Japanese Folds | Le Challenge {Dressmaking}

And here it is again, le Challenge has returned - did you miss it? I certainly did! And I cannot wait to see what the other participants made. 'The Rising Sun' - the theme for this month, so many different interpretations possible, and yet I went for an obvious one, using a Japanese dressmaking pattern.

I have had this book forever (ok probably not but it has certainly been a while), but I have never got round to make anything from it. But thanks to Martha - who just bought the same book, it has finally happened! She made hers in a Paisley fabric, so pretty. This is Top A.

 

I had two fabric options for this top - both bought in France (thanks Mum for bringing me the fabric!). I chose a baptist fabric in a much softer purple than the online picture might have suggested. For someone who hates ironing this may not have been the wisest of choices if I am honest. But the pattern on the fabric certainly adds interest, without being a nightmare to match in the folds. Result!

 

Talking about the folds, I was very worried about these. I had never done anything like that before and I was not sure how really. So instead of researching on internet - I decided to just go for it and iron the hell out the pleats, and then pin them and then getting sewing - simple. And it worked - beginners' luck I reckon.

 

 

Second was the gathered sleeves - it seems that all the last projects (the Malvarosa and the Cami dresses) I have sewn recently include some gathering, so this was much less scary.

So I thought I would show how I do it - honestly it is very easy.  

 1. Make your stitches the longest you can; 2. Sew gathering stitches within 
the seam allowance; 3. leave a long tail; 4. separate the top and bottom 
threads; 5. pull the bottom thread (red here); 6. and gather slowly

FIVE things you should know about making this top:

1. - The fabric could make this top easy to sew or very hard - go for cotton, it will save you time and hardwork
2. - It is a very quick project - the hardest part is to transfer the pattern
3. - Who thought that a 2cm bias tape was a good idea (for the collar) is wrong, it is a nightmare and proved to make it difficult, I would at least double (or maybe triple) the size of the bias tape
4. - It was huge (Mr MiH called it a tent at first) - making me look positively pregnant (I am not by the way) - so I had to shave off 10cm on each side and 5cm on the sleeves.
5. - Japanese patterns are great, even in Japanese - it gives you all the steps though pictures. easy peasy. 

And here we are a new top for my wardrobe - a post that is slightly late for the le Challenge - you will excuse the half hour delay! 

For all the other entries, go over to le challenge. Do join the fun for a chance to win a $25 at the Fat Quarter Shop (open until February 16 at 11am UK time).