FINISHED! Undercover Marthe

I have been working on some more culottes but I needed a break from them so decided to sew up the other piece of Liberty of London Linford Fleece I had in my stash.  It takes up quite a bit of room and I thought I might be able to make up another garment to take overseas.  I'm also off to Melbourne on Wednesday for the day and I have every intention of adding to my stash there!  This Rachel de Thame fleece came from Tessuti. I bought it off an instagram photo and was so over joyed when it arrived because, to be honest I wasn't exactly sure what fabric I was buying at the time and I have been really wanting this one.
Fabric story: Liberty of London's AW13 Five Senses collection contains a capsule pertaining to Taste. Rachel de Thame was designed by Central Saint Martins’ student Morgan Levy. The leaves are taken from blackberries, which can be used to create natural dyes. Rachel de Thame, a judge of the 2011 Central St. Martin collaboration, selected this design. 
When I made up the Republic du Chiffon Marthe blouse recently I always had in mind that I might use this pattern to sew up the fleece.  This year I have been obsessed with this silhouette and while I like the Marthe as you know I was a bit disappointed with the size of the neck. That, I should say hasn't stopped me wearing it constantly on the weekends. It really is a great weekend blouse. Anyway, I also had in mind that I wanted to add a hood to the pattern to make it a really snuggly make. 

Well, snuggly it is. Instead of the Marthe pattern, I returned to the Papercut Patterns undercover hood pattern, which I've made up here and here.  I raised the neck ever so slightly on the pattern and used the hood piece. The hood piece is heavy as it is two pieces of fleece, but I really like it.  I cut a piece the width of the fabric for the peplum and gathered to fit.   The Marthe curves this seam a bit but I cut just it straight, similar to my wildflowers make. 
Where I could, I top stitched the seams, including at the raglan sleeves, the neck and the gathered 'skirt'. I had a bit of a brain lapse and didn't overlock the sleeves, but hopefully they won't fray.  The wrists and hem are turned under then stitched with a twin needle. I keep reaching for a kangaroo pocket in this top, but I think that might have been just a bit too much.  

 
While it is probably a predictable make for me, I love it and can't wait for the temperature to drop!

46 comments:

  1. It's completely and utterly a woohoo make! The hood is such a great look and this is going to be very snuggly for your winter Xmas. I'm confused. Is it a Marthe at all?? Whatevs it completely rocks ;)

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  2. looks fabulously snuggly and stylish to boot. Love the story behind the fabric as well.

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  3. Snuggle central! Love that fabric. The combo of the gathered section plus hood is so unexpected and cool.

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  4. A perfect Kirsty garment! Oooh where are you shopping when you come to Melbs? Sad it's only one day!

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  5. Thanks Sarah! I'm not sure exactly, I'm leaving it to Jenny, Blogless Anna and Maci Nic to organise. First stop is the JPG exhibition. Are you free Wednesay? You are most welcome to come along. I'm playing truant for the day!!

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  6. Well, there is a nod to the Marthe. It hasn't used any of it's pattern pieces but hey, it sort of is!

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  7. What a cool idea! I would never think to make a jumper style version of Martha. I love it!

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  8. Love this idea of a blouse/jacket in fleece! Once again, your fabric is so pretty :-)

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  9. No kangaroo pocket ;( So cute though! ;) And so snuggly, that hood inspiration is simply perfect.

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  10. Cute and cozy warm! I've never seen such nice fleece.

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  11. I love this top! I love the way the fleece gives it a bit more body to make the gathers and top sit out a bit more....and it looks so snuggly comfy. Perfect, who cares about predictable!

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  12. AAAAAHHH! This is glorious. Liberty makes fleece?? How divine! And this silhouette is absolute perfection.

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  13. Sadly no, Tuesday is my day off. I had last week off though - bummer! Enjoy jpg and I hope you get to the fabric store and clear it. Have a super time!

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  14. This isn't predictable AT ALL!! Between you and Amanda I don't know who is rocking my world more right now. The hood is an absolute inspiration. Love how it comes up almost cowl-like at the front of the neck. I reckons this one will be on constant rotation for your winter Christmas holiday!

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  15. Bugger. If you work near Hardware societe I think that is where we are having lunch at 12.30.

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  16. Hello beautiful!!! Wow! I didn´t know liberty made fleece, and what a wonderful print that is!!! I think it looks terrific made into that pattern, really cozy but elengant too!

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  17. OMG the hood turned out perfectly! I really love these design lines on you- you look sassy AND snug all at once! Perfect for your winter holiday!

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  18. Really lovely! Warm, stylish even without the kangaroo pocket.

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  19. This sweatshirt is indeed a top notch make - Love it! a drop waist with a hood - what!!!? - I must admit I'm puzzled by the background cause I'm seeing this with a white light washed background with a big fashion brand name projected onto it!

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  20. I love the name of the fabric - I am guessing it is after the British gardener Rachel de Thame - which would make sense! You are making up such cosy looking clothes - and as it has just got cold here in Wales I am very jealous! :)

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  21. Snuggly! So it's perfect for Canberra :) Love the gathered hem combo'd with the hoodie!

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  22. Thanks, it was actually cold for a little while on Saturday so I got to give it a test run!

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  23. Thanks pauline, the fabric is just so nice to wear.

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  24. Don't start! I gave it a test run on saturday and my hands were reaching for it at every turn - but the hood - the hood was perfect in the rain. How was your show on Thursday?

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  25. Not me! I don't care about predictable. Yes, I love the way it sticks out as well.

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  26. Thanks Heather. I just adore this silhouette as well.

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  27. OH Michelle! What a compliment. I love the height at the front as well. It just makes you want to really snuggle into it.

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  28. I'm so happy with it as well! I hope that it will be perfect.

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  29. Thanks Barbara! Oh JPG was amazing!!! I really loved it.

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  30. I think so. In fact, I might take it on the plane as it will double as a pillow if I need !

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  31. Oh you need a hoodie as well. It must be named after her!

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  32. It's so good isn't it, I could easily go again.

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  33. ;) If The Production Company's LaCageauxFolles comes your way, don't hesitate to grab tickets - it was so ... much ... fun ..!!! Essentially a reunion of 80's singing & dancing TV stars, the fun, respect & love in the theatre was palpable ;)

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  34. Me too! Apart from everything else, those mannequins were captivating.

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  35. I love sewing a hoddie to coats and sweatshirts!!! And your version is sooo different, love your fabric choice.

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  36. I love it! So chic and warm

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