Summer blouses

Carole · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:19 am Post subject: Summer blouses

While I have lots of favorite fabrics at SB, the rayon batik 'section' is always special. First of all, I love tropical island climates and vacations. Our batik fabrics always remind me of wonderful times spent relaxing and exploring those places.

This summer I'm determined to find a way to incorporate those lovely fabrics into my wardrobe in an easy casual way. I don't have too much energy for sewing these days, so my pattern has to be easy. These rayon batiks aren't suited to precise fitting anyway. I picked out the Fearless Shirt pattern by Cecelia Podolak of Material Things. I'll be making the short sleeved version with a traditional collar.

Yesterday morning I got up early and cut out the first shirt. It only took 20 minutes (I had prewashed the fabric and pressed it and the pattern pieces the day before). I picked up thread and buttons yesterday too.

Today I'll start sewing. Anyone else out there sewing blouses like these?

Lois · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:42 pm Post subject:

Hi Carole - I also love rayon batiks and have several in my stash. Blouses are on my to do list this summer too. I'll post the pattern number when I pick one.

Other uses for Batik for me in the past have been (1) contrasting bias binding to add a decorative touch and PIZZAZ to my San Diego jacket. You can do a Hong Kong treatment to seams or add strips to the outside to emphasize seams. Also try piping with batik. (2) As a lining! I know people usually go towards slick and shiny fabrics as linings. But I used a pre-washed rayon batik as a lining and it was not a mistake. I did use a standard rayon lining in the sleeves for easier pull on over tops, however the jacket body is lined with the batik and looks great when the jacket flies open.

I'll be looking forward to hearing how your blouse goes.......I like Cecelia's work and the pattern looks like a great classic.
Lois

Nata · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 72

I want to join in. At least I want to try to join in. I have been slugging throug a sewing slump and not sewing much lately. It's too bad though, because I like to sew/design.

I made a few things with rayon batik in the past. I had a maternity tunic for myself, which was my favority maternity top. It was so comfortable and easy care. Wrinkles tend to fall out of it. And it had stylized storks on it (not very loud in your face kind). I didnt even think about it, untill somebody pointed that my tunik was very appropriate for "expecting a child" garment LOL

I also made a top for DD and always liked the look of it.

Anyways, I was thinking about this tunic pattern:

Burda Tunic

I hope I can join you. I got to stop working so much and get back to things I love to do.

Lois · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:28 am Post subject:

Hi Nata - Very cute top and would be suitable for a number of fabrics.
I know what you mean, having a sewers block. I've had the same problem the past year. Recently I set my mind on a goal which got me into the sewing room. I wanted to get a garment sewn for a particular event, although it was difficult to get started I finally got back in the groove. If it is your passion, you will benefit from spending some time with your fabric, designing and sewing. Good luck finding your way back to your projects and please let us know how you are doing.

Nata · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 72

Thank you, Lois. Hope you find a pattern you like for the rayon project.

I made myself a schedule and will try sticking to it. Hands on experience works best for me. I am one-project-at-a time person. I have a tunik-T half finished on the dressform. I want to finish it before starting on the rayon. I bummed yesterday because at so happened that our favorite strawberry farm opened for U-pick yesterday (for limited number of early customers). I just had to go; in a couple of days it'll be a zoo there with berries picked over.

I have 2 rayons in my stash: strawberry sunset and blue lavender
Strawberry Sunset photo
Blue Lavender photo

I am ashamed to tell for how long I was hoping to sew them up.

Lois · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:46 am Post subject:

Nata - I love both the rayons you posted. And I have Bramble myself. Let us know what patterns you select. I just bought Simplicity 2917 for a summer dress and I think I'll use a rayon batik in my stash. Not sure which one yet.

Enjoy your berries!!!

Nata · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 72

It’s a pretty dress. When do you plan starting on it?

My hands have permanent strawberry stains, which will look very color-coordinated with Bramble rayon Kids were on their best behavior and I picked 23 quarts. I froze and vacuum-packed 20 quarts. I am done with strawberries (except I have a small patch in my garden for all-summer eating).

I think I need to get up a little earlier and sew in the morning. I have been too exhausted to sew in the evenings lately.

zigzagger · Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Massachusetts

Nata, I love the blue lavender batik in the pictures you posted earlier! It would make a very pretty shirt, or maybe a flared summery skirt. It looks like it will be fun to wear, no matter what you make out of it!

Carole · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:57 am Post subject:

I've started working on my blouse. I put in the darts on the front pieces and created the front placket. I have to say the fabric is so pretty. When pressed the drape is lovely.

