Wonderful, wonderful Kastrup

Slight play on a song tune there. Kastrup is a part of Copenhagen, Denmark (and the home of the main airport) and so “Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen; friendly old girl of a town” etc. OK enough of that!

How to do Fashion is a new independent label for me, which is rare, since I’ve made up a lot of indie patterns!I love the style of these patterns. Nanna is based in Denmark, but don’t let that worry you. All patterns have been translated into English. The printed patterns come beautifully packaged in an A4 folder tied up. They are printed on thick glossy paper which are double sided, so you will need to trace some pieces. Instructions for her patterns are all online, they’re not included in with the patterns.

This is the first of Nanna’s patterns I’ve made up and I was definitely impressed. I didn’t make up a muslin, but cut straight into this olive green textured silk! How brave is that? I kinda thought with a centre back seam and princess seams I could play around with the fit if it didn’t work out. I didn’t need to worry, this is a size EU 42 straight out of the tin (or the pattern envelope!)

I made up version No 1, it’s fitted with sleeves. The instructions I found really easy to follow. I’ve seen some comments saying the armhole facing is confusing to add. Mine has been fine, but perhaps not finished as tidily as I’d like. It’s taken to number three to get it finished as I’d like! I honestly found it a breeze and a pleasure to make up. Nanna has also added some additional videos and instructions for some points, just in case you’re unsure, such as how to make a thread loop for the button.

The construction is slightly different in that the neck facings are attached to the bodice pieces before attaching the sleeves. The sleeves are double layered. Then there’s a proper facing for the underarm part of the armhole rather than bias binding. I like this facing, it gives a nice finish.

The only thing which isn’t so good with this version, my fabric is really see through and so the facing, particularly at the neck, is really visible, I really should have doubled up the fabric. However, this was intended to be a wearable muslin, and the fabric hadn’t cost me much.

The blouse has a long split on the back of the neck done up with a button and a loop. I guess if you wanted, you could use a zip up the back, but I like the button. I thought originally it would be too low and show scaffolding off, but it’s the perfect length!

The deets
Fabric:  Olive green textured silk with brown flowers, which has been in my stash a while!
Notions:  Thread, interfacing and a button from stash.
Pattern:  How to do fashion Kastrup blouse, version 1, size EU 42
Changes made:  It’s shorter than the original since I ran out of fabric 🙂
Another one/recommendations:  I love this, I actually cut out another straight after and have made it up, and as I’ve mentioned number 3 is on it’s way! 🙂 This is turning into a go-to pattern. This has had a lot of wear already. I’m also itching to make up more of Nanna’s patterns, of which I have three more in my collection…

For more, including photos of the second version, check out my blog.