The Savvy Sewer Salon at Sawyer Brook

I've been very sidetracked, and have squeezed in a bit of work on correcting the fit of my Bamboo blouse over the past few weeks. Just to remind you all - I used Vogue 7876 to make a 3/4 sleeve, wrap surplice blouse with a drape at the neckline. Despite careful tissue/pin fitting and another fitting before the sleeves went in, I hated the way it looked and fit when I finished the blouse.

The sleeves were way too tight over the bicep and at the armhole. Fortunately, I left enough seam allowance to let out the sleeve underarm seam to the elbow, and released the side seam as well to the waist, and gained enough room to be comfortable.

The neckline seemed to pull and distort - we had taken a tuck out of the diagonal line at the tissue fit, then my friend Donna wanted me to shorten the drape by moving the gathered line that marked the spot where the drape becomes the tie for the wrap, so I did, easing 3/4" of the drape into the blouse neckline. To correct the way the neckline hung and the bias draped over the bust, I completely undid that adjustment - moving the gathering back to its original position.

I added a thread chain loop at the left side seam to hold the tie/belt in place, and a snap at the center front V for control and modesty. Once I was happier with the fit, I decided what I really didn't like was the 3/4 sleeves, (probably prompted by the fact that we're in the middle of a 95+ degree heat wave here in Boston!) so I shortened them.

The result is, that I rescued this blouse. I still love the fabric, and although it will never be my favorite top, I can wear it.

A note on pressing the Bamboo - I didn't find I needed a presscloth, but I did get strike through of hems and seam allowances if I pressed from the right side.

I'll try to get a photo posted for you to see!

Please show us a picture of the bamboo top. I am knitting a sweater for a baby granddaughter out of bamboo yarn and I really like the texture and feel of the fiber.

Hi Janee - I'm glad you were able to make changes so you can wear the blouse.
Like you I ended up not using press clothes. At first I thought I'd need one but in practice, it wasn't necessary. I also had strike-through which I was careful to keep to a minimum. My camera is being shipped back from repairs so I'll post a pic of my Bamboo jacket this weekend.
I'm looking forward to seeing your blouse....
Lois

I've completed my Bamboo Jacket and I like the finished product a lot!

I wasn't crazy about the sleeves - no cuffs and the width was wider than most of my other jackets, so I decided to make a roll back a cuff. Luckily I had enough length in the unhemmed sleeves to accomplish that. My lining shows on the outside and I like the interest it gives the finished look. If you scroll back in my photos you can see the lining has an interesting diamond weave, although the color is the same as the outer fabric.

I used a wide bias seam tape for the waistline casing. For the waistline ties I used a wide elastic a bit shorter than the back width at waist level. To the ends of the elastic I stitched the fabric tubes which run from side seam to center front. This was not the method illustrated in the pattern instructions but I like having the elastic along the back. It keeps the gathers in place and spaced evenly.

For the hem I tested "Lite Steam-A-Seam" and got a good result. So I used it to hem the jacket. I didn't want a machine stitched hem and wasn't in the mood for hand sewing. The Steam-A-Seam worked beautifully without a glue-like appearance from the outside. Later, I decided to use a quick hand stitch to attach the lining to the Bamboo hem.

I had one final idea for a future jacket. You might consider this too. I've seen a technique where the facing is sewing to the garment wrong side, and turned to the right side where it is topstitched. The facing becomes a design element. I was really happy with the facing on this jacket, especialy the bias tape edging. So I think next time I'll try that right side technique. I'll post a photo of the jacket outside and inside next.

My conclusion is that the Bamboo is a dream to sew on, and to press. As Janee said, watch the strike-through. I've worn the jacket and it felt great on a cool evening. Perfect weight - not hot - drapey - has a wonderful soft hand which felt luxurious. Has anyone else make something with this new Bamboo fabric?

Bamboo Jacket Front

Bamboo Jacket Back

Bamboo Jacket Inside View - shows facing with black piping (used bias seam binding) and waistline casing (used wide bias seam binding)

Lois
STUNING! I love the use of the patterned lining as a design element. I can see this jacket becoming a workhorse in your wardrobe. Thanks for sharing your experiences and your results!

love this jacket, its so well made

This jacket is absolutely gorgeous! I will have to try some of this bamboo fabric sometime.

Hey - thanks everybody! Appreciate your kind comments.

Well, I am really impressed with that Bamboo jacket, it looks terrific and sounds like impeccable construction. I am sure it will serve many purposes in your wardrobe.

Well, I promised you a photo of my finished blouse made of Bamboo in beige. While nowhere near as beautiful a design as the jacket Lois made, it's a comfortable, soft blouse that I'll wear when I need something dressier than my normal jerseys. Attached is a photo - the blouse doesn't fit my dress form as well as it does me, but the form has been pressed into use for draping my daughter's wedding gown, and it's far too much work to unpin the muslin and reset the form for a photo, only to have to reverse that whole process to continue work on the gown!

Janee - Boy - Your blouse is really, really pretty!! You took advantage of the fabulous drape this Bamboo fabric has to offer. Great choice of pattern. I'm sure this blouse will be the perfect for a dinner out on a hot summer evening.
Thanks for sharing the photo.
Lois

I think this blouse looks extremely comfy!