16 October 2009

BWOF 7/2009 128 & Loes Hinse Hepburn Pants

Pattern: BWOF 7/2009 128 & Loes Hinse Hepburn Pants (view B)
Unfortunately, Burda does not have the line drawing for this blouse on the website.


Size: Blouse - size 36; pants - size S

Fabric: Blouse - floral polyester chiffon; pants - straw linen

Project Photo:

Comments: I knew going in that the silhouette of this blouse was not going to be one of my best. I typically stick to tops that have some waist shaping as find them to be more flattering on my figure. However, this blouse spoke to me and I figured I'd give it a go.

Let me start by saying that working with ravelly poly chiffon is always an adventure. There were a few moments that I questioned my sanity in working with a PITA fabric for a blouse I wasn't even sure would look good on me.

Due to the rapid fraying of this fabric, every seam is a french seam. I didn't want to go to all the trouble of making this blouse and then have it fall apart in the wash.

The only other issue with this blouse is the insertion of the elastic in the sleeve cuffs and the hip band. I'm fairly certain I was fishing elastic through those small channels for over an hour. Yikes! When I first decided to make this pattern, I thought the shirring was created using elastic thread - a quick and easy method. It was only when I got into making the blouse I noticed that thin elastic is run through small channels. Maybe I should actually read the instructions prior to making things from now on. Regardless, everything ended well and I ended up with a blouse that may not be the most flattering thing I own, but it is quite cute. I even received some compliments while wearing it, despite my misgivings.

In the photo, I am wearing the blouse over a RTW sweater shell. It was too cold that day to wear just a simple tank top underneath.

The pants are my TNT Hepburns that I have made about a bajillion times before, so not much new to say about them. Although, I am very pleased with how they look in a medium weight linen. I was concerned that a heavier weight fabric, with less drape than the fabrics I've used in the past would not suit this pattern. However, I like the look.

Conclusion: I will not be making this blouse again, as I don't think it's flattering enough to have multiple versions. However, I saw many blouses in this same silhouette in the stores the last time I went snoop shopping, so at least I'm in on the trend.

15 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Its a cute outfit and I understand why you received compliments on it! I also understand the made the pattern, it wasn't quite what I wanted...moving on thing. Been there, done that! Next!!!

So will you get to sew this weekend? I hope so!

Eugenia said...

This outfit co-ordinates so well - you look great in it! I love the colors of the top, it's really pretty and suits your fabulous hair color perfectly.

knitmachinequeen (KMQ) said...

I love your outfit and am going to have to get the Hepburn pants patterns.

Summerset said...

At least you tried it, even if it will be moved on quickly. You did get some fab trousers though!

kiltsnquilts said...

The outfit looks good and the pants look great in linen! Do you think it would make a difference if you wore a dark coloured close fitting tank/tee underneath the blouse? It looks slightly see through and your silhouette might show through with a darker underlayer. just a thought, sometimes we have to try these things out :-)

Unknown said...

Looks great to me. That type of top is pretty popular right now. I have enjoyed every pair of Hepburn pants you've shown in the past many weeks. I desperately want to try that pattern, but am not so sure I can get away with that type of waist as I already have a little too much bulk there. They are very flattering on you. You also seem to have a good eye for colors that enhance your peaches and cream complexion and your hair color.

gwensews said...

This may not be your favorite style but you are small and can get away with most anything. BTW, please keep your cold air to yourself. It keeps drifing downward to Michigan!

Anonymous said...

I was wondering if the you could wear the blouse untucked with a belt at the waist? Its a great color on you. Oh, and I love the pants too!

Carol said...

The colours are great on you and I love the fabric. I understand what you mean about the blouse shape and I have the same reservations. I have cut out a ravelly chiffon blouse in lovely colours. It's sat unsewn for about three months because I'm not ready to tackle it.

Anonymous said...

I just *adore* those pants. No wonder they are a go-to, TNT for you. The shape is perfection.

Vicki said...

Very cute. It is nice to have a change of style even if it isn't the most flattering. It still looks pretty good :)

Trudy said...

It is a nice style for you, too. You look fabulous.

Danielle said...

These are gorgeous pants!!!!!

Michelle said...

couple tips on elastic/casing situations.
If I have to do elastic in a casing I apply either of the 2 following methods depending on the type of fabric. A: attach the elastic ends together and (carefully) lay it inside the casing/hem AS your sewing it - being careful not to catch the edge of the elastic as you sew. OR
B: cut the elastic about 30% tighter than you would normally - apply it with a zigzag stitch to the very edge of the fabric. Turn up once (or twice) and zigzag stitch again.
Hope that helps in future pursuits. I know it seems cheating to employ some methods used on manufactured clothing but once you get the knack of it, it really does become easier and still looks good while being faster at the same time (as opposed to fishing elastic through miles of casing)
IF you still employ putting in the elastic after the casing is finished, there's always this little gadget:
http://www.createforless.com/Dritz+Drawstring+Threader+23/pid144674.aspx?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse

I have one and its AWESOME for saving time.

NancyDaQ said...

Hi, saw the comment on SG and thought I'd respond here instead of there to avoid controversy. I like your Hepburns and couldn't believe the commenter would call you out like that. Bad manners, but you handled it in a tasteful way. Good for you!