Big girl's blouse*
Last Sunday I had the house to myself all afternoon while Bill played golf, and I decided to sew. I've had this Built by Wendy pattern ( 4112) for a while, and I decided to make a mock-up version out of a thrifted sheet to see how it looks before spending any money on fabric. It's a very easy and fast project. (For me to finish something is one day is almost unheard of.)
When I finished I modelled it for Bill, and he said, "I don't really like the individual elements of it, like the sleeves or the belt, but it actually looks good on you." I think that sums things up pretty well. I think it is flattering, in that it gives the illusion that I have a waist. The giant bell sleeves are pretty extreme, but somehow they work. 
I will definitely use this pattern again. I think it will look good in a more conservative fabric, to counter its flouncy-ness -- a dark stripe, for example. I'm not sure I'll wear this version. If I do, I think the key will be to de-flounce the rest of the outfit so as not to suggest that I am indeed wearing a flowered bedsheet. 
I lacked the patience for buttonholes and wanted to try snaps. Unfortunately, the pearl snaps I chose are way too heavy-duty for this fabric (especially because there is no interfacing in the front facing), so I have to undo them very carefully. I do like a pearl snap, though. More pearl snaps, I say! I'll leave you with my favourite shot of the day -- got the whole outfit in, from head to toe: 
* Big girl's blouse is a phrase I heard for the first time just a few years ago, when I was working with Australian Danny in Taipei -- most likely while listening to triple j radio in the office -- and I think it is hilarious. (Being a grammar avenger, much of the hilarity for me arises from the ambiguity of the adjective. Is big modifying girl or blouse? Plus the word blouse is just funny, like slacks.)
p.s. Mooky looks much better today -- thanks for your sympathy. He can open his eye and there is less pus and swelling than yesterday, which is a huge relief. I know it's not nice, but I hope the other cat looks worse.
22 comments:
that blouse is so pretty! It definatly has that alternitive fashion element to it. (I think the way you wore it in the photos looks good, I love seeing cons worn with delicate things)
Lovely blouse! I've only made skirts and dresses because I'm afraid of setting in sleeves, so I'm very impressed...
And I just sewed in snap tape for a sweater that's going to be in Sensual Knits 2! Hmm, is there something in the air about not using buttons? It's a new trend!
You are so multitalented. I love it too, the sleeves are great!
Wow, I love the blouse!! I have that pattern, but haven't made it yet, since sure it would look as good on me... Glad to hear poor Mooky is improving -- give him snuggles for us.
The blouse is fabulous. It's very much a Big Girl blouse, too. No matter how grown up it looks, it still looks great with the Converse. :)
I really have to learn how to make sewings.
It looks great on you :)
My Australian ex would call his friends a "girl's blouse" when they didn't want to go out drinking - so I think the "big" is modifying the blouse!
That said, your blouse is adorable. I too like the sleeves.
It looks good on you! Whew - glad to hear Mook's doing better today.
Cute blouse!!! And I like the artwork in the back. The iron just shows that you actually pressed your seams. And Mimi is happy to hear that Mooky is feeling better today.
Hi, i'm starting in this of the kniting blog..also in the english(i'm from southamerica)...love the bluse and your kniting...by
I really like it - especially the sleeves - and it's awesome you made it from a sheet. And now you've got me wanting to try pearl snaps.
You just reminded me that I should be listening to jjj! Happy Friday!
Awww, yay for Mooky feeling better and cute blouses! It does have weird sleeves but is indeed quite flattering on you. All your achievements with the sewing make me want to learn :)
Such a productive afternoon! The blouse makes you look tall. I'm glad Mooky is doing better and understand you comment about the other cat. Have a good weekend.
The new blouse looks great! I like the larger sleeves. Seems like a style that you could dress up or wear casual. Sending sweet healing vibes to your Mooky today!
I love that phrase too--I heard it on Blackadder The Third when Mrs Miggens tells Byron to stop being such a girl's blouse when he whines she's not getting his coffee fast enough at her Literary Pie Shop.
The blouse is cute. I'm so impressed with your sewing.
I think the blouse looks cute in that fabric! You could definitely wear it.
I'm also glad Mookie is feeling better.
It is so much cuter on you than on the model that Simplicity used. I didn't like it much--until now! Lovely work.
Ahaha I have the exact same iron.
That look GREAT on you, I love it!
i think bill's comment is right on. looks good on you but objectively all the elements are a bit weird. good job, big girl blouse wearer. :)
I can't believe that's a bedsheet - it's super cute. and what a good idea to make a practice version on a sheet first. You are a smartypants. Or, a brainy lady, I suppose.
Slacks. hee. that is a funny word.
I love "le look"!
Post a Comment