I’ve been hoarding this piece of Liberty lawn for ages. Since I didn’t have a set plan when I purchased it, the ideas of what I could sew with it have run the gamut: pajama bottoms, dirndl skirt, button down shirt… However, browsing through the J. Crew website the other day, I found a blouse in the exact fabric, with a really cute and summery design. Done! Here’s the inspiration piece:
Analyzing the garment, I figured the blouse was a simple pull-over with no closures. My recently drafted shift dress had the right general shape, so I shortened that to hip-level and removed the back zip. There are ruffles at the neck and top armholes, and looked to be just gathered rectangles with baby hems. Easy enough!
I faced the neckline and front slit because I didn’t want the ruffles to weigh down the super light fabric, but I used matching bias to finish the armholes.
The shape is slightly fitted with French fish eye darts, but plenty roomy to be comfortable and cool.
Even though I’m typically not a “ruffle person”, I’m pretty psyched about how this knock-off blouse turned out!
I wore it for my birthday to the Berkeley Botanical Garden and Chez Panisse and loved it! I have to say, I dread washing it for fear of what I’ll have to do to get the ruffles looking lovely again, but I’ve got one more wearing before I have to cross that bridge 🙂
Bea & Lucille 
Very nice! And perfect for summer!
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It looks exactly like the J.Crew top and great on you! That print is gorgeous!
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fabulous, its a great shape -enough 'fuss' to be interesting without overdoing it!
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Cute as!
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Adorable! Please post about the washing experience. I'm really curious.
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Lovely!
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Lovely!
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I love your Liberty lawn! I just started sewing with this cotton just this year and I'm amazed at how lovely it is – as nice as silk any day 🙂 Love your blouse – the perfect summer top!
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Perfect for Paris!
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So lovely! I'm inspired to try one with some Liberty lawn I've been hoarding! Like you, I've been waiting for the right inspiration.
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Thank you! Yes, it's nice and cool for the heat!
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I just loved the print and was tickled to see it used in RTW clothing.
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The ruffles are definitely on the line of “overdoing it”, at least for me. But I kind of like the novelty of it!
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Haha! Thanks!
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I may end up line drying it, but I'll report whatever happens!
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Thank you!
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Thanks!
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I do love Liberty, too, but it doesn't always come out of the W/D the same, so I'm very curious how it washes!
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Yes! It's on my list of items to bring 🙂
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J.Crew has several other items made with Liberty prints. I *almost* made a gathered skirt, and still think I would love that for summer!
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It's beautiful!
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This is SO cute!! Yours looks so much better handmade! I am impressed.
http://thedoingthingsblog.com/
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