{"id":68951,"date":"2019-03-25T07:51:50","date_gmt":"2019-03-25T11:51:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/?p=68951"},"modified":"2020-02-14T06:04:48","modified_gmt":"2020-02-14T11:04:48","slug":"afternoon-tea-blouse-sew-along","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2019\/03\/afternoon-tea-blouse-sew-along.html","title":{"rendered":"afternoon tea blouse sew-along"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello and welcome! We hope you\u2019re inspired and ready to start sewing your Liesl + Co. Afternoon Tea Blouse. We\u2019re glad you\u2019re joining us for the sew-along. If you aren\u2019t ready to get started yet, rest assured the sew-along will still be here for you when you\u2019re ready to get going!<\/p>\n

\"Afternoon<\/a><\/p>\n

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Afternoon Tea Blouse Pattern Details<\/h2>\n

Description:<\/strong> Perfect for an afternoon out with friends or a day at the office, this semifitted blouse features a fun chest detail that makes it extra special. Sew the blouse with contrasting fabrics for a color-blocked detail or choose lace or a sheer fabric for the inset stripe. This contemporary take on a vintage blouse eliminates the shoulder seam so the sleeves are easy and fun to sew. The inset panel forms a pretty chevron over the bracelet-length flounce sleeves, and the back features an easy keyhole opening with a button-and-loop closure. This pattern includes separate pieces for A\/B, C, and D cups for ease of fitting.<\/p>\n

Sewing Level:<\/strong> Advanced beginner:<\/em> this pattern is suitable for someone who has sewn from a pattern before or has taken a few classes and completed several projects.<\/p>\n

Suggested Fabrics:<\/strong> Suitable for drapey fabrics like crepe, rayon challis, charmeuse, georgette, lawn, and linen. For Fabric B, use a contrasting color, lace, or chiffon.<\/p>\n

Notions:<\/strong> Coordinating thread, one 3\/8″ or 1\/2″ button or hook and eye closure for the back.<\/p>\n

Get the Pattern: <\/strong>It’s available in both paper<\/a> and digital<\/a> formats.<\/p>\n

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Sew-Along Schedule<\/h2>\n

We’ve broken down the planning and sewing process into several easy steps. Here’s how we’ll be working through the process of creating your new blouse together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Preparation Steps<\/span><\/td>\nSewing Steps<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Gather<\/td>\n1. Gather Your Materials<\/a><\/em>
\nChoosing fabric, gathering notions, deciding on customizations, and purchasing your pattern.<\/td>\n		\"Sew<\/td>\n1. Prepare the Front and Back<\/a><\/em>
\nWe begin by assembling the front and back of the blouse.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Select<\/td>\n2. Select Your Size<\/a><\/em>
\nDeciding on the size you will sew.<\/td>\n		\"Sew<\/td>\n2. Prepare the Sleeves<\/a><\/em>
\nWe assemble the sleeves.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Pattern<\/td>\n3. Pattern Adjustments<\/a><\/em>
\nDeciding if there are any adjustments you need to make to the pattern.<\/td>\n		\"Sew<\/td>\n3. Attach Sleeves and Yokes<\/a><\/em>
\nWe attach the sleeves and sew the yokes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Cutting<\/td>\n4. Cutting Fabric<\/a><\/em>
\nSome hints and tips to keep in mind when cutting out your fabric.<\/td>\n		\"Sew<\/td>\n4. Assemble the Blouse and Finish the Neckline<\/a><\/em>
\nWe put the blouse together and finish the neckline.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n\"Sew<\/td>\n5. Hem the Blouse and Sleeves<\/a><\/em>
\nThe final steps to finish sewing your new blouse.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Gather Your Materials<\/a><\/h2>\n

Choosing Your Fabric<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since this pattern calls for two different fabrics, you have lots of options. You can color-block it like Elisabeth (@sewscrummy) did<\/a>, or you can choose something special like lace, mesh, or chiffon\/organza for the contrast.<\/p>\n

For your main fabric, we recommend fabric with a little bit of drape for this pattern. The envelope calls for crepe, rayon challis, charmeuse, georgette, lawn, and linen. The photo on the cover of the envelope used crepe, which has lovely drape, and I’ve really liked my handkerchief linen versions which have a little more body but are still relatively relaxed. Lawn will be a little less drapey and more floaty, if that makes any sense to you.<\/p>\n

But of course the fabric suggestions are just that–suggestions to help you get a sense for what type of fabric would be appropriate. We can’t possibly list every valid option, so use what is listed as your starting point. Basically, see what attracts you when you’re shopping (in the store or in your own stash) and look for fabrics that have a bit of drape. A lightweight sateen would be lovely, as would a twill or herringbone shirting as long as it’s not too stiff.<\/p>\n

I’m curious what this pattern would look like in a knit, if anyone wants to try it. I’d suggest using a lightweight woven fabric for the neck facing, and you might want to size down a bit but otherwise I think it might work.<\/p>\n

For your contrast fabric, choose something with a similar or lighter weight and drape to your main fabric. I’ve been looking for power mesh, which I think would be fun try try here. Organza and chiffon would also be great, and of course all sorts of lace would be wonderful. You can buy lace in narrow widths, as well, so keep that in mind. Since the pieces are quite narrow you might be able to use a lace trim instead of lace yardage.<\/p>\n

Choosing Your Notions<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you’re using lace it might be a good idea to choose a stabilizer to help with sewing it. Stabilizer will hold the fabric stable (thus the name) and give you a more solid surface to sew with. When you’re done, you simply remove the stabilizer, leaving your chosen fabric behind. I much prefer to use a wash-away stabilizer so I don’t need to tear it away afterwards, but you can use whatever you’re comfortable with. (In my experience it can be difficult to remove tear-away stabilizer, so test it beforehand if you choose to use it.)<\/p>\n

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Here’s what else you’ll need to assemble:<\/p>\n