Wheee! Pocket detail
I’ve finished my 5th version of the Simplicity 2599 blouse. This is my go-to pattern when I just want to make something really straightforward, usually to wear with jeans. There’s nothing complex about it, but I like its simplicity, if you’ll forgive the pun. It’s perfect for chucking together a top for those days when you’re just bumming around at home. But this time I did add a patch pocket detail, following instructions from page 235 of the Reader’s Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing. I even added that crazy notion! Wow, have you worked with this stuff? It makes you go cross-eyed when sewing. And learn from my mistakes: use a cool iron when pressing something that is purely synthetic.
Here’s a photo of me wearing the finished blouse with one of my galloping sunflowers:
You can squeeze this blouse out of one metre of fabric, which means this cost me ÂĢ5. I think the patch pockets rescue this blouse. Without it, we’d be staring at a very large check print behind which stands a woman.
What I enjoy about simple projects is the opportunity to concentrate on an excellent finish. Because I’m not being too challenged in the composition I can find the head room to make the details as good as they can be. So French seams and a bias binding on the facing are the order of the day:
Interior shot
Tomorrow I pick up my fabrics for the next Simplicity 2512 from the dry cleaners. Can you believe how good I’ve been? I’ve had that wool and lining fabric dry cleaned before I start sewing. This flies in the face of my instinctive desire to rush straight in. Am I becoming sensible in my old age?
 
Cute top! I am very impressed with the pre-dry cleaning. I have only just steamed my wool myself. I often wonder if by not having it done professionally I have done myself in. ð
Wow, I’m really impressed by that interior (as with the exterior = very cute).
This is seriously cute!
I have pre-washed fabric, but it would never have occurred to me to pre-dry-clean!
Very impressed by the detailed finish of your simple top – I would probably have thought: “simple top? Polish it off super-fast and leave the raw edges to fray!”
And then regretted it afterwards and have zero respect for the finished garment.
Gorgeous top, made perfect by the pockets! And how nice to have a project that uses just a metre of fabric. I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks after getting Simplicity dress envy from a friend who had linked to you – I really enjoy it ð
That is VERY sensible of you. Now don’t you dare ruin it by cutting out the pattern while lying on the sofa…
Lovely blouse!
It’s delightful, and you’ve done a really good job. It’s great to be able to make something that’s so wearable!