One of the things I learned in May (during “Me Made May” when I wore mostly handmade clothes), is that I need to make more basics. In particular, I’m lacking casual tops to wear with jeans. I thought a cream-colored blouse would be a nice layering piece, as well as something that could be worn most of the year. I made a silk Weekend Getaway Blouse using some fabric I picked up at a craft salvage store and the pattern from Liesl & Co. which I already owned.
I have not used silk before, so I was concerned that it might be tricky. I’ve been saving it for over a year. It turned out to be less trouble than I expected—certainly much easier than working with fake polyester silk fabrics. I used silk crepe de chine. It has a slight texture to it, and presses well on lower heat. The edges fray, so finishing the edges with a zig-zag, serger, or french seams is important. My serger doesn’t handle delicate fabrics well so I used a combination of zig-zag stitches and french seams to keep the inside neat and clean.
The pattern instructions are clear and easy (as always, with Liesl’s patterns). There aren’t very many pieces to cut out with the short-sleeved blouse version, since the sleeves are included on the main front and back pieces. The front detail adds a nice feature to the front of the blouse, but it is very easy to construct. I decided to keep the facing pieces the same color, but you can also choose a contrasting color to make the front a more prominent feature. The back has a pretty pleat.
The Weekend Getaway pattern includes instructions for both a blouse and a dress. It has directions for making french seams on the sides of the blouse, as well as many other helpful tips for a professional finish. I do wish there had been a similar tip for french seams at the shoulder seam construction step. I made french seams there as well, but it was a little bit tricky trying to figure out how to attach the front facing in a way that hid the seam. In the end, it looks great, but it would be beyond a beginner level to do this without directions.
I made a size 6. (My measurements are 34, 29, 38 for reference.) The shoulders and bust fit just the way I was hoping. The bottom hem just fits around my hips, but I’d love a little bit more ease there. I think in the future, I would cut it the same size and make small slits at the bottom of the side seam. And if I made the dress version, I would definitely size up in the skirt.
Overall, I like this pattern a lot! The loose silhouette is comfortable and flattering. It looks nice with a scarf or layered under a blazer. I could see making again in a more casual fabric, like this chambray version that Kristin made. I’m also hoping to try the Sutton Blouse by True Bias and the Lou Box Top by SewDIY to compare the fit and add a variety of wearable casual tops to my wardrobe.
Have you made the Weekend Getaway Blouse, Lou Box Top, Sutton Blouse or similar top?
If you are interested in more tops like this check out 7 Flowing Blouse Patterns to Sew!
Nakisha says
September 13, 2016 at 12:26 pmIt looks great! And it’s such a versatile wardrobe item!
Sara Curtis says
September 14, 2016 at 11:00 amThank you!
Olga Becker says
September 13, 2016 at 1:05 pmSo pretty! Fits you great! Love the silk.
Sara Curtis says
September 14, 2016 at 11:01 amThank you Olga! Always nice to a sew a pattern that doesn’t need lots of alterations!
Mary says
September 13, 2016 at 8:17 pmOk, this probably isn’t the place to say it, but you are such a beautiful woman, truly. I know I am somewhat biased since I am your momma, but your inner beauty just shines more with each passing year. BTW, your blouse is beautiful too! 😉
Sara Curtis says
September 14, 2016 at 11:02 amThank you Mom! Anyone who reads down to the end will think it’s sweet that you commented 🙂 Love you!
Marsha Law says
September 14, 2016 at 11:26 amMary!!! That is the most darling comment. Makes me tear up to see a momma so proud of her girl. You both are very fortunate women to have each other. I’m gonna go now and remind my mommy how much I love her.
Marsha Law says
September 13, 2016 at 9:39 pmThe lines of this top are just beautiful! I’m very tempted to head over to Liesl & Co to get it. Good job on making it look so pretty.
Sara Curtis says
September 14, 2016 at 11:04 amThanks Marsha! I forgot to mention it in the post, but I prefer the printed patterns to their PDF versions. They do a great job of saving paper, but it makes the PDF assembly more complicated than most. 🙂
Marsha Law says
September 14, 2016 at 11:24 amThanks for that little extra bit of info. I much prefer to wait for printed patterns in the mail so this works out better for me.
Amaia says
September 14, 2016 at 12:06 pmNice! I specially love the back. Sewing silk may be painful but it looks so gorgeous afterwards that you forget the pain 😉
Sara Curtis says
September 14, 2016 at 1:25 pmI love the back too! Also, it wasn’t nearly as painful as I anticipated 🙂
Reece says
September 17, 2016 at 12:19 amThis is soooo pretty! I love how it’s soft and feminine, and you can dress it up, but it works for a casual look too!
Sara Curtis says
September 20, 2016 at 10:06 amThank you!
Stephanie says
September 18, 2016 at 9:07 pmThis looks lovely! I really like the lines, it’s unique but simple. I cannot imagine ever owning anything cream colored, all I can see is potential room for stains haha, but it looks LOVELY on you!
Sara Curtis says
September 20, 2016 at 10:07 amI worn it on a day that I made and ate chili! I was worried about getting it dirty, but, miraculously, it stayed clean. 🙂
Melissa Q says
September 19, 2016 at 9:40 amThis turned out beautiful! I love that you took the leap and worked with silk…white nonetheless! Very ballsy. I had the same revelation after Me Made May…it’s all about the basics! I’m working on making the same kind of wardrobe staples myself.
Sara Curtis says
September 20, 2016 at 10:08 amI’m about to copy your laguna gray Julia Cardigan! 🙂
Melissa Q. says
September 20, 2016 at 10:16 amAw, that’s awesome!! We are kindred spirits on this quest.