The Recital Shirt

1 Comment February 18, 2018 apinchofsewing

So, here I am sharing another ruffled blouse. Even before the ruffles become trendy, I already used to wear them, so it’s only natural that I started collecting patterns with ruffles when they started being released, right?

This time I made the Recital Shirt, a pattern by Liesl + Co. I knew I needed that pattern the moment it came out, but some patterns I prefer in paper version, so I waited a sale to get my copy in the paper version. I can now tell you that it was worth it.

The pattern offers different options for front, collar and placket. I opted for version A, with princess seams, ruffled collar and continuous placket.

This pattern offers a range size from 0 to 20, and for different cup sizes. According to my measurements, I made a size 0, cup A/B, without modifications and I won’t make changes in my next version.

I particularly like the fit, not being baggy at the waist, thanks to the back darts and princess seams. Although it doesn’t make hemming any easier, I like how the slit looks like and makes it more comfortable to wear.

The instructions provided are very useful, leading to a neat final result. I don’t make sleeve plackets that often, so it’s something that causes me some apprehension at first, but I had no issues at all.

The fabric I’ve used is a lovely Liberty bought from Cousette, two years ago already! I really like this print and colour, and was saving it for something I’m sure I will wear a lot.

I do like to wear blouses and the fit in this one is very good, but I admit I, probably, wouldn’t have bought it if it wasn’t for the collar. 😉

This was not a fast project but was definitely worth it. 😊

New Tees for the girls

2 Comments November 29, 2017 apinchofsewing

My girls were in need of some tees, as they have outgrown most of the ones they have, so I decided to make them a couple each, but this time adding a little personal touch. These tees were made over a month ago, but they haven’t made their way to the blog until now!

You might know that I have opened an Etsy shop recently, with girls’ clothes, and wanted to include some tees that I believe are age appropriate. Two of these tees were actually made as samples for the shop. If you would like to have a look at the shop, you’re very welcome. 😊

For all the tees, I used Hey June patterns in size 8. I made two City Park Tees and added a ruffle at the shoulder for an extra girly look.

I used a Nosh jersey as the main fabric, ribbing also from Nosh and for the ruffle I used mustard Capel Liberty Tana Lawn. I love the colour contrast and they will look great paired with dungarees.

The second City Park Tee was made using an Art Gallery jersey that I had for some time now and organic cotton ribbing from Maud’s Fabric Finds. This time also included a ruffle, but instead used broderie anglaise. I like how delicate and feminine it looks.

I made two more tees, but this time using the Morrison Tee, again in size 8. Since ruffles continue to be trendy I, once again added ruffles. I really like how it looks!

The fabrics used are the same as the City Park, but used Liberty Wiltshire instead.

The broderie anglaise used for this tee is also slightly different, as it is wider and the fabric is lighter.

These might be just tees, but I like how girly they look. 😊

A Dress and a Blouse ready for Christmas Festivities

3 Comments November 22, 2017 apinchofsewing

Hope it is not too soon to talk about Christmas! I usually start Christmas preparations only in December as it feels funny starting them before, but the truth is I always find I’m late getting everything ready. There is nothing like having a commitment to start making things on a timely fashion! 😉

A while ago I made, each of my girls, a Juliette dress, a pattern by Sewpony and Kneesocks & Goldilocks (IG) and I absolutely love the style. Simple lines, but so girly, that of course, became a favourite and had to be included in their winter wardrobe.

This time I made one dress for M and one blouse for F, both in size 7, although I think I will have to make another one for F soon. She is growing way too fast!

Despite the pattern offering different options, I liked the previous ones so much that I’ve chosen, once again, ¾ sleeves and ruffle neckline.

The only difference, although not visible, is that this time I made a very small change to the ruffle. In the pattern instructions, the ruffle is attached to the back, but because the blouse and dress are going to be used with a cardigan, I didn’t want the ruffle to stay under it, but instead standing out. Not much of a difference.

I recently got a new foot for my sewing machine. There is nothing like having the right tools for the job! I got a rolled hem foot and I don’t waste a chance for using it. So, I hemmed the ruffle using the rolled hem foot instead of following the instructions (nothing wrong with them, just personal preference 😉). The hems in my ruffles are becoming much neater now. 😊

The fabric used for both, dress and blouse, is the Liberty Tana Lawn Wiltshire, just in different colours. I really like this print and how they match. I got the fabric from Alice Caroline, who has a big variety of prints, making the task of choosing a difficult one.

Have you started your Christmas sewing? I have to admit I was never so ahead of time!