There are so many things you can make with embroidered eyelet, even a chihuahua fascinator!
Seriously, I've decided what to sew next and it's not zebra-print pants. Instead, I'm making someone in my household an embroidered eyelet blouse.
I've been sitting on this fabric (not literally of course) for more than a year. Eager to sew from my stash, I thought it would be just the thing to make my mother -- whoops, there goes the surprise -- a birthday present.
This isn't my first eyelet project, btw. Three years ago I made Michael a cotton eyelet shirt, but the fabric wasn't as heavily embroidered.
Since this was going to be a simple, collarless (her request) button-up top, I knew I wanted to add some interest, so to finish the hem and 3/4 sleeves, I cut around the edges of the embroidered flowers (finishing the edges with Fray Check to prevent fraying) as one often sees done with lace. It's a pretty, feminine finish.
For the neckline, I added the same kind of facing I used for the 1940's undershirt I made last weekend. The facing is cotton batiste (which I also used for the inside back yoke). I simply traced the front and back necklines, creating three pieces: front left, front right, and back. (The back piece is cut on the bias, the two fronts on the straight grain)
I attached the facing to the neckline using a 1/4" seam allowance, rolled it to the inside, and folded the raw edge under at approximately 1/4". I then edgestitched the facing in place.
The blouse has six white buttons, which are nearly invisible given the dramatic look of the eyelet. I made the buttonholes with my vintage Singer buttonholer. I placed the buttonholes horizontally rather than vertically, which always seems more special somehow as the button placement must be exactly right.
What's nice is that my mother can wear it alone as a blouse, or over a tee shirt like a cardigan. I'll post photos of her wearing it soon.
Ever sew with embroidered eyelet?
Have a great day, everybody!
Your mom is going to look adorable in this!!
ReplyDeleteSonia is my absolute favorite of your many models (don't tell Cathy!).
ReplyDeleteLovely and sweet..
ReplyDeletestunning fabric, and it made up beautifully. hope your mother gets great pleasure from the blouse.
ReplyDeleteThe top is beautiful, your mother will love it.
ReplyDeleteThat is lovely.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful blouse! I bet your mom is thrilled!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I've sewn embroidered eyelet. Mine was not so heavily embroidered -- scattered florets and vines over a plain background, lighter weight than yours looks to be. It's a well-behaved fabric, lovely to wear in hot weather. If your dear mother is not delighted with her gift I will be greatly surprised.
ReplyDeleteI love it Peter! The simplicity of the the style is perfect for the fabric and yes, it could be a spring/summer jacket!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your mother will love it, beautiful fabric.
ReplyDeleteOh that blouse is so beautiful - I want it!!! Your mom will look fab in this gorgeous blouse.
ReplyDeleteI love your choice of hem treatment! Your Mom will be gorgeous... I mean MORE gorgeous in that blouse.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's really something. I agree with Scorpion: the style is simple and balances the fabric beautifully. It can be dressed up or down. Your mother must be really pleased to get such wonderful handmade things and so proud that her son can make them.
ReplyDeleteAdorable. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhich pattern did you use?
Vancouver Barbara
Your top is really cute! Your mom is going to love it!! I have a friend who just purchased some of the exact same fabric!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have sewn with eyelet fabric but certainly nothing as heavily embroidered as this. In fact I've not seen anything like this! Sewn lots of eyelet trim over the years. Love the fabric and the choice of style for your Mom.
ReplyDeleteThat hem is interesting, and though you had to apply Fraycheck, it's nice to be relieved of the task of hemming to wrap up a project every once in a while. Beautiful color and style Peter!
ReplyDelete