Nata, I like your pattern. I think that would feel great made with a drapey rayon. It's hard when projects stack up, isn't it? I have a few going now too and I have to work not to get overwhelmed. Even sewing for ten minutes I feel productive and more energetic. I too, have more luck sewing in the mornings. On summer evenings I am wiped out after a full day.

Lois, I liked your idea of putting the batik inside a garment. I'm intrigued by the seam finishing using batik. I have a nice silk matka maturing in my stash that might be a nice way to use it. I also like the idea of lining something with it.

Nata · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 72

Carole, you are too fast Smile

What rayon are you using?

Lois · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:28 pm Post subject:

Yes Carole - Silk Matka and a rayon batik trim would be a winning combo. Great idea! Take a look at the San Diego jacket pattern - it's an easy jacket to sew, yet has several seams you could finish with contrasting fabrics. I posted a pic of mine in another discussion here in the Salon. It's a jacket that's not too over-sized which is why I like the design, and enjoy wearing it.

You ladies have gotten me energized to get my hands into a new project. But for now I must focus on my in-progress jacket.

I'm working on a Loes Hinse jacket (Milano Jacket pattern) using a SawyerBrook silk from last season called Pueblo. It's drapey enough for Loes Hinse's designs which are slightly loose fitting. I'll post a picture soon.

Nata - have you been able to get into a new project yet? I remember you saying you were having difficulty finding free time.

toy · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 9 Location: PA

I just wanted to poke my head in to say hi to everyone.
I am absolutely terrified of batiks,,, maybe because I grew up in the Caribbean and it was everywhere,,, in NOT so flattering garments, that I don't have the heart to use them, lol
this is why I am so interested in seeing what you ladies come up with, in fact I am pretty anxious, cant wait!

Nata · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 72

Lois, I have been sewing some. I am close to finishing the tunic I have as work-in-progress. I am ready to cut my rayon as soon as I am done. There is no more than 2 evenings worth of work left on it (counting at very slow tired pace) Smile

Toy, I think I know how you feel. I grew up in a very hot climate and saw my share of poor quality rayon batiks made into wearable sacks. I haven't bought or sew with this fabric for years after I moved away from there. However, I can tell from personal experience that rayon I purchased from SB and made up are not quite compare to the shaggy-looking sack-like fabric. I made a maternity tunic (which is one of very few pieces I kept from maternity wardrobe), and a blouse for DD (which she wore for 3 seasons and wore it out). The fabric that Barb carries is of a very good quality and so pleasant to wear. I think it must be of a higher thread count, because it's smooth, almost silky to the touch. Also, the ones I sewed with, didn't wrinkle that much. And when it did, wrinkles fell out of it after a few hours on the hanger.

Now, I have a cheap rayon batik dress made in Indonesia. That sucker wrinkles after an hour with wrinkles that are almost permanent.

Would any of you guys be interested in doing a sew-along with batik (Carole can do a second garment or third:) if Barb OKs it? Toy, it'd be a perfect chance for you to give the fabric a try. Lois, we would have a week or two before we can start anyway, so both of us can finish our current projects.

Carole · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:36 am Post subject:

Hi Everyone,

A sew along would be fun! I have a couple of more batiks I want to use up. I am sewing my current project out of a batik called Sea Vines that we carried this spring. It is a light blue/aqua color with a sprinkling of lavender and purple. On Friday I got quite a bit more work done. i sewed the shoulders together and sewed on the collar band and stand. Then I set in the sleeves. At a try on, I decided that the blouse is slightly big. I'm planning on taking it in a bit through the arm and shoulder, to compensate a bit for my shallow chest. Then I'll taper it down through the body some. The pattern is slightly oversized, which is what I'm after. I seem to live in tee shirts and I miss wearing blouse fabric. I have seen cheesy batik clothing in tropical climates. I think the construction is generally poor on those mass produced pieces sold in shops catering to tourists. I think mine will be better with a nicer fit and higher quality fabric, as Nata noted.

Lois, I'm thinking about the San Diego jacket pattern for another project. I would like to see the one you made up, but I'm not sure where to look in the Salon. Could you guide me to the photo, please? I'm a little concerned about the flowy collar. I have a wide jaw and I try not to have anything too wide around my shoulder/neck area.

Carole · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:38 am Post subject:

P.S. Nata, I'm glad you got your strawberries! Our pick-your-own place just announced that some of their picking areas are affected with a disease and the season is all but done. We have some farm stands selling them from other places, but it's fun to pick your own.