{"id":3722,"date":"2012-06-25T10:33:49","date_gmt":"2012-06-25T14:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/keepsakecrafts.net\/blog\/?p=3722"},"modified":"2012-06-24T22:15:31","modified_gmt":"2012-06-25T02:15:31","slug":"eyelet-peasant-blouse-helpful-sewing-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keepsakecrafts.net\/blog\/2012\/06\/25\/eyelet-peasant-blouse-helpful-sewing-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Eyelet Peasant Blouse – Helpful Sewing Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, I finished this top in time to wear on Sunday.<\/p>\n

\"turquoise-peasant-blouse-mccalls-7100\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The fabric is an eyelet from Joann’s. \u00a0I love the texture and interest the mottled dye gives. \u00a0The first version of the top had the two rows of ruffles like in view B or C, \u00a0inspiring me to tell myself, “My, don’t you look fluffy.”<\/p>\n

The upper row of ruffles was immediately chopped off, then pressed and stitched under. \u00a0Ack, such a pain.<\/p>\n

\"mccalls-7100-peasant-blouse\"<\/p>\n

The pattern is an oldie, from 1994. \u00a0The few folks who have a copy for sale online are calling it “vintage.” \u00a0Really? \u00a0Eighteen years old is vintage?<\/p>\n

Anyhow, since the pattern has long been out of print, I’m not going to do a formal pattern review. \u00a0But I will share a few things I learned\/was reminded of while making this.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Sewing with eyelet<\/strong><\/span> – If you choose to use eyelet for a main fabric, hold it up to your body to see just how big the holes are. \u00a0The holes in my eyelet are about 1\/8″ across, just a bit too big for comfort, so I decided to line the bodice front and back with the lightest weight batiste I could find.<\/p>\n

2. \u00a0A lining can save you work<\/strong><\/span> – Lining a garment with a shaped hem is awesome! It saves you having to do a narrow hem on that curve. It also saved me from having to do a bias binding around the armholes. \u00a0Woot!<\/p>\n

3. \u00a0Check the finished measurements before choosing a size to sew<\/strong><\/span> – It’s always a good idea to check the finished garment measurements to determine what size to make. \u00a0If I had made the size indicated by my measurements, there would have been 16 inches<\/strong><\/em> of wearing ease. \u00a0As it was, I made two sizes smaller and still have 12 inches of ease. \u00a0Yes, it’s a peasant blouse, but seriously?<\/p>\n

4. \u00a0Read the instructions first<\/em><\/strong><\/span> – It’s also always a good idea to read through the directions before starting, visualizing each step. \u00a0This way you may spot errors, inconsistencies, or just silly ways of doing things.<\/p>\n

The neckline ruffle was narrow hemmed on one long edge, then gathered and sewn, right sides up, to the top of the blouse. \u00a0Then the raw edge was supposed to be turned under and stitched down to form the elastic casing.<\/p>\n

If I had thought about it more carefully, I would have realized it made much more sense to press under that raw edge before<\/em> gathering. \u00a0It was rather a nightmare to do it afterwards.<\/p>\n

Hope you find those tips helpful.<\/p>\n

All in all, I’m pleased with my new top and plan to make another. \u00a0The changes I’ll be making for the next one:<\/p>\n