Whoop! First sewing project of the new year!
This is the blouse (view D) from Marilla Walker's Roberts Collection. I don't know why it's taken me so long to make something from this collection- I love it! I wanted to ease into the collection with the blouse, which was likely to be a hit based on my well-known love of Marilla's Maya top. Now I hope to graduate to the jumpsuit, which is a bit riskier, style-wise, at least for me.
The fabric is Thai silk that I bought at the Jim Thompson factory outlet- not the slippery stuff, but the nubby, textured variety. Maybe dupioni, based on this description? I don't know- it's just labeled "Thai silk" at the store! I think I got it off the remnant shelf at the outlet, so it was even further discounted.
I've had this silk in my stash forever (maybe 2 years?) because I have been totally immobilized by my fear of washing it. In the new year, I decided to throw caution to the wind and just treat it how I would likely treat the final garment. I machine washed it on gentle and hung it to dry. I hate dry cleaning, so this is more realistic for me. The silk lost a little bit of the sheen, but softened it up slightly.
Marilla gives instructions for all sorts of felled and faux felled seam finishes in the Roberts pattern. For this blouse, because my silk was quite shreddy at the edges, I went with french seams, faux felled. Faux felled French? Anywho, the insides of my blouse are quite neat as a result.
Size-wise, I chose size 5 on the top, graded to 6 at the hip.
I love the v-neck! Low enough to be a bit sexy to counteract the boxiness of the blouse, but not too low.
The back triangle detail is fun, too, highlighted by the topstitching. It would be cool for some colorblocking or print mixing, too, methinks.
Time to get working on that Roberts jumpsuit now...!
Bonus photos, deep from my Instagram archives!
Rolls of fabric at the Jim Thompson Factory Sales Outlet:
Spinning silk from cocoons at the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok:
You can totally rock the jumpsuit, i've seen the evidence with my own two eyes! Throw caution to the wind and make that thing! :-)
ReplyDeleteHa ha- thanks, Jenny! I'm definitely going for the Roberts jumpsuit. Got my fabric picked out and everything!
DeleteThis is gorgeous! I'll add it to my list of future makes! I do love the things you make Meg. Jen
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jen! It's a great pattern- so many options!
DeleteThis looks like the perfect casual shirt! I love the color of your silk fabric. The triangle details in the back are a great detail. I can't wait to see your jumpsuit once you make it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teri! I am a sucker for simple shirts. And green. :-) Yes, it's jumpsuit time!!
DeleteI like this top a lot. Those little "boxy" tops (although this one looks like it has a pretty shape) are real wardrobe workhorses. I need a few in my wardrobe for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie! I know, I can't resist a simple, boxy top. They're so easy to make and so easy to wear...
DeleteBeautiful what lovely fabric. I have loved every version I've seen of this pattern. Great work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Louise! I'm happy I got over my mental hurdle with this fabric and made something from it! This is a great pattern- I can't wait to get started on the jumpsuit version of it!
DeleteLove this! The back triangle seam is so cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love that triangle detail, too! Lots of opportunity to play around with different fabrics...
DeleteLove the v-neck and the seaming in the back! I don't think the jumpsuit is "me" but I really love this top.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Inder!! To be honest, I am not totally sure this particular jumpsuit is "me," either, and yet I can't stop thinking about it!
DeleteYour new top is so cute! And the color on you is fab!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherie!! Green is my jam, for sure.
DeleteBeautiful top...simple but flattering shape and such a pretty colour.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!!
DeleteI like the color very much and th back seaming is very flattering! The silk looks very much like what I would call raw silk here, but then I'm no silk expert. Whatever...it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think it might not be raw silk- it does have the processed silk lustre- it's just hard to see it in these photos. I should have done an up-close shot!
DeleteSo glad you got over your silk fear! I've a few super special fabrics lurking deep within stash - I do think though it's worth waiting for the perfect pattern to use! Love the back view of this especially. Bring on the jumpsuit!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! I've definitely got a decent stash of special fabrics that scare me to cut into.
DeleteYes, it's jumpsuit time!!
This looks so great on you! I love that green! I have the Roberts collection too, with visions of cute overalls, but I'm a bit nervous to try them out. I'm wishing you luck on your jumpsuit and I can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteYou would look so cute in the overalls!! I am thinking of making the overalls for my mom. She has a weak spot for them.
DeleteOh that would be awesome! I so want to see your Mom in overalls!
DeleteLovely top. I'd never heard of this pattern or patternmaker, and now I seriously covet those dungarees.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra! I love Marilla Walker's patterns - they're great!
DeleteGirl, I was just thinking of making that jumpsuit this morning. How big is the size range? Could we do a CSC "one pattern two people" post?
ReplyDeleteOoh, that would be fun! It has a decent size range- up to 49" bust, 51" hip
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