Hello everyone, time for a reveal!
Celebrating the Simplicity 2614, the “Threads” tie neck blouse recently completed & now successfully test driven. I’d previously made it in slightly more substantial cotton,with 3/4 length sleeves, my “Randall & Hopkirk” blouse. This version is far superior for a number of reasons. I think I’m in love. In recent comments, it seems as if a few of you have it, but hats off to LinB who said that she’s made this pattern between 6-8 times for her & her daughter & I can understand why.
Give it some "jazz hands!"
It has a pretty 3 piece bodice: the top parts (left & right) are gathered to both below the shoulder forming a kind of yoke, as well as gathers under the bust onto the bias lower bodice. The back is also cut on the bias, making this a really quick make.
The only change I made to it was to lengthen the sleeves, just by extending the cutting lines, no fancy drafting involved. What really annoys me about my other version is the sleeves get bunched up under the invariable cardigan I need to wear. ”What’s the point?”, I thought. Long sleeves needed as this is something for cooler seasons. The fabric is so light & soft I knew there would be no issues with gathering to a cuff – the exact size of which I improvised with. I didn’t see the point in making it a button cuff, so just made sure I could get my hand through the finished circle it made, & gathered the sleeve to fit.
This is a perfect work blouse, made out of the most practical & comfortable fabric ever. Can you see the fabric? Something about the colours, the greens & blues remind me of old style tattoos. It really is the softest poly cotton, reminiscent of a lawn it’s so soft (& it was only £2.30 or so a metre!!). It’s so fine that it washes & irons really easily, yet is robust enough to cope with being put on & taken off over my head, no closures (helps to explain why it’s so quick to make).
The pattern really is very easy to make – the bit that requires the most accuracy is sewing the collar / tie to the neckline. It’s important to get really close to the stitching line at the point where the collar parts company with the neckline to become the tie.
Some kind of groovin going on in my sewing room
I just love this fancy neckthing, but am not sure about whether to tie it in a bow, or keep dangling like an overlong neck tie poised to interfere in someone’s dinner.
I could see it being more successful left long when wearing it over the top of some trousers perhaps, as when not tucked in this blouse reaches hipline – possibly where the ties end. Here you can see it being sported with my Ginger.
And I think in this case the pussy bow look is best. I’m not sure whether it’s intended to be worn as a bow though – the shape of the ties suggest otherwise. I suspect a thicker fabric would not like to be bowed up.
I’m sorry it’s all been quiet on the badger front for a while, not just lack of blogging but also visiting your blogs. I am trying to catch up, but have had some time out from all things computery as a reaction to work getting too much recently. I needed a technology holiday! I have however sought solace in crochet, having whipped up a Carly snood (with an innovative & accidental twist- I’ll share, promise), with a second on the way – isn’t it just so addictive – watch TV & bring out the crochet? On the sewing front – I’ve just started a Negroni as a Christmas pressie …. It’s so hard though, not progressing through my own sewing needs – the Clovers, the second Rooibos in floral needlecord, the Lisette tunic or even another pair of culottes ….not to mention some work trousers desperately needed to replace some very old Matalan fake grey flannel ones that are now looking rather jaded. Still, it’s great not to be selfish & feel semi smug & organised for a change!
Ooh I love it! The fabric is so pretty and it makes such a nice outfit with the Ginger. Perfect for autumn.
Can’t wait to see the snood-with-a-twist! I’ve whipped up a new one too, just need to get round to blogging it.
Cx
Carly, your snoods are taking over the world!
Well, hello, Miss Moneypenny! That is one great blouse.
Why thank you James …. & it really is a “blouse” isn’t it, not a top nor a shirt. This is ladylike & very secretary
It’s just goyjus (as Max from Hart to Hart would say!). The fabric is beautiful and I love the long sleeves (very clever). You look super cool in it and super chic. x
Oh Jane, that made me laugh – Max from Hart to Hart – funny days!
Swit Swoo! Look at you! Fantastic blouse! Really like the pattern on the fabric. Hope things are getting a bit better at work for you.
