Sewing: Black eyelet blouse

This is the second blouse I made, from McCall's 5138 pattern, using a black eyelet fabric and black lace on the front. I like this pattern, but the button placement doesn't work for me; I always have to add extra or it gaps in bad places. And the bottom is very curvy, unlike in their photo, which makes it tricky to hem. It has a good fit, though, the only change I made was to take it in at the waist a bit to make it less boxy.

It looks weird over long sleeves, but I was cold.

Sewing: Brown pinstriped blouse with ruffle

This is the third blouse I've made, and favourite so far - McCall's 5471. I used a brown pinstriped cotton I got for a bargain $2.50/yard in Portland, and some unplanned satin trim to cover up a hole I very stupidly cut in the blouse while trimming. I added more trim to the sleeves and used it for the button loops so it wouldn't look out of place. In the end, it was a happy accident because I like how the trim turned out... but I wouldn't recommend you go cutting holes in your blouses. Also, I think I've finally gotten the hang of button holes!

Also included is a jean skirt that I sewed side panels into because it was too small (but on sale for $10!). Remember when it was cool to do that to your jeans? Or was that just me?




(As a bonus, the blouse matches those brown tights I bought in Portland to keep from freezing to death)