It seems to have taken me ages to have completed this make (not because it was particularly challenging), simply because I haven’t been very well. I’ve had an impromptu holiday, and life has just got in the way.
Now it’s finished, I’m really happy with it. It feels so luxurious to wear, and it’s the sort of blouse that I can dress up for an evening out or dress down with a pair of jeans.
The fabric is a gorgeous recycled charmeuse silky satin from Minerva’s print-on-demand range called Sahel Seeds. The background is a creamy white, and the pattern is circles of different abstract animal prints and leaves that resemble flames. It definitely conjures up images of African plains as its name suggests.
I chose to match the fabric with the Alexa blouse from Atelier Jupe. I’ve never made one of their patterns before, but I have been really impressed. The instructions were very clear, and the pattern came together nicely. I was initially a little concerned that I would struggle with the number of buttons, but I’m so relieved that I can just slip this blouse on over my head.
I love the full sleeves and the little details like the gathers on the front yoke and the delicate collar.
Pattern Alterations
I didn’t really make any major alterations. I cut the shoulders and sleeves at the size for my over bust measurement and then graduated my side seams out to the larger size to accommodate my bust and tummy. I can’t get away with this in every pattern, but it worked well here.
Preparation
I pre-washed my fabric on a 30-degree silk wash and line-dried it. Hubby then very kindly cut out my pattern in a single layer using a rotary cutter. He did have the option of cutting out using tissue paper, but he felt he didn’t need to.
Construction
I was a little lazy with the construction of the blouse (I didn’t French hem it as I usually would with charmeuse). As it was my first time making this pattern, I followed the instructions and finished the seams on my overlocker. I did use my walking foot on my sewing machine and an 80/12 microtex needle. The back yoke is finished with the burrito method so the seams are nicely enclosed there. To be honest, I don’t think it’s a bad finish, it certainly doesn’t detract from my enjoyment wearing it and you can’t see the seams when I’m wearing it.
Wheelchair considerations
The neckline is designed to be open at the top but this isn’t revealing.
Although the blouse has many buttons the design of the neckline means it can be pulled on and off over your head.
The length is good as it can be worn tucked in or out and doesn’t gather underneath you.
Although the sleeves are quite voluminous, they have good cuffs so shouldn’t get caught in your wheels if you self-propel.
Image Description,
(There are six images taken from different angles showing Yvonne seated in her wheelchair in her garden. She is wearing black trousers with a cream patterned blouse that has voluminous sleeves.)
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