Blouse

This is my second entry in the competitions at the upcoming Royal Melbourne Show. Its been submitted to Class 79 which is for "children's wear".

I used two beautiful Liberty prints in the construction. The main one was found at Hazel Green and the contrast (and lovely green trim) was purchased at Tessutti.

The main print was bought well in advance of deciding what to make. My only forethought: I don't have much time, I'd better make this as easy as possible. Making something pretty for a girl will be much quicker than working out something super-duper for a boy.



So I decided on a girls' blouse.

Then looked for a pattern.



And you know what? I couldn't find the right one. Anywhere.

All I could find was a lovely little pattern for a boy's shirt. Thwarted. So I redrafted the front placket and the collar. Mmmm, yes .... that was quick. Hmmph.



This is the first shirt I have made finished, so it was a great experience learning how to sew plackets, a collar and cuffs. Given judging will focus on technique, my dressmaking teacher suggested I learn a new seam finish: the insides of the blouse are finished with little enclosed hairline seams.

Just quietly the judging criteria also decrees that "all decorations, hems, bindings, facings and button-holes are to be sewn by hand". Now while I am not adverse to the odd bit of hand-sewn binding or a hem, hand-worked buttonholes sounded like all kinds of torture.

Needless to say two hours before entries closed, press-studs looked enticing. In my defence they were ... ahem ... sewn by hand.

Stay tuned for news of a disqualification.