Sunday 8 February 2015

a month of swatches - patou in pieces (patou overblouse)

Just before Christmas, I got a text with an offer of some old fabric and wallpaper swatches  from an interior designer friend. Obviously said yes - and what amazing swatches books they were.  They are mainly Zophany - so seriously  swanky stuff! I opened up some books, divided the swatches into colour, and then kept re-arranging them....and seeing what end pieces I had which could be used up. 

 I am trying to finish writing up some patterns for upload before the end of the month, so this would be a perfect opportunity to get some small projects done and write up the last bits of pattern - and for the most part these swatches will be bags, cushions, slippers, but I am hoping to get some incorporated into clothes so I tried to make a small top this week.


First up - the patou top.  I had hoped to make the coat from this pattern , but that is not going to happen for the moment, so I did like the look of the top, and wanted to try it out.


top overblouse made from swatches upcycle



I made up the front from a series of rectangles and used a grey band at the bottom from a 1euro charity dress which was a good neutral for backing.  The colours looked good together but the fabric weights differ enormously - so I lined the inside with fabric instead of facings.  It should be okay, but the grey fabric is a very thin cotton silk, so I am going to baste it at the hem,  and launder and then see if it needs a different treatment at the hem.  I have another swatch of this which I am still putting together with some odds and ends here so may try to make that that up yet for my unsuspecting sister..................





2 comments:

  1. Great idea how you use the lovely swatches! Maybe you could combine a few in matching shades for a skirt or top?

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  2. thank you very much. they were an interesting diversion - and relearning weight issues of fabrics also i got a bit timid at times as I didnt want to waste either (ironic as i am tripping over them) - however there are two that I am thinking for a back panel and front panel of a skirt , but I have put them all away for the moment to get back to different sewing (coats) but I will be returning to them. its great to get feedback on them as sometimes on my own in the sewing room, i cant see wood for trees ..............

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