Handmade silk blouse
I decided to go through my fabric stash and try to use it up before the end of the year. Some of the plans I had at the time of purchasing have been consistent, and others I've changed my mind about a few times.
To start my spring/summer wardrobe, I whipped up a relatively quick little blouse in a beautiful, double silk chiffon in the shade "Buff." I'm already casting my mind ahead to next year when it gets colder, and think this would be really lovely layered underneath a woolen vest. But for now, I'll enjoy it in all its unadulterated beauty!
What did it cost?
I purchased 2 metres for NZD $44.80.
The fabric was on sale and I could tell it was well worth taking advantage of.
I'll attribute half a spool of thread, which I already had, but if I had to purchase would have cost $5/2=$2.50.
So we're totaling $47.30 (NZD).
A quick scour of the internet and I cannot find a 100% pure silk blouse for this price. Similar items in my search were coming up in the range of $100 (on sale) - $300 (NZD). Obviously you don't have to have something like silk to create a blouse for summer, but I prefer the feel and drape of silk and I like that it's natural. This adheres to my fabric goals
If we add the cost of a pattern to this, we're probably coming up to another $10-20 dollars on top, (I can't remember what I paid for this one), but the patterns come with about 4 variations and will be used multiple times going forward; so I don't feel like this is a specific cost to the actual item.
I consider the cost of patterns an investment, 'start up' cost, like any other piece of equipment that will continue to pay for itself time and time again.
Regardless, the cost still doesn't touch the sides of the cheapest version I could find online.
My handmade silk blouse.
The final result
I adapted the pattern, which is the beauty of sewing your own wardrobe. Ever purchased something because it was almost perfect, but not quite?
The pattern calls for a facing at the neckline, and a binding which ends in a separate faux tie. I attached the neckline facing as per the instructions but had the dilemma of how to finish it. Because I was working with such a delicate silk, any edging on the inside was going to show through. Which I learned the hard way.
I don't like serging/overlocking edges because it reminds me of factory sewing; I prefer the look of a neat zigzag where I can't apply a different seam finish. (Like French or Hong Kong seams, or simple bias binding.)
I tried it anyway, but the facing rippled and the bumps showed through. I made a bold decision to remove it, and just treat the raw edges around the neckline, instead. And I think it worked beautifully. It adds an exceptional detail that looks hand done. I also eliminated the binding and ties at the neckline.
This blouse feels like a gentle summer breeze on the skin, and I wanted the focus on the fabric; not on embellishments. I think I will get a lot of wear out it.
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