Simplicity 1806 in Peaceful Cooing.

I have returned to a Simplicity pattern that I made ages ago.  I have quite a few Simplicity patterns but somehow get distracted with all the lovely Indie patterns that are around and feel I haven't maybe done justice to the more traditional patterns companies.

The pattern is Simplicity 1806 and as I had already made version C and liked it, I thought I would try version D which has a cowl-type neckline, a tie front and a pleat on the back - so actually quite different.

I had bought my first Japanese double gauze fabric last summer with a view to making something nice and light for my summer holidays to France, but ran out of time.  These double gauzes are lovely to sew and a great weight for hot sunny weather, but very often are perhaps a bit of a challenge in that there are usually two types of pattern going on in the one fabric.  The one I used here is a Nani Iro fabric by Naomi Ito for Kokka Japan and it is the white-blue fabric called Peaceful Cooing.  As one of 'my' main colours for summer this year is cobalt blue I thought I would get using it.  The pattern was ideal as the blouse has panels so I could include the different patterns in each panel.

So I used the white background with small blue dots on the front panel and the white with bigger blue floral type shapes on the side panels and sleeves. I think it turned out fine as regards the fabric placement.  I used a really fine interfacing for the facing (Vilene) and it made such a difference in getting it to sit nicely inside and press nicely, ideal for such fine fabric.  Strangely the pointed hem was one of the tricky bits to get nice and neat, I had to do some folding but can't see how you would do it any other way.  The ties give the blouse a bit of shape too.

The back pleat detail is also a bit different, don't think I have anything in my wardrobe like it.  The only thing I wasn't too keen on my first version of this pattern (pre blog so sorry no photos) was the sleeves which I found a bit wide, so I took these sleeves in and straightened and shortened them to a plain sleeve which I prefer.

The cowl neckline is pretty wide all round especially at the shoulders.  Overall the fit feels quite big even though I made the same size as my original version.  I think I like the finished result, but the proof will be in the wearing as to whether it will be a comfortable style to wear.  I have the feeling I might be constantly fixing the collar but I shall let you know.  I think it would be lovely with a close fitting skirt such as the Mabel skirt by Colettepatterns or a woven pencil skirt. (neither of which were on my spring sewing plan - have to keep focused!).  The fabric is lovely to wear - it is light weight but somehow it has a soft, cosy feeling when you are wearing it.  Now I know why these fabrics are so popular.  I also have another one which I bought last year - blue waltz, so I will have to decide on a pattern for it.