Thanks Mimi. Really looking forward to seeing you this Saturday at the It’s Darling! Vintage fair
Very pretty blouse! I really love pussy bow blouses but for some reason have never made one myself. The fabric is gorgeous too and a great match for your Ginger.
ooohhh…I have a think for pussy bows! This one is so lovely and goes brilliantly with your skirt! YAY!
I love the energy that exudes from you! Thanks for finding my blog, and introducing me to yours
Oh wow, I might have to get this pattern for me! The blouse is gorgeous and I love the fabric. You look fantastic
Thank you Suzy. I’d love to see what you’d make of it. There’s a nice vintage feel to it, and in the right fabric …
Gosh you look cute! This is one of those styles I love to ogle on other people, and am totally chicken about on myself. I think it would look great over pants, too—tucked into something slim-fitting (did you say Clover?
).
Thank you! Yes I have clover to make, but also fancy some wide legged trousers …
Oh I LOVE this! I’ve bookmarked it in my sewing inspiration folder. Absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you Tilly! I feel honoured !! Would love to know what else is in your inspiration folder too
Winnie; it’s great & you look great. And those are “down twinkles” hands:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_hand_signals, from Occupy Wall Street.
Bella, how could I get it wrong? Of course jazz hands are the other way up! Thank you!!
Ah, I love it! What a great pattern to have in your arsenal, wish I could see the fabric closer! And it looks great with your *new* ginger.
Thanks Ali. Sorry no close up of the print. No idea how well it views when clicked on. It has an oriental china look about it as well ….
Mreow! I love that fabric too! I have a sort of phobia about that type of neck bow blouse as I had to wear one as part of a uniform once, but this version gives an entirely different mood. I think I could be cured!
Crikey, yes! Sigrid you are making me think air hostess with bow neck blouses. Tell me that’s what your uniform clothed you for? Safety demonstrations and mile high tea coffee and perfume sales??!
Hee hee, your imagination is so much more interesting. I’ve never been able to wobble about on high heels or apply eyeliner properly, though. No, I was a waitress in a super-swanky country club that had the idea that the workers should look suitably inferior in black polyester jumpers with nasty white blouses. Horrible fabric combined with being at the beck and call of senile snobs made for a bit of a sweat fest.
Your outfit in no way resembles this. . . seeing you wear it is almost like remote therapy.
The classic air hostess – with tightly coiffed hair & perfect make up! OK, so not the reason for your bow neck uniform. Actually the way you describe your experience no wonder you’re not referring to it as your current place of work! At least you can be a style & fabric snob as you look back …!
I wonder if there is a technical term for “double bows”. Ah – got it! “bow-dacious!”
Fab blouse! Great with your culottes methinks!
Aww! Nice pun Roobeedoo. Yes I agree the culottes would enjoy this blouse too.
The pairing of the blouse with the skirt is so perfect. The whole look is very pretty. You can never go wrong with a dainty blouse.
Thank you Melizza. I kind of forget blouses can be worth the time spent ironing them! It sometimes seems imperative to dress in minimum care clothing. But this blouse, sorry to harp on, was truly minimum iron!
Great blouse! I just love the colors in that fabric.
This is such a pretty blouse. I love the fabric and the tie.
Thank you both, im glad you like it and lovely to hear from you
Wow! Fabtastic blouse. I really love it in that fabric too. I think I like it best in the bow – goes perfectly with your skirt!
Gorgeous blouse, love the fabric. Hope you are having a great week!
LOVE.IT.! Seriously, this is one lovely blouse, and a great way to create an outfit as you paired it with your Ginger. I also think it would look great with skinny jeans and boots if you want to dress it down and look chic all at the same time.
Oh the gorgeousness! So pretty! I love it both tied up, and the more casual way! I have a blouse like this in my queue, but never seem to get to around to it.
What a pretty blouse, and as someone else has said, I love your energy!
Lovely! I loved your bow tie blouse. Very pretty fabric and the matching skirt – you’re so chic, Winnie
Thank you Ayse – you’re so kind & make me blush!
I have bunching up of sleeves at the elbows with this pattern too and think your arm extensions,so to speak,are the way to go.I love this pattern and shall give longer sleeves a whirl myself.
Catherine, the bunching is no more with these sleeves – hurrah!