My Mimi Blouse

So here it is, my first Mimi Blouse. This is my first completed item from Love At First Stitch and I am so proud of it! I think it may just be the best sewing I have ever done. It has piping and everything!

I really enjoyed making it, the instructions were easy to follow and I learned some new techniques which is always good. The fabric I used is a cotton poplin so a little heavier than the recommendation but I'm happy with it. I'll probably try something lighter if I make it again.

I love the back, I think the gathers here are lovely. I am pleased I went to the effort of adding the piping because it breaks up the back nicely and highlights these gathers.

I have two small things that I would change if I could. I would prefer if it were a little more fitted around the waistline so I will probably mostly wear it with skirts or trousers with a high waist and tuck it in. Also the cuffs of the sleeves are a little tight so I will make them bigger next time.

I have already started making something else from Love At First Stitch and I can't want to share it! Zoe x

Spotty Picnic Blanket Skirt

I am totally hooked to making my own clothes already. I decided my second attempt should follow a real pattern so I went with Tilly and the Buttons (you may remember her from 'The Great British Sewing Bee') pattern for The Picnic Blanket Skirt. Her instructions are well thought out and make it really simple to put together.

The skirt is made up of 5 rectangles of material so it couldn't be more straight forward. I multiplied my measurements by 2.5 instead of Tilly's 2.1 to get a fuller skirt which makes it excellent for spinning around. If you have a look at Tilly's pattern, you'll know what I mean. I made mine out of a very lightweight cotton which means even the gathering was really easy on my skirt.

I was going to go with fabric covered buttons but I started the project with pink nail varnish on and it looked so cute with the grey I couldn't resist. I really recommend this as a first pattern to try out when making clothes, I think I will be making another one soon. Zoe xx