hello! I’ve made this new blouse… I was having trouble thinking of a way to describe the colour, since the only thing coming to my mind was those white puffball fungi that upon “puffing” send forth a little cloud of smelly spores that are just about exactly this colour. Then Craig came to the rescue, suggesting “golden brown” Oh, yes, that is SO much nicer! Why is my brain sooo….? um, weird and mundane and lacking in poetic nuance?!
Fabric; a silk crepe from Tessuti fabrics in Melbourne, bought during a previous years’ trip over there with Mum and Cassie. I’ve had it marinating in the stash all this time, awaiting the perfect blouse pattern. I think this was happily, and accidentally, IT!
obligatory back view…
Pattern; the Sudley by Megan Nielsen patterns. Tim and Sam gave it to me for Christmas, after I had requested the Dove blouse pattern. Did I mention already that the Dove is perpetually sold out?? yes I believe I did. Clearly my boys encountered the same issue that I have had …. timing, it seems, is everything!! However, the Sudle is a nice little pattern, very simple, and I think I will use it a lot too.
This is actually the second Sudley I have made. I also made a dress that has now been assigned to Cassie when I realised it was just going to be a little too, er, young for me. I expect it’ll show up on ye olde blog here sometime…
Alterations: The Sudley is a very young-at-heart style whereas I am more of a hoary-old-beast-at-heart; so I made a few minor design alterations to “old” it up a bit. I opted for the plain neckline, and jazzed up the plain sleeves by running a loop of skinny elastic through the sleeve hems to gather them softly up, and made a separate bias rouleau loop “bow” which is purely decorative and just sewn on to the hem with a few firm stitches through all layers.
I also cut the lower hemline to have a curved “shirttail” line to it. The hems and the neckline are all finished by hand, because I really wanted to have a smooth clean stitch-free expanse of fabric with absolutely no visible topstitching anywhere. This is about as invisible as I could get.
Oh; one thing I did, which I would recommend for this type of neckline; you stay-stitch all around the neckline and the keyhole opening, obviously to stabilise it, however! to further help keep the neckline straight and true I kept a little bridge of fabric intact at the top front edges of the keyhole where the ties were to be attached, and maintained it throughout most of the blouse’s construction, and only cut through it at the very last minute, when turning and hand-stitching the bias binding down on the inside. I think this simple precaution really helped to keep everything true.
All seams throughout are French seams, except for the armscye seams which I just ran through the overlocker to finish. Picking my battles here! This silk, while absolutely divine and a dream to wear, was actually not much fun to sew! However! The puffball spore, I mean, lovely golden-brown is a perfect colour for autumnal me, also I think this style of blouse suits me and I’m going to enjoy wearing it a lot. It’s going to go with TONNES of my other clothes.
Details:
Top; MN2004 the Sudley blouse by Megan Nielsen patterns with minor modifications, silk crepe
Skirt; Vogue 1247, ivory curtaining fabric, details here and my review of this pattern here
Shoes; made by me, my own design, details here
Skirt below; Vogue 8363, canvas, details here
Location: Eagle Bay, Western Australia
Wearing it out to dinner recently, with my “bookshelf” skirt. I think they go together quite nicely!
And my clogs have received a much-needed makeover! The ivory pleather part of the upper has got so worn and was starting to pull badly around where it was nailed to the soles…. I’d already fixed it once but finally acknowledged that if I wanted them to last a lifetime, and I think they can! then it was time for action. One thing I’ve learnt about making my own shoes is that if something needs a little mending or attention then it REALLY pays to get onto it very quickly. Mum had given me an ivory leather clutch years ago “for shoes” and it was juuuuuust big enough so I could cut out new pieces. I used my punch that I bought in Copenhagen, and upholstery thread in ivory to sew up and down all around, and hammered on the new uppers.
Now they’re as good as new!! in fact; I reckon BETTER!
