Thursday, May 5, 2011

Conservative, Classic, but...............


........probably not very cool.  It's time to drag out my favourite blouses again, and wear them for another season.  I've had a love affair with pintucked, lace insertion [heirloom] blouses for a number of years.  However, I find that at the moment the relaxed cut of these are a little out of the fashion stakes.  I can soon wear a blazer over them, and hopefully disguise the fashion faux pas.  The blouse above has been made using cotton sateen, with my favourite Chesterfield front closure.  

This is a close-up showing the lace and pintucks.  The lace for this was purchased with the 'entredeux' look already on the edges, and is quite narrow, so I've used it liberally.  





I do wear this one as well in the winter, despite the short sleeves.  It has a lovely Swiss embroidered insertion - the swirling design is one I really like.  I am sorry the photograph is a tad dark.  I didn't seem to be able to find a good spot at all this morning to take photos. 



The close-up should show you the lace design.  This lace also had the entredeux look to it as purchased.  I always use rayon machine embroidery thread in my twin needles for pintucking.  The fabric in this blouse is the ever popular cotton/ramie mix.  I can't begin to count all the blouses I've made like this, using this fabric, with a variety of lace styles.  

Finally, I'll share this one.  It has a slightly different tucking style, lace quality, and colour.  I found this beautiful fine cotton/linen fabric in a small fabric store in Narrabri, NSW, and could see it's blouse potential.  It took me years to find the lace to match.  The colour in real life is a soft pink, with ecru undertones.  I had to tea-dye the entredeux prior to making up.

Again, I hope the close-up gives you some idea of the lace and tucks.  On closer inspection, I offer an apology for my lack of ironing prowess!!   These blouses are difficult to iron to perfection, and I often give them a quick press prior to wearing them.  They seem to become crumpled in my cupboard!  Perhaps it's time to cull a few garments.

These blouses are almost always worn with my obligatory plain black or navy skirts, with matching blazers or cardigans.  I know I'm not going to set any catwalks on fire, but at my age, well, I suppose I can give myself permission to wear something that makes me feel special, and too bad if it's not all frills and flounces, inserted panels, and bright, bold patterns and colours.  I do like some things a little on the 'wild' side, but seem to keep to a rather understated colour palette during winter.  

Thank you all so very much for taking such an interest in my crochet.  I hope my heirloom sewing from way back will be enjoyable viewing for some.  Sadly, I don't have good photos of the christening gowns I've made.  Heirloom sewing is something I do enjoy, but have not done for some time. 

12 comments:

DIAN said...

Linda these blouses are beautiful and although they may not be "up to the minute" they are classic styles which are always admired.
Your work is always so neat and I love the idea of tea dyeing the lace to match on the last one.
Thanks again for showing us what you have done.

Unknown said...

Hi Linda - Well I just love your blouses - I really love heirloom work and think it looks so beautiful on blouses. I just love looking at what you have done - you really are so very clever - wish we lived closer - think I could learn so much from you. Always love reading your blog.

Kerrie said...

not sure why it has hayley's name above ??

Frances Leate said...

I love classic elegant clothes and these make me remember that in a former existence I use to wear smart suits with lovely blouses to work in up market city offices in Sydney. Take care.

fabriquefantastique said...

always in style....but what has happened to my favorite image?

Radka said...

Beautiful! Well done, Linda:) I love classic styles, they are never out of fashion, I also like things that last. You can always dress up or down classics, depending on occasion.
Thank you for showing us more of your work.

Anonymous said...

Linda, as usual your work is perfection. The blouses are a classic look and I would think will work for a very long time for you. I am constantly boggled by your talents and wish I could just pop over to your house for pointers.
At least by reading your blog I continue to be inspired.

Take care. Linda A

Unknown said...

¡¡¡HERMOSAS!!!. Yo soy una apasionada de los bordados antiguos o clรกsicos, me encantan estas blusas, tus bordados e ideas son geniales ya que hacen posible que este arte tan bello no se pierda en el olvido. Felicidades por eso ya que estas haciendo HISTORIA

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Linda, WOW your heirloom sewing is incredible beautiful. The blouses are so elegant an truly one of a kind. You certainly are a master seamstress. Hugs judy

Jenny said...

Who cares about fashion? They are beautiful & should be worn with pride. Besides, something as well made & as beautiful as these would never date.

Anonymous said...

I never take much notice of fashion either and think they are all beautiful.

Anney said...

Timeless and classic Linda..bet you look so elegant in them..x