I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, a little over an hour from Seattle. I was a teenager when grunge was king and everyone was wearing flannel. Everyone but me apparently, because I honestly cannot remember owning more than handful of flannel clothes in my lifetime.
That extends to sewing as well. I almost never sew with it except for pajamas or non-garment items. However, I was perusing the Fabric Mart website one afternoon and came upon this beautiful floral cotton flannel. My love for floral is deep and well documented, so immediately I had visions of a soft and cozy blouse that I could wear in our damp, chilly late winter and early spring.
Folks, I am a convert! Why oh why did I avoid wearing flannel for so long? This blouse is a dream! First of all, the fabric is gorgeously soft and not too heavy. Second, I can now wear my beloved florals and stay cozy even in the early days of spring when I want to feel light and cheery despite the cold weather.
I made the Carme Blouse by French designer Pauline Alice. I'm a little obsessed with pintucks at the moment so the bib on this blouse had me hooked right away. The pintucks are time consuming but so worth the effort. It also has a neat little placket and sleeve tabs for rolling up your cuffs. It's definitely designed with the rolled cuff in mind, but on the 40 degree day that I took photos I really appreciated the long sleeves.
If you're intrigued by French patterns this a great place to start. The instructions are available in French, English, and Spanish and the PDF pattern pieces can be printed on US Letter (many French patterns only print on A4 which can present a challenge to us American sewists). The instructions are a bit sparse, but luckily the designer offers a sew-along on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulineGuillet/featured) that I found extremely helpful. I think it would be a great pattern for the adventurous intermediate sewist looking to expand their skill set.
I made a size 40 and the only made a few minor changes. I cut the sleeve slit binding on the bias because I find it eases in and lays a little neater. Also, made a facing for the hem since I had exactly zero desire to hem those curves. I finished it off with some seriously gorgeous vintage mother of pearl buttons that matched the green in the fabric perfectly.
Because I'm a little extra I decided to use the bit of flannel I had leftover with some pink stretch corduroy from my stash (also from Fabric Mart) to sew up a pair of Ash Jeans from Megan Neilson patterns. Now my pockets are as cozy cute on the inside as my top is on the outside. They are VERY pink pants but I think they go perfect with my blouse so I'm going with it. Bring on Spring!!
KRISHA | @buttercupthreads
Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics in the following categories:
FLANNEL & COTTON
Great outfit! 😊
ReplyDeleteGreat match of fabric and pattern! Lovely garment.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful outfit. I love flannel shirts in all seasons because they are soft. In summer I can use them as covers against the sun and the rest of the year they provide something that can be layered as needed. I have never tried a blouse of flannel but it does make sense so why not?
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great outfit! Your choices are beautiful. I had been looking at some of those beautiful floral flannels myself, and have also had my eye on a number of Pauline Alice patterns. Great pairings of fabric to patterns.
ReplyDeleteI love both and especially the detailed blouse! Beautiful sewing! I am checking out the designer!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the great tips on the bias cut slit facing piece and the lazy faced hem. Both brilliant! Such a lovely outfit, it’s just perfect.
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