Christine Haynes Sassy Librarian Blouse

The Christine Haynes Sassy Librarian Blouse was laying on a shelf for about three years. It was purchased soon after the time I decided to make all my own clothes.  This Chanel style jacket is the start of my 100% handmade wardrobe.

My mother wasn’t a sewer. She loved knitting. She made some clothes for me and used sewing magazines. When I decided three years ago to make all my own clothes this also meant my introduction with Indie pattern makers. One of the patterns that caught my eye at that time was the Christine Haynes Sassy Librarian Blouse.

The Christine Haynes Sassy Librarian Blouse was a really popular pattern and many versions of this pattern can be found on the internet and IG. So with the challenge to make something of a company that you have never sewn from before, including muslining, pattern testing, or any fails/UFOs it was time to take this pattern form the shelf and start making it.

 

After making three Theo overhemden for my husband I had some leftover fabric from one of them and this was the fabric I was going to use. I made a toile version and decided to make a more fitted neckline because it to wide at the back and make puffed sleeves because the shoulder seam wan’t long enough for my broad shoulders. I redrafted the back of the neckline and raised it a bit at the front. I also decided to make a Peter Pan collar and use some white fabric to make it.

Everyone has perhaps a favourite detail he loves using on his homemade garments and for me it is type of collars. I started cutting the blouse and did most of the sewing. I tried the blouse on to see if it fitted but due to stiffness of the fabric the pleats gave a puffed look at he front and back. I decided to change the pleats into darts. I basted them and now the blouse had a perfect fit. Just for some fun I also so added slits in both side seams. The collar is finished with one of the decoraties stitches that can be found on my sewing machine.

After the buttonholes were made and the beautiful (bit expensieve) blue pearl shaped buttons were hand-sewn on my version of the Sassy Librarian Blouse was ready for the photo shoot. At the photo shoot I’m carrying some just bought books. Besides sewing I also like reading books. Is there a better way to read a book while wearing the Sassy Librarian Blouse? What is my overall impression of the Christine Haynes Sassy Librarian Blouse. Next week I will show my contribution for the ‘Hack It’ challenge. Back to sewing to make a start to be ready in time before closure.