Lisette blouse top

It's still summer, still warm & humid. But I think... yes, it's starting to cool down some (just a little). I will take that as a sign autumn will soon arrive! I love the change in seasons, I like switching out my wardrobe and bringing out seasonal decorations. Sometimes I find season appropriate projects to work on or even some holiday gifts.
Well I had been waiting for a while to sew a blouse top by Lisette patterns (by Simplicity). I don't know why I waited so long ~ perhaps I felt the project would be daunting. Well surprise, surprise - it wasn't! It was one of the better patterns I've worked with when it comes to sewing clothing.

Lisette pattern #2211

Now when you make clothing, you pick a size according to your measurements. I decided to go for size 14 on this one. Only after I got it together did I realize... I could have gone down to a size 12. Sometimes you only learn by trial and error! I did a tuck in here and there (at the shoulders & sides) and it fits just fine. I used 100% cotton fabric for my top, which sometimes can make clothes a bit boxy. But some cottons are more light weight, so it depends on the fabric you pick and what it's made from. The pattern suggested anything from cotton to linen would be just fine. 

Lisette blouse top, finished

I bought a bunch of the Lisette patterns at a pattern sale (at my local JoAnn's). I'm so happy I did since I can no longer find a few of their patterns online anymore. I snagged some patterns for clothing: pants, shorts, skirt, long and short sleeve tops, dresses. They also had a pattern for several different sized bags, so I picked that also. Although I make bags for my etsy shop (found here at sewingB on etsy) I swear they are the hardest thing to sell! And I love to make them ~ maybe I just need to gift them to my friends as presents, hmm?

My next project might be a Simplicity skirt! I'm torn between another clothing project of maybe a small bag or clutch? Honestly, I have fabric just sitting around waiting to be sewn into stuff. 

possible next project?

I'm still selling handmade items in the local boutique in my city. I hope to pop in shortly and see how my necklaces are selling. I also have new things to bring in, see if the owner would put them on commission. I've been stitching these doodle sketches on fabric, then leave them on the hoop. That way I can add pretty ribbon and a person could hang them up to display. I'd like to bring in four total, so far I have a finished Doe and am working on a Bluebird. 

stitched Doe

I hope everyone has been having a relaxing summer and are looking forward to a new season! I might do a sale in my etsy shop soon, not certain yet ~ I will keep you posted! 

Cotton summer blouse

Ahh summer time, for us (in Kentucky) it feels as though it's winding down. Today has been cooler, sunny and even quieter outdoors. The cicada aren't humming as loudly anymore, the tree frogs at night are not as often heard.

So onto the project at hand ~ my finished summer blouse! This was much fun to make, I learned a new seam as well. But first, a few photos and I will then share the pattern and how it went.

I probably mentioned before, but here again - Simplicity pattern #1693 : short sleeves, tank top, 3/4 sleeve blouse tops. 

Please note, the bell-like sleeves. These I had originally not intended to add the elastic to (at the hem). But when I tried it on I noticed, the sleeves were very wide! I didn't like that look so I added some elastic and just made sure they were not tight. It worked out well considering I used cotton fabric for this top - which you can see, wrinkles like nobodies business. But it's meant to be worn and it will be, very much so. It's a comfortable fit for me (I picked the size 12) and have a button closure to the back.

You can not see it but this has a middle back seam. The top openings at the neck (as seen above) and has a simple button closure. Be sure to learn what size pattern is best for you - too small, you won't be able to move your arms - too large, it will be far too lose on your body. I learned the French seam for this top: it leaves no raw seams on fabric inside. The pattern came with easy instructions on how to do this seam. I'd suggest practicing on some scrap fabric before applying this to your sewing project. 

As summer turns to autumn I am already itching to sew another top! This time it's one of my Lisette pattern I purchased on sale earlier this year. It is a 3/4 sleeve top and I was delighted to find some fabric with hints of yellow in it (my new favorite color!). it is this pattern here, the Continental blouse top. I hope everyone is enjoying the end of summer and gearing up for some cooler temperatures!