Literary Sewing Circle Project: a Norma Blouse in swimmingly cheerful yellow

And now for my own project for this round of the Literary Sewing Circle! I was inspired by the fabric with this one. I love yellow, and had seen this fabric at my local Fabricland a while back. So when I was thinking about what to make inspired by Snap, I couldn't help but think of all of Frances' time in the pool. And this Bathing Beauties print had to be used! 

I decided to make the Norma Blouse by FibreMood. I downloaded this pattern quite a while ago when it was their featured free pattern. I looked at a few reviews online and decided to make a couple of changes. I raised the V of the neckline by an inch, and added 2" to the length. I didn't change the sleeves at all. 

I basted the last 5 inches or so of the side seams so that I could try it on once the buttons were on and decide if I liked the width or not. I had added about 1/2" to each side seam, but I thought it was just a little snug at the hemline once I finished. So I took out about 3.5" of stitching on each side and made a side slit. I think that was plenty, and it fits more comfortably now. 

One funny thing about this was that I spent a lot of time trying to decide on buttons. I had some yellow ones ready but they just didn't seem to work. I'm not sure if they were the wrong tone, or just faded into the background or what, but once I tried these little red ones I knew they were the way to go. The pattern calls for four buttons, but since there is one at the very top of the placket, and then one right at bust point, I just measured and decided to add a couple. I went with six, although could have left the bottom one off. I like it this way, though, and I do prefer buttons to be set closer together than patterns often call for. 

I really like the sleeve on this one. This is a medium weight cotton, so the gathers at shoulder and cuff really hold their shape nicely. 

The blouse is a wee bit short, even with my added length and short torso -- when I raise my arms the hem raises a bit too, and so I think I'll be wearing higher waisted skirts with this one for safety's sake ;) 

I love the colour! The only change I wish I would have made is a small swayback adjustment - there are a few too many wrinkles in the lower back but oh well, it's not the end of the world. This is a cheerful summer blouse that I think I'll enjoy wearing. 

Weekend Review: Embroidered Interiors

 

Embroidered Interiors / Penny Dowdell 
Stash Books, c2026.
160 p.

This is a fabulous new embroidery book, with a distinctive style and many new tricks for the embroiderer! I wasn't familiar with Dowdell's work before I picked up this book but am very impressed by it. So much colour and detail and lots of full coverage work that feels lush and complicated. She also uses extras like attached items or cutouts with images behind the holes cut into the working fabric. There are many cool ideas here that I haven't seen elsewhere, and she makes it seem easy. 

This is a project book, with a range of patterns provided, with instructions for each step, threads and stitches given, and all the extras explained (like adding coloured plastic for a stained glass effect). The patterns and guides are very clear, and include all sorts of interiors, from bedrooms to libraries, conservatories and dining rooms like the cover. I am impressed with the style of stitching and the complete instruction given. Anyone could learn this technique by following this book. There are also cute additions of sleeping cats and dogs in some of the scenes which could be added anywhere, really. An interesting element is how she shows that an entire 'set' can be stitched, or you could do a closeup of just part of one of the patterns if you want a bit more of an up-close view. Because of this, there are so many options to stitch from this book. 

I thought this was a wonderful book, very generous in the amount of information and guidance given. The style feels a little different from what I usually see, and is quite inspiring. I do love the cozy vibes! There is a stitch guide included, but she uses just a handful of stitches, so beginners could learn those and then tackle some of these complicated looking pieces which are just made step by step.  

This one is a hit, in my opinion. Just a little different, full of useful patterns, info and encouragement, and so cute. 

Last Day to share Literary Sewing Circle projects!

 

It's the final day to share your project links with me here on the blog or otherwise, if you want to be in on the draw for the two prizes we have on offer - a pdf from either Blackbird's BF Patterns or one from Beaton Linen. 

I was hoping to share my project today, too, but am not quite there yet...I will share it next week before next Friday's project roundup. I need to finish off a few more steps before it's ready to share. But I was clearly inspired by Frances and some of her story - here's the fabric I am using for my project -- 

I hope you have had fun with this! I will be doing the draw on Sunday once I've got everyone's names in the mix and posting them here with next week's roundup. Thanks for playing along. 

I made pants! Black elastic waist Style 4727

 

I didn't think this day would ever some to pass... I made wearable pants! 😄

I hardly ever wear trousers, slacks or pants, whatever you call them; I'm nearly always in a dress or skirt (the Lindy Petal skirt gets steady rotation in my wardrobe). But I've wanted to figure out an easy pants pattern as sometimes I am actually in the mood to wear them. I made the skirt from this Style 4727 pattern recently, and thought that the pants included in this set looked like a good option - easy elastic waist, fuller slacks in an 80s style. So I found some interesting textured poly in my stash, probably got it from a thrift store ages ago. It's heavy enough for summer pants - not too flimsy but not super thick either. 

