Tuesday 8 May 2012

Portobello Curtain Blouse


Yes, in true Sound of Music style, my latest make started life as a pair of old curtains. 
I bought them from a stall on Portobello Road market, along with these buttons, and just knew the two together would make a fab vintage style blouse.  
I used Megan Nielsen's Banksia pattern, primarily because I was drawn in by the oversized Peter Pan collar. The pattern was a delight: the instructions and diagrams are clear and well written and I like the fact that she gives lots of other suggestions for tweaking the pattern for different looks.  I made a size small, but ended up taking it in quite a lot at the sides.  If I'd taken the trouble to make a muslin, instead of slacking as usual, I'd have probably cut a medium at the bust (the small only just fits), tapering to an XS at the hips. Ah well. I'm reasonably pleased with the fit, but will probably wear it tucked in as it looks more flattering that way.


What else can I say? Well, I learnt a new technique - inserting a placket - which sadly I inserted upside down (sigh) - you can't tell though!  The collar seams are finished with bias tape rather than a facing, which was another plus point for me - facings are just tiresome.  I liked the look of the inside collar so much, I finished the sleeve edges the same way.

I'm pretty pleased with my Banksia and will almost certainly make it again with a few tweaks.  I've convinced myself it's definitely more Anthropologie chic than Von Trapp frump.  

I just need the UK weather to improve so I can wear it in what is technically supposed to be spring season.  I suppose that's what the cardigan was invented for…..!  x

71 comments:

  1. Ah that's gorgeous Jane - love the fabric. I too have the Banksia top pattern and am itching to get at it. Will be sure to make a muslin now too!

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    1. Thanks Joanne. Yes, def make a muslin, also I'll tell you now, you'll probably need to lower the darts too. Can't wait to see your version. x

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  2. Lovely blouse! Looks fab with your denim skirt (Ginger?). I keep looking at the Banksia pattern, but it's marked as 'intermediate' so it might be too difficult for me at the moment...

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    1. Yes, it is indeed a denim Ginger. I'm sure you could tackle the pattern. The only bit I wasn't used to was the placket but she includes two sets of instructions for it: one easy, one not so easy! Go for it! x

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  3. Jane, that is fabulous. Definitely more Anthro than Von Trapp but we both know you'd never find anything as fabulous and well finished in Anthro. I too am a big fan of bias binding for facings and finishings. The sleeves in my Peony are hemmed with bias binding. I finished a dress yesterday - polka dots, it was, hemmed with gingham bias binding. It doesn't match but it's what I had. I did think to myself as I stitched it in that I knew you'd appreciate it! x

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    1. Thanks Roisin. Now, you know I'm going to totally steal that idea don't you?! I've got a polka dot dress AND a gingham dress in my sewing queue and I will absolutely be putting the opposite bias binding on each one, what a fab idea! x

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  4. this is lovely Jane! I would have never thought it started off life as a curtain :) I had all sorts of problems with this pattern, but I think it was a combination of fray-tastic fabric, too heavy interfacing, and no-mojo me. I love your version, so I'm definitely going to revisit it.

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    1. Oh you should. I'll certainly be changing things for my next version! x

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  5. Cute! Definitely more Anthropolgy than von Trapp!

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  6. This is a blouse after my own heart Jane, I lurve it! The collar is divine and the fabric/notions you have chosen are perfect for a chic vintage look! I think I need this pattern asap ;o)

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    1. Yes, I can totally see you in it Marie! x

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  7. Very cute and not at all von trapp like :D
    I do have to say curtains and bed sheets are the way forward :p

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    1. They are aren't they, I need to get my hands on some more! x

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  8. Oh Jane, you've done it again! This top is sensational! Would never guess it was once a curtain either.

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  9. What a pretty top Jane! and it goes so well with your Ginger too. I had a pattern splurge last week, so I won't be getting this pattern for the for-see-able..

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    1. Thanks Tamsin. Maybe on your next splurge?! x

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  10. It's beautiful, and it goes really well with your Ginger skirt.

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  11. VERY Anthropologie-chic! That blouse absolutely does not look like it was a curtain in a previous life :)

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  12. i like the print! and it is perf with your ginger, and tights.

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    1. Thank you. I'm very partial to red tights! x

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  13. Ooo, this is lovely! The print and style looks very nice on you. Definitely not frump! I'm envious of your material. How lucky are you to have found curtains like those?! Vintage curtains are perfect for using as material. Yay for learning a new technique with the placket. I also love that you used bias tape rather than facing for the collar seams. What a nice touch!

