Cranberry Celebration

There is kind of a story behind this blouse. I bought the fabric almost two years ago intending to make a Christmas shirt. Shortly before Christmas 2006 I realized that more important things must take precedence. I set it aside quite sadly.

This year I finally started by making a mock-up and then cut into the fashion fabric only to realize that I was short on fabric. Very depressing, I assure you. I asked my dear mother to get me some that would go with it. In the store lighting it looked much more purple and the solid fabric was the closest match. At first I was leary of it because it is quite a different shade, but I decided to use it anyway. Now I am very glad I did. I love the combination.

So, after some long sewing days (including other things, too), I knew it wouldn't be finished in time for Christmas. I kept on sewing though and even worked on it Christmas Day while I waited for our holiday guest to arrive. :8o

By that time I only had some hand sewing left to do and the front closure. I barely had a chance to work on it while our Christmas/New Years guests were here, but picked it up again once everyone had departed. I was determined to finish it then and after I attached the buttons I decided to line the solid sections. I did all that by hand while sipping tea and staying warm. :D

At last it was done and I just had to wait until another snowfall to photograph it. *deep breath*

This is my first synthetic shirt. I normally stick with natural fibers, but I couldn't resist this fabric when I saw it it on clearance. The bolt said 100% linen, but it cannot possibly be right. It is not linen. I'm guessing it is polyester. *Note: it is much more burgundy than the pictures lead you to believe.

I used Vogue 8196. Other than size alterations, I changed the bottom sections to be flat instead of gathered. I knew gathers don't look good on me, so I used some pieces from another shirt pattern. I am really pleased with the way that part turned out.

In fact, I am pleased with the way the whole thing turned out. I think I might make this shirt again in a cotton print for summer. I just can't decide if I should do the long sleeves for protection from the sun or the short sleeves.