Nothing to lose, so I gave it a try! I measured the crotch curve and added half an inch to the height of the back rise. I thought about taking half an inch out of the front rise, which seemed long, but didn't - when I make these again I will do that. And I think I may make these again!

They aren't perfect, I could use a couple tweaks, but I like them. They are really comfortable, have nice big pockets, and taper slightly to the ankle (which is something I like). I did have to take 3.5 inches out of the length! I am just a shade under 5'2", and these are clearly designed for a taller person. I was careful to take a couple of inches up from above the knee and some from below, so that it wouldn't alter the shape of the pants too dramatically. 

I never thought I'd find a pattern that fit me in a way I liked but I think these ones may do the trick. I'll have to wear them around a bit and see how I like them in use. If they are suitable I will try out some summer colours next! 

Weekend Review: Garden of Stitches

 

Garden of Stitches / Mary Engelbreit
Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, c2026.
160 p.

I am featuring some enjoyable new embroidery books this month, beginning with one by the fabulous Mary Engelbreit. I found this one thanks to the library system, and loved it. Of course, I've always liked Mary Engelbreit's style, which helps: this book is so her! 

It's a series of embroidery projects, floral themed for the most part. You know I was going to love the one on the cover! There are 30 projects, starting with pretty simple ones and moving forward in difficulty as you go through the book. The final patterns include her distinctive lettering, and I think it works really well in stitch. 

Each design has a pattern and a guide to the colours and stitches used for each element. There are a lot of line stitches, which are great for beginners, with not too much difficulty and a nice result. She also introduces the idea of shading some of the shapes on the embroidery with fabric markers before stitching, as seen on the cover image. This cuts down on full coverage embroidery while giving more depth to the images. It's a great idea that I think artistic people will enjoy, especially if they are new to embroidery and want to make a quick project. Also, this isn't just hoop art. There are examples of stitching onto jackets, hats, or pillows, for inspiration on how to use these designs (or parts of them) in your own way.

As noted, I got this one through the library, but I need to get myself a copy as there wasn't enough time to try some of these cool projects! It's a cheerful, colourful collection by an artist I admire for her art style and for herself too. Looking forward to owning this one. 

May Sewing Plans

 

April was a whirl of sewing; I tried to sew up all my Sudoku plans (didn't make it), added in a couple of other ideas that are now half done, and made so many new plans. It was fun but I didn't have half as much time as I'd wanted for sewing up the projects I wanted to! 

So May's sewing is pretty straightforward. I want to finish up the last three Sudoku projects, even if it will be past the deadline, as I think the combinations made in the planning were perfect for my wardrobe. I have one cut out now and two more to go. I think I can do it. 

And I am just finishing up my own Literary Sewing Circle project - I changed my idea when I found some fabulous fabric recently so started a new project! That will be posted pretty soon. 

I also have a fun blouse that I started with a bunch of April contests in mind, but it is only half done. I will try to finish that one in May and share it, too, since I really love the fabric (an old duvet) and the quirky pattern I'm using. 

And IF I have any more sewing time, well, #SewFrugal26 is now taking place in May. It's a favourite challenge as I already love sewing with free patterns and upcycled fabric, of which I have a ton in my stash... 

And of course, May brings MeMadeMay! So much fun to participate and think about one's wardrobe in May. My challenge to myself this year is to complete 4 projects in May, from what I have ongoing, as part of the plans I've outlined above. I think I can do it :) 

I hope your May is going to be full of fun and sewing, too. 

Dark Floral Bow Blouse for Spring

This blouse, New Look 6476 from the 1980s, departs from the solid colours in my Sudoku plan that I've made so far. It picks up the blue and black, and adds a sprinkling of other bright colours. 

I thrifted this pattern and loved the blouse, so thought I'd give it a go now. I had this floral rayon in the stash from at least a year ago and it was perfect. 

It's a quick pattern - the only fussy bits are getting the tie on without stretching out the neckline in this shifty rayon. It's a little fiddly getting that tie on, what with keeping part of it free so that you can handstitch it down to cover the collar seam afterward, and also having to pin the front facing over the basted collar -- I was cursing my choice of rayon challis there for a bit! But it turned out so beautifully once it was finally done and pressed. 

There are just four pattern pieces: front, back, tie and facing. And no interfacing called for. The hems are simple 5/8" turned under hems. This is an interesting variation on the pussy bow blouse, though, since the tie is not at all a bow. It is wide and short, and simply gets looped over itself in a loose half knot. I like the way it drapes, and while I thought the V-neck was going to be a little too low for my liking, it actually works perfectly once the tie is adjusted, since that covers another inch of the neckline. 

I cut 14 at the shoulders and 16 for the rest, giving a little excess at the hipline when I cut it out. I think it worked well, and this will match with a lot in my wardrobe. It's cheerful, comfortable and easy wearing. Just right for me, and a perfect summer weight. I'm glad I finally tried this one.