WIW: sewing projects--wrap blouse & machine embroidery

When Angie posted this ensemble featuring bootcuts and a wrap blouse, I didn't have a current, looser-style wrap blouse. But I had the pattern for one, and some fabric I wanted to try it with. Mine is different than what I've seen in the stores, and I didn't wear it with bootcuts (this time). But here it is. I was trying the pattern for the first time, and I think I'd like to make it again, in a drapey fabric.
The second outfit is another sewing project--or pseudo-sewing. It's machine embroidery, actually, one of the things I teach at work.

The outfits (both worn to work):
1-3: crossover blouse in ivory with tiny blue and black horizontal pinstripe cotton shirting (made by me); navy chinos (Caslon); piano wire bracelet; silver etched disk earrings; gray shimmer oxfords (Naot, Kedma); teal trench (Ambition); taupe shoulder bag (Aunts & Uncles).

4-6: sage empire waist sleeveless knit dress with high-low hem (Eileen Fisher); purple cropped cardigan with embroidered flowers (Tribal, embellished by me); metallic cutout peep-toe booties (Paul Green, Tacey); silver and brass necklace and silver hammered half-hoop post earrings (Marjorie Baer); taupe shoulder bag (Aunts & uncles).

I am not all that into the embroidery on clothes, though I think it's pretty to look at. And actually, to be honest, I am drawn to a lot of boho looks that have embroidery. This one isn't bold enough to approximate that look, though. I tried to make it work for me with the addition of the booties. Did it work? 

Thanks for looking! All thoughts and suggestions welcome!

ETA: 7: closeup of striped shirting fabric (a scrap, and not pressed)

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25 Comments

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Fun wrap blouse!  What pattern did you use?  I drafted one months ago (using a Threads article, if I remember right), but haven't sewn it up yet.  I need to get to it, because the weather is right for the fabric I chose now.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Thanks, Amy! I used the Salsa Blouse pattern from Sewing Workshop.The pattern has waist darts in the back, but I left them out for a more fluid fit.

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Great wrap shirt and I like it paired with those chinos. Beautiful embroidery too!

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    The wrap shirt is a winner! I'll take one. I really like the bit of embroidery on 4-6 too. It is interesting without being overdone

  • Sal replied 10 years ago

    Cool looks.  I do love your wrap shirt, it has a Japanese air about it (I think) which I really love.

  • Sarah A replied 10 years ago

    I love how you ran the stripe horizontally on your wrap blouse! I have a wrap blouse pattern I have been meaning to make up but it is not nearly as cool. I like the booties with the dress in your second look but the fitted jacket almost seems to fight the flow of the other pieces to my eye. I do like it best in 6 where the bag helps cement the more boho vibe :)

  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    My jaw always plonks when I see your DIY projects-that blouse is super trendy! I used to sew once, but don't have the time (and patience) for a 110% work anymore...:-(...so I can really appreciate! nr 2 is also great! Yes, I think, you made it work at it's very best:-)

  • jackiec replied 10 years ago

    Very very cool wrap blouse! I can't see the stripes but I'm sure it all adds to the look. You are so put together down to the very last detail! I'm not so into the embroidery thing either, but I like how it seems understated here, and so fab that you did it yourself. Good way to demo to the class. Oh and those Paul Greens again....swoon :)

  • Deb replied 10 years ago

    Loving your work.....yet again!! Both outfits look great and I'd wear that wrap top in a heart beat. It is simple, yet interesting with its bright whiteness, high neckline and detail. The embroidery is exquisite too.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Wait a minute....you MADE that shirt??? Oh my - I absolutely LOVE it! That is my answer to a white shirt. I'm afraid I can't look at anything else in these pictures...

  • Alexandra replied 10 years ago

    Your wrap shirt looks really cool! And I like the embroidery, too - it's just the right touch.

  • Angie_T replied 10 years ago

    I love that wrap blouse!  How would you rate this in terms of difficulty?  I'm itching to see if I still know how to sew!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    We are out of town so my forum participation is even more sporadic - but of my word, Sharan. I want that wrap shirt. It has blown me away. It is unbelievably killer on you. WOW. You look spectacular in it. Xo

  • Neelie replied 10 years ago

    I like your wrap shirt way more than the ones I see in the stores.  I love the higher neckline so much, very practical.  And it has an architectural vibe.  So sophisticated.  Great job!!!!!

  • abc replied 10 years ago

    Awesome wrap shirt, not your ordinary one for sure, and I like that about you and your sewing projects.  Always putting your own spin on things.

    THe dress outfit is very flattering with the hem and I like the touch of embroidery on the cardi, it's not too much.  And I must admit every time I see those PG shoes on you I get a little tinge of jealousy...!

  • E replied 10 years ago

    I wish I could take some of your classes! That embroidery is stunning & you're such a good sewist too. I love the Japanese feel of the wrap shirt. And I want to steal your teal trench. :)

  • Suja replied 10 years ago

    Love the high/low dress and the embroidery.  I love embroidery, so I am biased.  Love the teal coat too.  Love colored coats.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Thanks, everyone! I'm encouraged by your responses to the blouse and happy with how it came out. The fabric surprised me a little; it's a beautiful, light cotton shirting that ended up looking a lot like silk. I'm adding a closeup of the fabric above.
    Angie_T, I would say this pattern is intermediate. The good thing is that it's not very fitted, so I didn't fuss with that at all. There are some details that take time: stitching pleats at the lower sides to create the soft folds, making and attaching fabric button loops, sewing in gussets under the arm. But those details are more time-consuming than difficult.

  • ma replied 10 years ago

    That shirt is amazing!! I love it so much more than the wrap blouses I've seen in stores!

  • kellygirl replied 10 years ago

    Whoa! The new blouse is stunning on you. Great WIWs as usual. I know I sound like a broken record but your sewing skilz and pattern/fabric choices are madly amazing! 

  • replied 10 years ago

    Excellent fit on that blouse, Sharan. Really like your fabric use here - using a stripe is unexpected, and it works.  I'm with you on the no-into-embroidery thing, and also agree that it's lovely to look at though.  That said, I do think you picked a great piece to embellish and it absolutely elevates that outfit.  Like eggplant/purple with olive too.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Fabulous blouse and superb embroidery!

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Now that is one fabulous wrap blouse! Unique for sure, with a more crisp and avant-garde vibe. The higher neckline is particularly fetching. I think the embroidery on the sweater in #2 is nice, though as you said not bold enough; I would rather see more of it so it look more like A Purposeful Thing.

  • Staysfit replied 10 years ago

    Love the wrap blouse in the fabric you used. I don't know what would happen if you use a drapery fabric with the same pattern, but I have a feeling the results would also be fab! Every time I see what you do, I wish I knew how to sew clothing.

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    So remazing! Unique and beatuful blouse.

    I like some embroidery and have trouble with patterns that may appear dated vs retro or boho.

    For the cardigan itself, I agree with other poster who said it seems at odds with the dress. Or , overall it seems too diminutive on you. Something a little less bolero and more drapey.

    You have really cool and creative ideas for outfits.

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