The “Never, Ever Again” Blouse
The Facts:
Fabric: Liberty of London Tana Lawn “Gold Delfi”
Pattern: McCall 6336
Year: c.1940s
Notions: four 7/8″ buttons, pre-made bias tape (stash)
Time to Complete: 7 hours
First Worn: January 19, 2012
Wear Again: I think so…
Total Price: ~$35
Challenge Theme: “Buttons”
Just a few words on this one: this is why I go to Jonathan’s, people! I know that, as someone striving to increase my skill set, I should embrace buttonholes, see them as an additional opportunity to bring quality to my garments, and take pride in my willingness and ability to make a bound buttonhole.
I. Do. Not.
I was always wary of bound buttonholes, but now I pretty much hate them. They (more than) doubled the amount of work necessary to complete a basic 40s-era blouse to over 7 hours. The 4 hours I spent making the basic blouse back and adding the buttonholes were long and miserable and left me with an aching back, strained eyes, and a suspicious smell I am convinced came from over-use of the iron. I was actually unable to do much more for the rest of the day beyond lay on the couch, flat on my back, waiting for it to relax again.
I will give myself this much credit, though: I was able to do them. No major mistakes, no major issues, they are not perfect but they are perfectly serviceable. I used Summerset’s bound buttonhole method, and she was basically correct in her assurances that with proper marking and preparation, the actually sewing is both minimal and minimally difficult. I marked the buttonholes two ways, using tracing paper and a pricking wheel and also thread tracing.
That was overkill. One of my subsequent issues was pulling out all of the thread tracing. I did not succeed.
So at the end of the day, all I can say is thanks, Mena, for forcing me to stop putting off a bound-buttonhole garment. And thanks for reminding me why I am so grateful that Jonathan Embroidery is only 15 blocks from my front door! Fifty cents a buttonhole is worth a little sanity and a functioning spine, right?
Well, for all of that work, you look marvelous Darling! Seriously, this buttonhole challenge was a bit of a butt kicker, you’ve checked the bound buttonhole box and you can move on!
you said it, nettie! moving on is definitely next on my agenda :-)
I wish I had such a service available! Still, you’ve done a great job and wow on the fabric. It’s gorgeous. I do like the cut-out details of the neckline.
But it’s so lovely!
thanks, ladies. i admit it was cute and comfortable to wear today, so it wasn’t a total loss :-)
I don’t think I want to try bound button-holes anytime soon. Sounds so hard! Your final product is excellent though. I love the buttons up the back!
I love the look of your finished blouse, especially the sleeves. I wish I had a buttonhole person near me!
I didn’t know there were “buttonhole doers” one could hire. What an awesome thing to outsource! Lovely blouse. Exhausting-one-hit-wonder-button holes and all ;-).
It looks so lovely! I love the fabric you chose and the style of the shirt. Bravo for conquering bound buttonholes!!
you all are making me feel much better about life. thank you!!
That’s a buttonhole I haven’t tried. My lower back is really bad so I may stay away a little longer! Great top!
I love the fabric and the top is great
i should probably mention, gina, that i also have a bad back and i make it worse with poor posture. :-) so i can’t say the buttonholes caused it, exactly…
I had never even known of the existence of bound buttonholes until I started sewing, but it was impressive to see so many people doing them for this challenge (and handworked buttonholes too). Looks great, and beautiful fabric.
(BTW, do you have a left handed sewing machine, or did you reverse the photo?)
They look fantastic! Lucky duck that you have such a service nearby (I’ve never heard of a place like that… ah, NYC). I kinda love hand work, but I feel your pain, rather I feel pinched nerves in my shoulders!