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Hello everyone,

I had missed sewing with linen over the colder months so when I saw this pattern I decided to have a go with some linen that has been in my stash a long time. The lace used for the contrast was something I picked up from Bombay Stores in Bradford. It was quite costly at over £20/meter but I bought a half meter during their 20% off sale. The colour matched the linen perfectly so I knew I would use it for a yoke or something similar.

Simplicity 8215 is a pull-over blouse with back neck button closure with bow or collar neckline and a gathered yoke for a feminine shape. Pattern has sleeve, trim and contrast fabric variations. I made view D but lengthened it to dress length. Albeit a short length (I blame Demented Fairy for encouraging the loping of hems 🙂

I somehow thought this would be a simple make given that there are no buttons or button bands etc. This being the first time working with lace – I hadn’t fully appreciated the nuances of adding lace to a garment.

#1. Cutting out was more challenging as I tried to cut the lace pieces in the most efficient way that was also aesthetically balanced.

#2 Hand sewing the lace to the linen so it doesn’t shift around took forever.

#3 Pressing lace is not fun.

I persevered though and I think in the end it’s a lovely result (I am afraid of washing it though :-)).

Since this is the year of the sleeve, I opted to leave the sleeves and not encase them in a cuff. I think I like it better this way plus if I ever get bored with it I can always go back and add the cuff (unlikely. but its nice to have options).

It’s quite a comfortable dress to wear and I imagine in summer it will be nice to feel all that breezy fresh air around my legs but during this photoshoot in early March on a cold cold day, I was not impressed by the cool air around my bare legs!

Apart from the lace, this an easy pattern – I’d advice reading the instructions before embarking as I thought that the bow notches were slightly confusing. Though if you have made many bow blouses you will probably be fine.

Fit wise, it looks like I could have benefited with a broad shoulder adjustment. This is a loose fit style so I thought I’d get away without that alteration.

Enough words – pictures…

Verdict: I do like it but dont see myself making another one.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the interwebs. Until next time Happy Sewing!

Peace and love,

Hila