Ever since I received these bolts of fabric designed by Sharon Holland, I have wanted to make a shirt with one of them. They have such soft colors and the fabric feels silky smooth which just seemed perfect for a blouse. The line is called Gossamer and I love the pallette Sharon used for them. If you want to take a peek, I do have them listed in my shop. Click here. 🙂
Gossamer Fabrics by Sharon Holland
I chose to use Diaphonous Sand which is second from the bottom. It is very neutral and should work with any of my pants (especially since most of them are denim jeans!!) I poked around looking for a pattern thinking surely one of the 200 or more listed in my shop should work. Oh no… I had to order one instead! Kind of silly I suppose, but I really liked Butterick B6024.
I mixed up the versions just a bit and used the front from Version A, the sleeves from Version D and the back from versions B/C. I wanted the straight hemline in the back, short sleeves and the series of pin tucks detailing the front. Luckily it is quite simple to switch out the pieces of each version to get just what you want.
I posted this project over on Instagram just as I got started. I was a bit worried the pin tucks would make the front of the shirt too full and give it a maternity top look. Definitely not a good look to wear at the wise age of 56. But it worked out well. I did taper the sides just a tiny bit.
It hangs straight enough which takes care of the is-she-pregnant look I was trying to avoid. I did decrease the length about an inch but I don’t know that it was really necessary.
The back is simple – no detailing to speak of.
I finished most of the seams using french seams. I love the polished look french seams provide. The pin tucks are not terribly difficult. The require a bit of fiddling to get them folded and pinned just so but then it is just a matter of top stitching them down. It has been really satisfying to make a few shirts. Just in time for Spring too!
Looks nice! I usually shorten my tops too, but I am short. Some of these quilting cottons are just perfect for summer tops.
What a pretty shirt! You make it look so simple I almost want to try sewing some clothing again. I’d like to feel that fabric; it looks lovely!
That is so cute. I love the lines and the soft look of the fabric!
What a great top–and it fits perfectly! I’ve been getting my apparel mojo back (after waaay too many years) and might just give this a try–just right for the summer that might finally be coming 🙂
I wo uld not have bought this pattern based on their pictures. But I love your finished look. I just might make one.
Thank you! That is so nice of you to say. Let me know if you make one. I am debating holding a sew along on the blog this summer and leading a group of people through a pattern step by step. Would you be interested in participating in something like that? I think it might be fun,
That is a really cute blouse! I really need to start sewing clothes again, I sewed most of my clothing when I was in high school. Most of my birthday gifts were patterns and fabric. I loved it!
I made lots of my clothes in high school and college too. When my kids were in school and I was working, I didn’t sew as much for myself. It is so gratifying to get back into it. I am really enjoying it.
Yes Sharon’s fabric line is just gorgeous! Lol on having to purchase a pattern 🙂 That one is so cute. Your blouse is very flattering and feminine – nice job!
Thank you Linda. This was a fun one and certainly one I will make again. 🙂
What a lovely, comfy looking top, Bernie. I can just imagine how soft it feels. And the pin tucks are so pretty. I haven’t sewn clothing for a long time, but you are making me want to again. We’ll see. I might just get forced into it anyway if I want summer clothing I like. I really don’t like all the tops on sale right now that have the cut-out shoulders. I wouldn’t have cared for them anyway, but now with my “zipper” scar, I’m definitely not interested.
I certainly agree with you about the cut out shoulder thing. I don’t like it either (with or without the should scar!). It isn’t my style. Maybe you should find a pattern you like and make something?
This is such a great blouse! I know you were worried that it would be too full, but it’s perfect. And that fabric is just lovely. I think a couple of others would also look great in that pattern, too. Or how about a nice solid? You’re going to be incredibly well-dressed this summer!
Thanks Mari. I do plan to make another one. Might as well get some use out of the pattern.☺
you make me want to learn to sew clothes 🙂
But wait! I tried that long ago and turned to quilting instead…
Just lovely, Bernie…looks wonderful!
Deb, how are you feeling? Hope you are hobbling around a bit more by now.
You have a wonderful way with your needle and thread. I am certain you could whip up a blouse like this in no time at all. 🙂
I used to make a lot of clothes. Every now and then I think I should get back into it. Your top is the cutest! I wish I still had all the patterns I used. Some are back in style again!
Thank you Kathleen. I have been having fun making a few shirts. And… you are right. Lots of the patterns have come back around full circle. Funny how that happens, isn’t it?
You look cute as a button and cool as a cucumber.
Maybe I should sew a blouse for me. It is hard to find a blouse that fits my pear-shape!
Lovely top Bernie, you are quite the seamstress. I know what you mean about the ‘is she pregnant look’, when wearing a certain dress years ago I was asked when the baby was due, I was a bit embarrassed, and so was she. Needless to say the dress went straight in the charity bag.
I also have this pattern and am now excited to make it. I have having trouble with sizes lately, usually too tight in the bust. Do you mind if i ask what size you made. You look a bit smaller than i am so maybe that can guide me. So glad i found this.
Pam