The latest edition of the Fibremood magazine (Edition 31) has some lovely patterns and I struggled to choose one, but in the end opted for the Tirza which is a tie front blouse. The sleeves also have optional ties.

I pondered this design for a while as I could see that the gaps between the ties would expose more of my flesh than I would perhaps want, as you can see from the photo below.

I decided I would try the Tirza, but sew a strip inside it a bit like a zip guard to cover up the gap running down the front.

I chose an old Ikea curtain I had in my stash, and I have no idea where it came from but it was such a pretty dobby or Swiss Dot cotton.

It was one of those simple curtains that has a pole running through tabs at the top. I deconstructed it and got some useful pieces of fabric.

I also found a hole in the bottom of the curtain which is probably why it was discarded but wasn’t terribly concerned about it as I had plenty of fabric and I could cut out from the other end.

I cut out my blouse and began sewing it together when I noticed the hole, right on the bottom of a front – honestly, how does this happen?? It could have been worse I guess. I considered, briefly, cutting a new front but where’s the challenge in that? I happened to be doing the Making Zen workshops and there was a workshop on stitched words by Amanda Trought, which I thought was quite serendipitous so I made a triangle patch and stitched the word “Restore” on it. It took me three goes to get it right, I started with green stitching (too dark), went to thick white stitching (too clunky looking) and finished up doing the word in white embroidery floss, which was still hard to read so I outlined it in pale pink. I took this photo before that final pink step.

One of the first steps is to cut out and sew the ties, which are cut on the bias. I made several attempts at this, deciding that the spots created obstacles when I was pulling the ties through to the right side, so I cut some bias ties from plain white fabric, and that worked much better. I still finished up with a pile of misshapen ties though.

I didn’t put ties in the sleeves but found them a bit annoying so threaded some elastic through. I thought the top would be perfect with my white Fibremood Gizeh pants but couldn’t tolerate the way they fitted. They are perfect on the waist and terrible everywhere else.

I bit the bullet and made a new pair using the same tablecloth from which I made the original pair. I used my trouser block to alter the back crotch curve and took around 3cms off from the hips, tapering down to the ankle. They still aren’t perfect but they are so much better.

Here is the front view. You can see how the inside flap preserves my modesty. I have used a press stud to hold it together at the top. A close up of some of the construction follows in case anyone else wants to do it. It was so easy. I used the curtain header to create the flap and probably should have interfaced it but I didn’t want it to be too stiff, so I didn’t this time. I sewed it on to the left front between the front and the facing, making sure the ties were tucked away on the inside. I did choose to have the stripes running the other way for a bit of visual interest.

I added a label on to the bottom, but only I know it’s there. The fabric was a bit warped so I didn’t quite get my stripes lined up but it’s not noticeable when I’m wearing it.

This is how it sits with the press stud closed. I made the top of the flap start at the second set of ties, but would consider making it higher next time. I thought it might look strange though, so need to think about that. I also raised the bottom of the flap so it didn’t get caught up in the hem, but I’m sure I could do something with this next time.

Another view and you can see my Made in 2024 label.

The top is so comfortable and I have worn it several times.

I like it with my Liz Haywood zero waste Clair skirt made from a doona cover, and it will go well with my Gorman doona cover Clair skirt as well.

and I love it with my Pattern Union Hannah culottes

I am really enjoying this blouse and am so pleased I chose the pattern. The inside guard has made all the difference to how I feel about wearing it as I don’t have to worry about wearing a camisole underneath it. I will definitely be making another one, perhaps in silk.