down here now, Trish. I am besotted with the shoes!!
This colour is so exquisite. I can’t tell you how I love the whole look with your new Hollyburn! And those shoes… how lucky you were to find them in NYC. What size? ‘Cause they’re just my style, you know.
Size 6, Hélène. My style too (although I am often seduced by a certain red sole!)
Lovely shirt made out of that special fabric. A nice way to remember the process. You are definitely exceeding yourself with this seasonal wardrobe and to top it off shoes as well!
I tried the shoes with the skirt and look ridiculous so I can’t wear them with everything, sadly!
I love it – and although it looks at first to be a very simple shirt it has some lovely details. 😃
Yes Kim, those sleeves!
So gratifying when it all comes together and YOU DID IT! Love everything!
Thank you Margene. I am pleased.
What a glorious colour! Great shirt and obviously so versatile.
Thank you Barbara. I also did linen and got a completely different shade.
Love the colour up you achieved – really beautiful. And it goes great with those shoes!
brilliant shirt and on your drafting. yes the seam at the back of the sleeve adds interest. love the shoes-good find!
Thanks Roma. Pity I can’t show you those shoes in person!
Stunning colour for your shirt and understand the fear factor. Your seasonal wardrobe is looking very impressive.
Thank you Sharon. I keep thinking about starting a second one – and then I go and have a lie down!!
Lovely blouse and a wonderful colour. I’m still too scared to use mine!
I so know the feeling. I still have the linen!
Glorious. Colour. Fabric. Pattern. And styled beautifully too. Ten out of ten.
Thank you Kate 🙂
Well done you, grest shirt and lovely well coordinated outfit. I like your shoes.
Thank you Annie, I like my shoes too!
I love the colour! and the flat felled seams are perfect. I’ve done sleeves like that before in jackets, but not shirts – it’s such a more polished look!
So great to see this made up so beautifully. As much as I love seeing mine in my closet, I should really stitch it up!
Thanks Nicki. I still have the linen though 😜