One of the many lengths of fabric purchased at the Festival of Quilts was 2 metres of a charming Cat printed 100% cotton from Fabrics Direct (1914 Kitty Cats © makowever uk). I have been unable to track the fabric down online and cannot remember how much I paid.
I thought this ‘frivolous’ print would look great as a Libby blouse to be worn over cut off trousers during the last few days of our glorious hot Summer and maybe even if we are lucky enough to have an ‘Indian Summer’ in September and October.
Although I was a little unhappy with the construction method for the partial collar stand of the Libby blouse I certainly liked the end result so decided to re-visit the pattern and try once again to master the construction technique.
Having reviewed the pattern measurements I cut a standard size 20 but added 3 inches to the length of the front bodices, back bodice and front facings. I also combined the back yoke with the back bodice and re-shaped the armhole/sleeve edge so that it would match up with the sleeve cuffs. I retained the gentle shaping to provide a ‘shirt tail’ hemline.
Once laid out on the fabric the pattern took only 1¾ yards of fabric (1.58 metres) so is a good stash buster for those odd lengths of cotton fabrics that I have in my stash.
Construction was fairly simple with the exception of that darned collar stand! I re-visited the sew-along on the Sew Over It blog which does help to complete the method as shown in the instruction booklet.
The seams are neatened with the overlocker and the shaped hems were machined in place before completing the side seams ( a trick shown by Jules of Sew Me Something). I have stitched the facings in place to prevent any ‘misbehaviour’ of them turning to the right side. The front closure is completed using 6 Turquoise spotted buttons (from C&H fabrics in Winchester) and buttonholes.
I am very pleased with the completed Libby blouse and hope to get some wear out of it before transferring to my Autumn/Winter wardrobe. I also have sufficient fabric remaining to be able to combine with the Turquoise faux leather and make a co-ordinating saddle bag – result!
