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.