Nina Blouse - Blog Tour

Last year around this time I made my first Coffee and Thread pattern, the cub's birthday dress. This year I was thrilled to be asked to participate in a blog tour for their newest pattern, the Nina Blouse! Find a discount code (20% off) near the end of this post!

This little blouse has the sweetest little tucks up by the shoulders, and plenty of options. Long sleeves, short sleeves, rounded collar, scalloped collar and sleeves, etc. I found this darling little floral fabric at Fabric Place Basement and right away envisioned exactly what I wanted to make, and just how I wanted her to wear it - with this pleated suspender skirt that I wore when I was a child, and I believe my own mother wore as well! This turned out exactly how I had first pictured it, but it wasn't without a hiccup or two along the way.

I adore the little scalloped shape on the sleeves and collar, and knew I wanted to do that option. Then I decided that I really wanted to have piping along the edge of the collar and sleeves, to help really define those shapes and not have them get lost in the print of the fabric. Then I tried to pipe them and realized I had no idea how to do piping along a scalloped edge, or if it was even possible (it didn't seem like it)! I was baffled, defeated, and texted my sewing bestie late one night to complain that I have no idea how to sew, everyone in the world besides me probably knows you cannot pipe on a scallop, my Nina was doomed, etc. etc. Late night sewing = more drama. ;)

At first I thought I would just have to change to the basic collar and sleeve shapes, but I really wanted to use the scallops. In the morning I re-examined the problem, and consulted google. I found this wonderful tutorial on piping scallops which was so helpful! I piped on my collar, and it was SO much better, though not perfect still. By the time I finished the second sleeve things were looking even better, so I decided to go ahead and cut another collar and redo that. I remember reading somewhere that when doing a new sewing technique you should really practice at least 10 times before doing your actual garment. That is excellent advice which I should follow. My second collar was a much better attempt than the first, and I'm so happy I redid it.

The rest of the blouse came together easily. The binding on the armholes and neckline makes the inside look so nice. I did french seams on the sides, as well. I really like patterns that help me not feel bad for not having a serger!

If you'd like to make your own Nina, grab the pattern here and use the code 'ninapatterntour' for 25% off!

This little top paired perfectly with my vintage skirt, just like I hoped. She looks darling!

 Favorite past time here at our house is reading, especially Blueberries for Sal.