Hi Carolyn:
I’m a regular reader but rarely comment. It’s a beautiful blouse – I would call the colour “tobacco” as it is reminds me of the colour of tobacco leaves in the field. Not a grower myself, but long ago I visited a friend in southern Ontario where some tobacco was grown. This will give you another descriptor if you wish! I love your blog and am so (sew) inspired!
thank you so much Jodie! xx
I love this colour on you!! Those clogs are fantastic, too. When I saw your post title I immediatley thought of the song ‘golden brown’ by the stranglers – do you know it? Now it is stuck in my head like crazy, haha!
Ditto to Helen’s comments on the color and the shoes! Everytime you wear them in a pic I like them more!
thank you Helen and Michelle! and yes, that Stranglers song popped straight into my head too, which helped the title “click” for me… hehe!
I have this pattern and that tip about leaving the top of the keyhole intact until just prior to sewing is brilliant. I’ll keep that in mind for ALL keyholes! Love your drapey silk blouse (one of my favourite things in the whole world is a drapey silk on the bias but what a horror to sew 🙂 ) and those clogs in LEATHER 🙂 wow. By the way Caroline that self description, “I am more of a hoary-old-beast-at-heart” really doesn’t jive with how I perceive you (and I’m pretty confident most would agree) – I think you’re very young at heart – adventurous, generous, creative and delightful 🙂
thank you so much Kathleen, that’s so sweet of you… needless to say, you’ve made my day! xx
lovely blouse – that keyhole detail is so pretty. And I agree with commenter Jodie above, that color is often called tobacco here in the US. it looks great on you,
thank you Beth! xx
What a brilliant keyhole tip! Thanks for that 🙂 This top is great, I love the drape, and to me it just says comfortable and graceful at heart, neither young or old and hoary!
thank you Kelly! xx
Oh, that silk crepe is just goooorgeous! As well as the entire outfit – love the whole colour scheme you got going on here.
And speaking of Dove blouse – just saw in one of those Instagram previews that in June issue of Burdastyle magazine there will be a blouse pattern with a very similar look! I would say that Dove definitely has a more elegant look, but this one might be a good substitute until you get your hands on it 🙂
thank you so much Vesna! and I reckon this is definitely YOUR colour scheme too. you look gorgeous in autumnal shades 🙂
LOLOLOL…you hoary old beast at heart! Somehow the moniker just. doesn’t. fit.
And the colour? I see more yellow/gold ochres than spores, just sayin’. 🙂
I love your Sudley…it has that easy to wear but elegant look that you do so well. I’m keen to make another Megan Nielsen design. I really like my Darling Ranges dresses.
Okay…off to check out the Dove blouse…
thank you Sue! yes, I knew you’d be able to think of a lovely way of describing this elusive colour too 🙂
I love how you “olded” this up, you hoary old beast. I think I’m HOB too. Love that term!! And the suggestion of tobacco is a good one too. I was thinking burnt caramel or choco-caramel. If I ever sew a key-hole top, I’ll be sure to remember this tip.
And your shoe update – oh yes, this is wonderful. I love how your mum gave you a clutch for shoes. Usually they give such things to “go with” not “go into” shoes. Hahaha. Excellent.
Beautiful outfit.
Haha, thanks Melanie! we can be hoary old beasts together 🙂 Yes, people are always giving me random things to turn into clothes… I consider myself very lucky 🙂
What a gorgeous colour on you! I’ve seen this sort of colour called whiskey before. Whatever you call it, it is going to work well in your wardrobe!
thank you Sheryll! well I’ve not seen whiskey this colour before! but it really does make a lovely name for a colour. I’m going to go with that!
I call this color Brown Mustard! Golden Brown is a great one too, perfect color for you!
thank you Hannah! 🙂
Your description of yourself had me laughing over my breakfast this morning! For the record you “old” things up very well! I love the keyhole and the sleeve treatment on your blouse. I find this type of style very practical.
Same here 🙂 If the style of the Sudley is “young” then I must be old. The pattern looks lovely but I’d call some of the details a bit twee. Some can definitely rock that, I can’t. But I could definitely go with your adaptation of the pattern. So beautiful…
thank you Andrea and Kalimak! I think some of the details of the Sudley make it difficult for a woman of my age to carry it off which is pretty sad… but I’m always up for the challenge of trying! #stubborn
Here is another HOB who has to old up garments. The blouse is so elegant, the colour suits you and the fabric’s drape is just lovely. Your tip about the key hole is so clever, I will hopefully keep it in mind. Brilliant clutch update of your shoes!
thank you SaSa! xx
Hello! I have a question about the blouse. The MN website says it’s reversible. Does that mean the front and back pattern pieces are identical? I wouldn’t think that would be very uncomfortable if that’s the case.
