Mimi Blouse #LoveatFirstStitch

I said I was going to give my new sewing machine a workout didn’t I? Well here it is: my first attempt at a Mimi blouse – the pattern from Tilly’s Love at First Stitch.

 The fabric is the Liberty cotton lawn I got from the Knitting & Stitching show, and I LOVE the print and colours. It washed really well before I used it, and ironed out nicely too (although it does then get creased again very easily once you’re moving it about).

 

This is the most complicated thing I’ve sewn so far, but I actually really enjoyed making it. The pattern pieces come with the book and I just traced them onto kitchen baking baker that is slightly translucent. I cut out a straight size 4 for this one, based on the garment measurements given in the book. Fitting the pieces onto the fabric was simple too, there is a layout diagram in the book, and I was careful to fold the fabric exactly in half so that the pattern matched across the fronts (yes, there is a repeat pattern on this fabric, although it’s quite subtle because of the ‘busyness’ of the print).

 

After the initial moment of hesitation at making the first cut into the fabric I had everything ready to go. Tilly’s instructions (as I’m sure I’ve said before) are really clear and easy to follow with lots of photos, and expanded details on working new techniques, like the gathers when attaching the front and back pieces to the yoke. These came out really well I think, for my first go, and actually with the detail in the fabric they’re probably not that noticeable anyway.

 

 

I took my time over this make, partly because of not having a lot of time free to get on with it (only one day at the weekends and a few odd bits in the evenings), but also because I wanted to make sure I got it right and was left with something wearable. Another first for me was French seaming the side seams, and attaching the collar and neck facings. I’m thrilled with how the collar turned out, and how evenly I managed to balance it!

 

The iron was definitely my best friend during the process; it really does help to make sure things sit right. Other than the side seams, everywhere else was pinked, and I tried out the overlock stitch on my machine which I think worked OK, I don’t think I’ll get much fraying.

Attaching the sleeves also went smoothly, and I really like the little pleat detail for a bit of interest. I topstitched the sleeve facings in place, and the hem, and used the same brighter pinky/purple for the buttonholes for a bit of contrast.

Ah, the buttonholes. I’m sure I mentioned how much I love being able to do automatic buttonholes. SO easy, once I’d re-measured where they needed to go of course. I’m really happy with how the top button sits neatly between the collar points, and the positioning means I don’t get the dreaded gaping at the bust. I’ve put on simple little plastic buttons in a toning pink; I didn’t think it needed anything fancier given the print of the fabric.

 

I’m completely delighted with how this turned out, apart from anything else it fits well and I’m looking forward to wearing it – with a long-sleeved layer underneath and a cardigan over the winter, and on its own next summer. I also love that this pattern is easily varied: I fancy a plain version with piping in the yoke seams, and a sleeveless summery one too. I’ve got a bit of the fabric left, not enough for another one of these, but maybe a simple camisole top or something, and some scraps for little makes – I haven’t shown you my favourite little flower brooches yet.

So thank you Tilly for another beautiful pattern, thank you Janome for my amazing new sewing machine, and thank you Liberty for the gorgeous fabric. Completing this blouse has really given me some more confidence with sewing garments, I’m already scouting out patterns for my next big project, but I think some little fun Christmas makes might be first on the list.