New Look 6483... What a gem!

Ok so I planned none of this make, not a jot. The pattern was gifted by my lovely mother who had already traced it for herself (guess where I get the crafting bug!). At the time I thanked her, popped it in my pattern box, and thought nothing more of it. Then I was having a rifle through Fenwicks bargain bin (often a fine off cut is to be found here) and saw this really beautiful meter of God knows what!

Ok so I didn't take a photo of the pre-cut fabric, but you get the idea... And a preview

All I know about this stuff is its very soft, very loosely woven, and has a checked layer and a black layer woven together at the selvidge. I loved it and wanted it. Then I worried about what the hell I would make out of it and how those two loose layers would sew into a garment.

Cue a (much later) rifle through my pattern box and a eureka moment when I figured what I wanted! 

The pattern is a very basic boxy shaped blouse top, all versions have an open neck seam at the back for a button fasten. I liked the look of the sleeved version, but I thought it would be lovely to have the sleeves in a contrasting black.... Back to Fenwicks bargain bin. This time I found some form of stretch/suiting/wool/stuff which had a great weight to it which would give me the contrast I was after...

And I love it!!

It isn't without its issues. The weave fabric really doesn't suit this kind of top. I had some serious stay stitching to keep it in place... That's EVERY edge! But it went together well. Unfortunately at the stress point centre back (where my back rests against chairs and suchlike) the seams have started to pull the weave apart. I really should have stabilized with something and I'm kicking myself. I expect this piece of art to only have a limited shelf life before serious repairs are needed :(

The button fastening at the back is really simple, a loop of the stretch/suiting/stuff was used and it holds really well.

The other issue I had with the little dear was with fit. When I first made it and tried it on the shoulders were halfway down my arms... Ok I exaggerate, but they were waaaay to wide for my shoulders, so off came the sleeves (very carefully of course... The weave, my god the weave) and they were taken in to fit better. 

If you're wondering, yes they are both rabbit hutches, and no that's not my Buzz Lightyear

But they still pull tight over the chest... See stretch above the armpits. It's ok, I can live with this. But I'm sure as hell sorting it out for the next version!! Other than that (oh and the rather short hem... Which I was mortified about but now kinda like) I really like this shape! I really like the fabric and sleeves... And it takes a mere morning to put together (sleeve adjusting excluding).

Cue awkward yard shots of me showing it off....

Awkward bum shot

Trying to look pleased with my top shot

And my favourite... Moody teenager shot. Ha ha... Check out that pose!! And no you don't get to see the stupid face I was pulling.