Hi Kristin! Yes, the blouse is supposed to be worn either way, although the front and back pieces aren’t identical, they have different necklines, the armscyes are slightly different and the sleeve is a symmetrical pattern piece
I adore your elegant blouse. Thank you for the keyhole neckline construction tip, so simple to do once someone with such sewing brilliance points it out!
thank you so much Kbenco! 🙂
I love these spicey colours. I thought I could do a better name, but the nearest match in my spice drawer was garam masala so maybe you should stick with golden brown! The fine ties and overall shape of the blouse are very elegant. Another beautifully sewn piece.
haha! garam masala is a pretty cool name! thank you Philippa! xx
Absolutely gorgeous outfit, Carolyn. I love the colour of that blouse and it does go brilliantly with both of your skirts.
thank you Sue!
Oh, that blouse is so beautiful and the color is gorgeous! This is an item that I would love to have in my wardrobe!
thank you so much Carmela!
The blouse is pefect with your bookshelf skirt. (Gotta love library chic!) I’d call that colour nutmeg, fwiw.
thank you Mel. You are right, nutmeg is an excellent match 🙂
Ah, I’d never thought of keeping the keyhole intact until stitching it together, but that’s such a clever move! Thanks for sharing that tip Carolyn!
thank you so much Saki! xx
So pretty. Love everything 🙂
thanks Kay 🙂
I think the modifications you made make the blouse look a lot more expensive, I think they kind of make the style whole. I love it and now I’m thinking about buying the pattern!
The shoes really do look better than new now, great job 🙂
thank you Katharina! I have to admit that yes, it is pretty plain as is, and does need “something” to jazz it up. I’m very happy with my small modification, and over the moon with my “new” clogs! 🙂
The blouse is beautiful. You have elevated this design with all of your special detailing. I love the rich brown color as well. And those clogs, phenomenal!
thanks Tomasa!
You did a beautiful job on your blouse! I am currently working on a blouse of similar material and it is the biggest challenge I have attempted yet. I don’t think I’ll be buying any more of this material any time soon!
thanks Gayle! the fabric is a little tricky to work with, but is is GORGEOUS to wear, I’m sure you won’t regret it 🙂
Really lovely – I’d call it toffee brown….. mmmm toffee…..
thank you Sarah! 🙂
The most perfect finishing on the neckline! your stitching is sooooo even on the right side becomes a design detail. It looks the perfect fit and that silk crepe (yup like Sarah I would go with toffee too 🙂 ) drapes so nicely!
thank you Sasha! the fabric is perfectly yummy so I’m pretty glad I didn’t stuff it up 🙂
Loving everything brown but especially the blouse. Jo x
thanks Jo! 🙂
Thanks for the brilliant tip about the keyhole Carolyn, brilliant. You are most definitely an autumnal girl, great colours with your ruddy locks. Mwah from Sydders x
thank you so much Lesely! Mwah right back atcha, gorgeous lady xxx
This is really lovely on you! I love the color and it looks to drape beautifully. Great addition to your closet!
thank you Amanda! xx
amazing ! gorgeous !! I don’t have words to say how it’s beautyfull !!!!
thank you very much Liochka! 🙂
So perfectly done. The colour looks great on you.
thank you very much Olivia!
I love the alterations you have made, it really does look beautiful. And, that colour is so nice on you
With the simple tweaks to this pattern, you’ve absolutely nailed it! The beautiful fabric doesn’t hurt either. This is simple, elegant and very “high end”. One of your skills is your ability to see the potential in fabric and pattern and bring out the very best in both. Gorgeous!
Oh now you know I love the colour of this top and your subtle changes to the pattern have made it very wearable. Thank you for the tip on the neckline, this would will come in handy.