If you're a veteran home sewer, a lover of Indy patterns, a lover of free patterns or into a sustainable and conscious consumer magazine filled with beautiful images and content, then of course you've heard of Peppermint Magazine. If not, you have to check it out. This is an Australian based, award-winning magazine. They have a cult like Insta following, as they release free patterns with every issue. I'm late to this particular party, surprise surprise, but fear not, I'm catching up. My favourite game to play is... Sew That Pattern. (I swear, I also read the articles...)
The latest issue, Issue 59 Spring 2023... Well, I'm in love. Hetty Adams from Modern Sewing Co collaborated with Peppermint Magazine and Spoonflower to bring us, "Belle". This blouse also comes in dress length, has the cutest collar, a relaxed fit and is made up with french seams for that little extra inside garment elegance.
On Thursday I rushed to my local newsagent, the clerk excitedly telling me that it has a sewing pattern inside, gosh bless her, the kids were at school, the littlest begging me to let her go, just for a little, (she's been super crook) as it was Book Week day. I didn't know how long I would have, before the school called me to pick her up. I cued up my sewing / hyperfocus music- Apple fitness play list. I measured, traced, cut; two hours later, I was ready to sew.
I was recently asked how I can sew a garment so fast, well multiple reasons, but mainly its practice. I enjoy my hyperfocus state, but I've also done a lot of buttons and buttonholes. I also have a lot of fabric in my stash, not sure if this is a good brag or not, but I find myself doing projects at very strange hours, say like 2am, so being able to shop my stash is handy. Often, I fall in love with a fabric or a pattern, yet they remain un-married for the longest time, then bam... inspiration. Having a range of fabric that I love is handy when you're trying to be time savvy.
I'm reasonably accurate with my cutting and sewing, Hetty from Modern Sewing Co, actually recommends with this project to take your time, for the more accurate you are with each stage, then more polished the finished outcome will be. She has some spot-on instructions, very clear, with helpful tips and hints included. The drafting marries up and the drafted notches all match, which is surely a good start right! The seam allowance is 1cm, so being super accurate with your cutting is an excellent tip.
Lets talk details.
Peppermint Magazine $16.95
Light weight cotton voile, 2.2m at 140cm wide from The Selvedge Society Destash $13/m
My current bust is 104cm.
I cut size H.
No modifications
I made the full-length version.
I am 168.5cm
Sewing time 8hrs.
Thrifted buttons from my stash
Yellow/green colour thread also in my stash, approx. $20, i maybe used like $5 worth.
Sew in interfacing from Lincraft approx. $4?
The instructions call for overlocked set-in sleeve seams, I went with french seams, to continue the good guts vibe. I just followed the instructions provided for the shoulder and side seams.
I am loving the swooshiness! I'm feeling smart Parisian vibes, I feel very chic in this, the length for me is spot on, I can pull it on over my head. So, I get the full button up look minus the choking sensation and associated panic that ensues with high neck lines.
The fabric is sheer, so I managed to Tetris these Simplicity 8510 tap shorts around the Belle dress and cut out a pair in size 18. The Simplicity 8510 is reproduction vintage pattern from Spotlight, it's a TNT and I have quite a few pairs, it gives me a nice line under dresses and eliminates chub rub. Coz I be blocking the sun, ain't no gap to be seen. I also made up a quick tank top using some thrifted mystery knit in white, deciding to add a shelf bra. I was having fun this morning for sure. It's a work in progress for my summer wardrobe.
If you're looking for an enjoyable sewing project, I highly recommend. I can't wait to see the many versions of this on Insta. I plan to make quite a few more. We're coming out of winter here in Newcastle Australia, and it's shaping up to be a warm spring. I can see myself wearing this out for drinks, and to the beach. I'm seeing trips to the art gallery, brunches. It feels super versatile.
Actually, I'm planning to wear my Belle Dress out to a work colleagues' 40th Birthday event tonight. If you're looking for fabric inspiration on fabrics, Peppermints Patterns sewing partner Spoonflower has such an amazing range of fabrics. And don't forget to read the articles. I especially loved the 'Sartorial Sentiment' article.
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