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    1. Thanks Becca! I'm definitely lucky, I normally never see anything half as nice, must have been my lucky day! x

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  14. I love your version! The print is beautiful! Isn't this such a fun pattern?? I've already made two because I like it so much and could totally see myself making more.

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    1. Thanks Christine, it was seeing your version that tempted me onto the pattern! x

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  15. Love this top! That peter pan collar is perfect. :]

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  16. Jane it is goy-jus! I think you've captured an essence of vintage chic but like you say with a cool non-curtain modern edge. I like the idea of bias neck/ collar & sleeve facings... LOVE it - I think it'll be favorite......

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    1. Thank you Max from Hart to Hart, delighted I've achieved a cool non-curtain modern edge. EXACTLY what I was going for! x

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  17. Beautiful blouse! Definitely not Von Trapp! Really taken with the bias tape finishing on the seams.

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    1. I know, I am too, I think I may have to bias finish everything from now on! x

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  18. Very pretty blouse and it looks so perfect with the Ginger skirt!

    I love bias taping my seams and facings wherever possible. For some reason I find it one of the most satisfying things sewing has to offer.

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    1. It is isn't it? I think because everything is so neatly hidden away! x

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  19. Gorgeous Jane, you'd never know it was a curtain in it's previous life! In fact, I'm looking at my curtains in a new light now - they'd make a lovely dress. Help, stop me now!

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    1. Haha, most of the curtains in my house are SSSOOO boring, otherwise I'd be at them too! x

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  20. What gorgeous fabric! Lovely blouse, Jane! Hope it warms up so you can wear without a cardi or jacket. Pretty clothes should be on show.

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    1. Thank you and I agree, I wore it yesterday with a cardigan but it was very hidden! x

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  21. I love your version of the Banksia.

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  22. Oh Jane, this is sweet! I really like the colors on you. Plackets are bothersome things for sure. Still very wonderful work, as always! Love the ginger too!

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    1. Thanks Gina, I think it will look a bit better once my arms have a bit of colour on them, they tend to blend in with the blouse at the moment! x

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  23. I hadn't even clocked this pattern yet! Really love it and that print is delish! (I wish I had a waist like yours!)
    Px

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    1. Oh you should make it Portia, it's definitely your style. And as for my waist, thank you, I must give some credit to the Ginger skirt though, it's very flattering around the middle! x

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  24. Definitely chic - it looks lovely! Love it with the red tights and blue skirt. x

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    1. Thanks Nancy, any excuse to wear red tights! x

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  25. Such a beautiful blouse. So stylish teamed with that skirt and those red tights. So you! I can't believe that was a pair of old curtains. Great find x

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    1. Thanks Janene, I was VERY lucky, I hardly ever find anything so pretty! x

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  26. Such a lovely blouse! I really think the buttons and fabric are made to be and the collar is adorable!

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  27. Lovely Jane - I wish my curtains were that cute! Ooh - wouldn't it be great in polka dots with a contrasting plain collar? My Megan Nielsen dress used bias binding as neckline facing and it was such a relief - no flapping facings!

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    1. Stop tempting me! Isn't the lack of neckline facing brilliant?! x

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  28. Very Spring! Can't imagine any of my curtains as ready to wear.

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  29. ... and what lovely curtains they are to make such a beautiful blouse! Love the colours and the seam binding is a treat. xx

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  30. That is a gorgeous blouse! I love it. It's definitely Anthropologie chic rather than Von Trapp frump (though I have to admit, I always loved the Von Trapp curtain dresses!)

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  31. Such a pretty blouse I love the curtain fabric as clothing :-) The pattern seems like a perfect balance I might have to try it soon. I also love your finishing - very professional.

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  32. I love that you made this out of curtain fabric! It's so lovely, and absolutely perfect with those buttons. Well done!

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  33. So pretty Jane, and great on you :)

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  35. So, so cute! Who would have know it started life as humble curtains?? ;) I've had this pattern sitting in my "to sew" pile for far too long and need to get cracking (especially since I already cut it out and just need to *sew*)!

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  36. Oh weird, I just bought that pattern about 10mins ago! Love your version, the print pattern works really well. Can't wait to make my version now! Beth (the linen cat)x

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  37. Love this blouse! I agree that it's very Anthropology. But also very Jane. :-)

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  38. I too love the blouse. In no way would I have guessed that this blouse started out as curtains! Too cute.

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  39. Really lovely version Jane! Please let me know if you are ever willing to sell your Banksia pattern.

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    1. Thank you! I eventually gave the pattern away I'm afraid, so sorry. x

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