Monday 12 May 2014

Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse

I was having slight sewing withdrawals while away over the Easter break. Thankfully Tim encouraged me to find any fabric stores in the towns we visited and my phone internet was working so I was able to order the Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse from Indie Stitches.

Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse

I wanted to make up the blouse immediately but other sewing tasks got in the way. I was on the hunt for some buttons at an opshop when I saw an amazing piece of fabric. Approx 2metres for $3. I assume it's some sought of polly cotton blend, but I really have no idea. It's light weight and has a sheen but its not as slippery as viscose or silk. It has an abstract cream, mustard and mauve pattern. I knew it had to be my first Belcarra blouse.

Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse

I sewed version C with fold over cuffs but omitted the pocket. I cut a straight size 8. I find Sewaholic instructions to always be super thorough with great diagrams. However on this occasion I thought that there were few things missing from the instructions. But, it was late in the evening, so maybe it was just me? I didn't see an instruction on constructing the pin tucks for version B. Also the construction of the cuff wasn't covered for version C. Fortunately the top is so simple and intuitive that's it not really a problem.

Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse

The only change I made was to use French seams, including on the raglan arm seams. I followed the instructions for the neckline binding but you could easily use a pre-bought bias binding or a hand made fold over binding instead of the method used in the instructions.

Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse
 
The blouse is very simple but one I know I will wear often. I have it untucked hear, but I think it looks even better tucked in. I'm sure I'll use the pattern again and again. I'm keen to use it to replicate a beloved RTW blouse, with a similar boxy cut and sleeve cuffs, which is looking worse for wear. The pattern is highly modifiable as well. I'm keen to follow along the Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse Sewalong to see if they release any fun pattern hacks. I definitely recommend this pattern for those wanting a modifiable simple blouse, and those wanting a beginner friendly quick make.

Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse 

 

20 comments:

  1. I've been waiting to see this pattern made up and yours is the first I've seen Liz. This looks like a great staple. What a fun fabric find :)

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    1. Thanks Renee!
      It certainly will be a great staple. Love that it can be worn out and tucked in.

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  2. Hey great looking top. Love the colours. I have nearly finished my " wearable muslin" but eurovision kinda got in the way.

    I must agree with you that some of the instructions were a bit confusing with this pattern. The cuffs on view b took me a while to work out and then what to do with them after you had sewn them on . The tucks took a few mins as well.

    But overall I reckon I will be making a stack of these in the coming months.

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    1. Thanks! Yes, this is going to be a great staple for many I think.

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  3. This is on my to-sew list. I realize during me-made-may I am missing blouses. I have a shocking confessing that I have never made a Sewaholic pattern.

    Your shirt is divine. Is the shirt long?

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    1. Wah! well this top is a great place to start I think!
      Thanks, I don't find it too long. I'm average height.

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  4. Ooo I love this!! And what a great fabric find! Wining all round I'd say :)

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  5. It looks like a great staple, which is good to see because I have the Belcarra pattern waiting to be made up - I'm hoping to make it out of a dress that I never wear but need to work out if there's enough fabric there first!

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    1. oh, its so great when you can refashion something you don't wear into something you will!

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  6. What a great, cheery fabric find. Looks great with your colouring.

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  7. Love your blouse! I purchased this pattern and fabric for it!

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  8. Great blouse- very cool fabric! I just sewed up a Belcarra in plaid, but haven't had a chance to take photos for my blog yet.

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    1. Thanks so much, I'll have to check your version out!

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  9. Great colours! I just finished a Belcarra too (http://madebykaty.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/the-belcarra-blouse/) - looking forward to making many more!

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  10. This turned out superrrr cute! Why can't I ever find cute fabric like this when I am out and about?!?! :)

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    1. Thanks so much :) I always do a happy dance when I stumble across an awesome opshop fabric find!

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