Thursday, June 08, 2017

Liberty blouse knock-off

I've been hoarding this piece of Liberty lawn for ages.  Since I didn't have a set plan when I purchased it, the ideas of what I could sew with it have run the gamut: pajama bottoms, dirndl skirt, button down shirt...  However, browsing through the J. Crew website the other day, I found a blouse in the exact fabric, with a really cute and summery design.  Done!  Here's the inspiration piece:
Analyzing the garment, I figured the blouse was a simple pull-over with no closures.  My recently drafted shift dress had the right general shape, so I shortened that to hip-level and removed the back zip.  There are ruffles at the neck and top armholes, and looked to be just gathered rectangles with baby hems.  Easy enough!

I faced the neckline and front slit because I didn't want the ruffles to weigh down the super light fabric, but I used matching bias to finish the armholes.
The shape is slightly fitted with French fish eye darts, but plenty roomy to be comfortable and cool.

Even though I'm typically not a "ruffle person", I'm pretty psyched about how this knock-off blouse turned out!  
I wore it for my birthday to the Berkeley Botanical Garden and Chez Panisse and loved it!  I have to say, I dread washing it for fear of what I'll have to do to get the ruffles looking lovely again, but I've got one more wearing before I have to cross that bridge :)  








21 comments:

  1. Very nice! And perfect for summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, it's nice and cool for the heat!

      Delete
  2. It looks exactly like the J.Crew top and great on you! That print is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just loved the print and was tickled to see it used in RTW clothing.

      Delete
  3. fabulous, its a great shape -enough 'fuss' to be interesting without overdoing it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The ruffles are definitely on the line of "overdoing it", at least for me. But I kind of like the novelty of it!

      Delete
  4. Adorable! Please post about the washing experience. I'm really curious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I may end up line drying it, but I'll report whatever happens!

      Delete
  5. I love your Liberty lawn! I just started sewing with this cotton just this year and I'm amazed at how lovely it is - as nice as silk any day :) Love your blouse - the perfect summer top!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do love Liberty, too, but it doesn't always come out of the W/D the same, so I'm very curious how it washes!

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Yes! It's on my list of items to bring :)

      Delete
  7. So lovely! I'm inspired to try one with some Liberty lawn I've been hoarding! Like you, I've been waiting for the right inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.Crew has several other items made with Liberty prints. I *almost* made a gathered skirt, and still think I would love that for summer!

      Delete
  8. This is SO cute!! Yours looks so much better handmade! I am impressed.
    http://thedoingthingsblog.com/

    ReplyDelete