wardrobe essentials 2023 - a keyhole blouse

Close-up under outdoor light conditions (bright January day)

Close-up under indoor light conditions, with ceiling lights on

I decided to use up fabric I have had in my stash box for a while. Sometimes I buy fabric but then love it so much that I can't bring myself to cut into it. This fabric is the Dashwood Studio Party Dot rayon which comes in many different colours.  I think rayon is very much like viscose. It drapes beautifully and is very soft but is a bit fiddly to cut and sew because it is not stable like a plain old cotton. The colours of this fabric make me so happy. 

Line drawings from the pattern website

I chose a tried and trusted pattern of mine, the Megan Nielsen Sudley blouse, which is quite versatile, as you can see from the line drawings that I copied from the pattern website. You could adapt it to be a maxi dress, I've seen such pattern "hacks" on Instagram. I previously made views B, C and D. I was going to make the collar with this new version but sewing collars is easier with a stable fabric (and I felt a bit lazy)

For my new blouse, I didn't make the ties but opted for a small button and a thread loop instead. I love the cute little pink flower button I found in my grandmother's button jar. Adorable.

They keyhole and neckline have a bias binding facing, which is a faff to attach but not difficult. Pins and patience are key. I sewed it from the inside to catch the narrow facing. I made the bias binding strip but I suppose you could buy some in a contrasting or matching colour if you don't like making your own. The pattern cutting layout includes bias strips.

I made the same size as for my favourite other version, made in a black crepe viscose. Funny thing though, the new blouse is slightly larger than the older one, particularly in length. I only just figured it out now. I always prewash fabric before using it but I had forgotten for the black crepe viscose. After washing the blouse, it was smaller but actually fitted better. I didn't remember that until I finished this latest version. For which I had prewashed the fabric.... A bit annoying of course because the slightly smaller version is a better fit. Alas, if I wear it tucked into my jeans or trousers, it is fine. I made the 3/4 length sleeves but I am undecided about this, I might yet shorten these. 

Overall, a reasonably successful project. I am sure this is not my last version. I will add a sticky note to the pattern to remember the sizing issue.