Soft long-length blouse

The last project from my favourite beginner's book, 'Sewing Machine Basics', is a long sleeved blouse with some pleats on the front and back. I picked a white viscose fabric with great drape, and cheaper than silk.

If I made it again, I would change the neck and the sleeves. The round neck makes me look like I'm in pre-school, although it might be flattering for other people. The sleeves are a bit too wide, it reminds me of the Seinfeld episode about the puffy shirt ( I don't want to be a pirate!).

    

I'm really happy with the set-in sleeves, no puckering at all, thanks to the great instructions, and the pleats, I think they add a simple but gorgeous detail to the garment.

Jacket from Vogue V7975 (II)

Well, I've been making some progress and now the jacket has lining. I found a blue polyester fabric, a bit brighter than I had planned but the contrast is quite nice.

A couple of things I've learnt so far with this make: when finishing seams it's better to tidy the threads as you go along; if they're left to be done at the end, some threads can show on the right side, which can be really difficult to tidy when many seams are sewn together, e.g., around the armhole. The other thing I found helpful is to use white thread to mark the spot where seams need to match, like the pockets; in this thick dark fabric I couldn't use my purple vanishing ink pen.

The plan is now to complete the lining on the hem and sleeves and that's it.

Link to the previous post beginning a jacket - Vogue V7975

Beginning a jacket - Vogue V7975

I've started sewing a jacket but although the style is quite simple, inspired by the classic Chanel design, I think it might take a bit of time to complete. I'm trying not to feel overwhelmed by the task ahead so I've selected a cheap jersey fabric, although with a sort of boucle texture, sequins included. One thing I'm most excited about is that the jacket has lining, it might look like a pro.

So far, the length is slightly different in parts, but that can get fixed, as I'm not worried about shorten it if necessary. My next task is setting the sleeves, I hope I can ease them without much puckering.