Lately there has been something of a blouse-a-thon going on around here.
Today I am featuring the Taffy blouse from the Colette Sewing Handbook. This is up there as one of my all time favourite designs. Its a joy to wear and lends itself to be fashioned in an array of beautiful fabrics. Cut on the bias and the addition of the bias bound edge is a lovely detail and it nails that 1930′s vibe – when it comes to decades I’m happy to bounce around – though not so much those that I have actually lived through, too traumatic! Anyway I like this little number, as depending on the fabric, it can be elegant dressy or comfortably casual. The cut skims the body and the ties nip in the waist giving a nice shape. There are no closures to be concerned with and if you keep to the principle of cutting on the true bias then the most novice of sewists will be successful.
1 
2 
3 
I didn’t have to alter this pattern at all and everything came together easily. I would however add that if you attach the bias binding as per the instructions i.e doubled over and top-stitched through, then it sits a bit proud of the body (1 &2) however if you attach the binding as in the normal way; that is singly, raw edges together, turned and hand stitched at the underside, it sits more flush at the neckline, (3) the latter is more time consuming than the former but I think when going for a more formal take then its best to take the extra time.
All blouses are made in silk with a cotton lawn binding. On blouse number 3 I doubled layered the sleeves and this gives a nice weighty drape. When summer comes round I may look to do this in a fine cotton spotted voile and maybe add a cowl neckline or longer sleeves.
Lovely blouses! You inspire me to make use of the patterns that work. So far I haven’t made more than one garment from a pattern but I must try!
Thank you, Yes if experience has taught me anything its not to re invent the wheel if at all possible.
Oh, I love this, I think its pattern tracing time!
Beautiful blouses, they look so good on you! I love the sleeves and the bias binding.
Thank you both, its so easy and quick by the third one I was like a one woman production line. I look forward to seeing yours PnP.
Awesome as usual. I love the bottom part how it’s a bit like a peplum or something. I like the way it lays over the waist area. Very nice.
Thankx
This is very elegant and quite flattering. I enjoy the way it skims the body
You look very elegant ;-D
Aw thank you.
What a lovely set of blouses. It’s a very flattering silhouette, and I’m just coming around to the TNT idea of making the same pattern over and over because it works.
Yes, I think this also helps to develop one’s own individual style – a change to the neckline or sleeve and of course fabric and it is a different blouse but one you know will suit. I find it makes getting dressed in the morning easier too!
I love the cut of this blouse- so very flattering on you. And those flowy sleeves! Perfection!
Thank you, I think it would suit pretty much everyone – if your not too tired you should give it a go : )
What a lovely silhouette! So flattering.
I like the sleeves on these blouses. I was wondering if you used a serger on the trims but you answered my question in regards to the bindings..
Hi thanks, I did not use a serger on these blouses, I used french seams throughout and the binding closed the raw edges on the sleeves. Hope that helps.