Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Sail away with me honey*

I'm pretty sure I've expressed my love of novelty prints about a million times before on here. One of the best places to get vintage style novelty prints is in the children's section. Ages ago, I found some awesome sailboat printed fabric in the kids fabric section on Trademe for $7. I was going to use it to make a skirt but then I saw this sailboat print shirt by Milly (it costs US$230 which is like NZ$300!!!).

Image from here


I wanted a more 50s style than the Milly shirt so pulled out Butterick 9405. I've already made this pattern twice so it went together pretty quickly. I made view D.

What on earth is that woman at the front doing?


I did darts at the front instead of tucks but that's the only change I made. I did french seams where I could because I am obsessed with them.

Vintage Butterick  9405


I actually finished this a little while ago but the print made it a total nightmare to get an okay picture of it. I tried three times to take photos but the bright white background of the fabric made all the pictures blurry.

Close up of Butterick 9405


I used some vintage buttons that I love but haven't been able to use until now because there are only three of them. It closes with a snap at the top because there's not enough room for a button.



So my fabric + notions cost less than $10 vs the $300 Milly version. I think I win.

*Incidentally, I don't like sailing or going on boats because I get seasick. My face turns green and I think I'm going to die.

20 comments:

  1. Oh that is so cute! I really need some new blouses. I found a few on etsy that I love and might buy. Sewing blouses has not worked out well for me in the past so I am a bit scared off them now.

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  2. It's so cute! And the buttons add to its cuteness, since they work really well with the print of the blouse.

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  3. I like your print much better because it's abstract and you have to look close to find the cute details

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  4. The print is amazing and the buttons are even more awesome- all round cuteness.

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  5. Thank you for this. Just yesterday I was pawing through my fabric stash and found 3 prints my mom had meant to make kids quilts or some such out of. I had no need for vintage print kids quilts, and was thinking skirt? blouse? and wondering how it would look.
    Your blouse is so adorable I'd better go paw through my patterns!

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  6. Love it! And those gorgeous buttons look like they are made especially for that fabric! I must make some blouses - I have so many orphan skirts.

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  7. Great top! Those buttons are just perfect with it! You look so adorable.

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  8. i love this! great fabric and awesome job on the sewing (I sigh in exasperation at my foundling attempts with a sewing maching...) love the buttons too xo

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  9. Oh, it's absoulutey stunning, I love it!

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  10. Really love this shirt and the buttons are a great finishing touch.

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  11. Your sewing inspires me to learn.
    I really like the collar.

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  12. I absolutely love it, perfect fit, brilliant fabric and the buttons kill me with their fabulousness. x

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  13. So many things to love the blue, the colour combos and those buttons, they look like lollies. You've got to love tried and tested patterns for a fail safe sewing project!

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  14. O,squee,I love that fabric and buttons,and WHAT a sweet blouse!
    You totally rock novelty prints!
    XXX

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  15. Gorgeous, just popped over via Helga's!!! Wow, you sew great treasures! Love it!

    Dee
    onedenimbird

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  16. You are honestly just SO talented! I'm completely envious. I absolutely love your top, I'm pretty much sold on anything that has sailing ships on it!

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  17. Lovely blouse! Very vintage and love the novelty print. by the way i wrote you something as response to your comment on my blog, but I don't think ppl really revisit and reread blog comment threads once they've been there already, so I kind of feel it is rather pointless to answer comments on comment threads, which I did...anyways: here is my answer to you copied and pasted from my comment section:

    @ Camelia Crinoline: yes, the zip thing is a bit tricky, but it's doable. If I ever make this pocket style again I will share a tutorial. If you want some more close up photos of the pocket to figure out how it works, just send me an e-mail and I' ll send you some

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  18. Oh you have most definitely grabbed my attention with the novelty prints and I am in awe of your sewing skills. I am just starting out with sewing and have been on the hunt for some Kiwi bloggers to chat to about it.

    Thanks to stumbling across Helga and now you I am finally finding some! Looking forward to following along and seeing what other lovely things you produce.

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  19. Thanks everyone!

    Stephanie- Thank you so much. I will definitely email you.

    Kerry- Thanks. I will chat sewing with you anytime!

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