Continuing my trip down nostalgia lane, I’ve made the top from my 1986 Issey Miyake pattern; Vogue 1693…
Fabric: a lightweight, fully embroidered cotton voile in pure-as-the-driven-snow white, a remnant from Potter’s Textiles. I had barely enough fabric to squeak out the pattern pieces, and had to lay the belt and front bands across the grain. Since they are interfaced I don’t think that’s going to affect the efficacy of the blouse too drastically. Lack of fabric forced me to cut the armhole facings from a different white cotton from my stash, provenance long forgotten. White buttons from Fabulous Fabrics.
I’d half forgotten how much I love this blouse pattern but it all came flooding back over me in a happy sentimental wave during the construction of this new blouse. The finishing instructions are wonderful with a truly great attention to detail that you rarely see in a pattern any more; all raw edges are neatly hidden away, either under flat felled seams or neatly turned under and top-stitched down on either side of a seam.
The style is also very much my cuppa tea; loose, asymmetric, interesting. It closes with just two buttons on a gently diagonal crossover front and two crossed belts at the back pull the blousiness in to the small of the back and help define your shape quite nicely.
Happiness scale; 10/10 Say no more!
Details:
Blouse; Vogue 1693, embroidered cotton voile
Trousers; own design, very old, white linen
so so so beautiful !!
have a good day
Christine
Respect!!!
It seems that I have to post 15 caracters at least. SO there.tstst. still this is very good workmanship. And inspired.
This is such a lovely blouse. Might need to get hold of this pattern! Thank you for sharing it.
Uhhh what a beautiful pattern! The cut is so exceptional, I really like that!
I quite forgot about the blouse in this pattern! I've made the jacket twice for my sister (she wore the first one to bits), but I've just let the cross pieces in the back put me off this.
Please review this for Pattern Review!
thank you SJ! I'm never quite sure about posting reviews for out of print patterns on PR, it feels a bit wrong since the patterns are so rare and difficult to get hold of, so I've tended to not do it. But, thank you!
Lovely and looks very current.
so beautiful!
It looks so totally up to date – a real classic with an edge.
Such a wonderful example of a white shirt. It is totally you. 🙂
beautiful!
such a great design, love those back belts! and it looks so great in white..
Haute couture!
Seriously cool! Wish more patterns taught such great finishing techniques. High 5 to past Carolyn for having the vision to buy this pattern!
Such a beautiful piece! And also very modern despite the vintage pattern. Just the kind of pattern I'm always looking out for.
This blouse with it's unique design looks fabulous and so very "you". Impeccable sewing as always.
Stunning! What an interesting pattern, I love the belts at the back. This is exactly what you would hope from a designer pattern – unique, with really interesting details.
I loved this pattern and wore mine to rags – have you ever made the trousers, Carolyn? They're interesting, too.
I haven't yet Cussot but I plan to; got the pieces cut out and all ready to go! 🙂
This is truly one of great patterns of all time. These early Miyake's were an adventure in making and wearing. At the time they looked so different, but your rendition really shows how timeless they are. Back in the day (the '80's), I made this many times including making it longer and bigger to wear as a winter vest. It is a gem, now I must dig out my Miyake collection for a second look. Thanks, this version is SO good!
thank you so much Marcy; I'm thrilled that you noticed and took the time to comment on my blog 🙂
I love this! It's so unusual but perfectly timeless and your fabric choice just lovely.
I agree with your 10/10 – looks beautiful on you, and your usual nice work.
Fabulous!
that is such a cool pattern and your version looks great. very pretty fabric. that blouse pattern is so simple yet unusual, and evocative of Japanese traditional clothing without being a copy. clever.
Your post makes me feel that the interesting designer patterns I buy today but haven't used yet aren't a waste. What a great, interesting piece.
Really fun design! Love the crossover straps at the back for shaping. Looks like a great blouse to wear with such interesting details but an easy shape.
Great design never goes out of style! Loved the mustard skirt too, but didn't have time to comment…the crossover strap details are quite different to anything I have seen recently.
Oh, I'm so happy to see this! I made it years ago and loved it, and forgot about it! I love love love your version…Gorgeous!
Beautiful! Love all the interesting design details.
So beautifully rendered by you! Thanks for posting.
another beautiful blouse. I love every little thing about it!
Ah, Issey Miyake. There was a good reason why we collected those patterns back when. You've inspired me to go digging–thanks!
What a gem of a pattern – still totally current nearly 30 years later! Your beautiful finishing is the icing on the cake.
I love the interesting details in both the skirt and top of this pattern! Have you ever made the jacket or trousers? This pattern is a gem, and seems to perfectly capture your aesthetic. You kight also be interested to know, I just did a quick perusal on Etsy to see if there are any available, and there are– for $128 USD!
woah… $128 is insane!! I haven't yet made the jacket or pants, but do have the pants cut out 🙂
$128 USD! I think I might be tempted to trace by pattern and put it on ebay. No really I should just use it. Your version is beautiful and inspiring.
thank you Gail, and yes, use it! I'm looking forward to seeing your version too 🙂
This top is a stunning masterpiece. Its such a unique design – asymmetric with a crossover belt. A Japanese jewel of a pattern.!
Absolutely stunning! You really know your own style, your clothing is all so cohesive.
Wow that is lovely! I really wouldn't have picked it was the same top from the pattern cover. I love the fabric. It is such a dainty design.
That's an amazing top…you do such beautiful work..great pattern! You are an inspiration!
thank you very much Luch! 🙂
Beautiful….beautiful!
Gorgeous! I love the shirt being longer at the front- I hate bumcovering tops, I need belly coverage! Need to find this one I think…
This is an interesting design and very flattering. I love it!
Nice! I never feel particularly drawn to 1980's designs (to say the least…) but this one is great. The subtle kimono references, the criss-crossing bands at the back. Of course, it is a designer pattern…
And I suppose this one also count for your Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge?
that's a beautiful blouse!
Wow, love the blouse! Very cute and the details are gorgeous!
Hi Carolyn, what a beautiful sample of sewing you did on the blouse, great to see!! Loved the mustard skirt too. I wonder if I could copy that pattern in vilene as I can’t find it to buy anywhere. I live in WA too so it won’t be too hard to catch up. Thanks.