This is a special blog as it is my first post as a Seamwork Ambassador. I was so pleased to be selected as an ambassador and I look forward to supporting Seamwork with new pattern releases each month. If you aren't familiar with Seamwork yet, make sure to check out their website.
Seamwork believes that sewing helps to instill a deeper joy by bringing creativity to our everyday lives-and I completely agree! Seamwork offers a library of patterns, classes, tutorials and connections to a sewing community. There are different memberships to choose from that give you access to a pattern library, new pattern releases each month, and a monthly Seamwork magazine. My Seamwork membership was the very first one I subscribed to after returning to sewing after a 20 year hiatus. I found it so helpful, and the patterns and instructions helped to rebuild a foundation of sewing knowledge that has lead me to where I am today. I'm grateful for that, and so honoured to be able to support their company as an ambassador.
I made a Misses Size 14 as there was plenty of ease in the finished blouse. I am not a crop top girl so I lengthened the top by 5” as I wanted it to be able to tuck it under or have it sit at my high hip. I have to lengthen tops quite a bit being 6 feet tall, if you chose to do this hack you may only need to lengthen the bodice by 2-3". I also lengthened the sleeves by my prerequisite 2”. Other then that I made no other modifications to the pattern.
The pattern itself is an easy sew, it would be a great pattern for beginners who are learning how to add elastic to a blouse. I took a bit more time matching stripes but otherwise it sews together beautifully and you can have a great new summer blouse in a day.
There are lots of options for future Madhu makes. I am already thinking about lengthening the top for a sundress version, and I am thinking about lengthening the sleeves still further for a elbow length gathered sleeve. I would also like to experiment with the straightening the neckline and using a loser gather to make an off the shoulder version.
There are so many fun ways that the Madhu can be hacked so that it is just right,
after all ... There is Sew Much To Design.
Happy Sewing,
Lou Sheffer