FINISHED! Wildflowers Peplum

Last weekend I spent some time working on a pair of Anima pants in a very cute houndstooth knit. The story of that make, which was unnecessarily tortured, is for another time (or not at all) but I'm sad to say, they look horrible on. So after such an unsatisfactory dalliance I felt like I needed to come home to some Liberty.
Liberty Art Fabrics Wild Flowers D Tana Lawn Cotton
The fabric I came home to is Wildflowers D from the 2014 Autumn Winter collection of the same name 'Wild flowers'.

Here is the fabric story:

Wild Flowers by Su Blackwell is a recollection of early childhood journeys across the British landscape in discovery of native flora. This joyous Liberty fabric was initially inspired by illustrations from an early 19th Century book, 'Field Guide to Wild Flowers in Britain'.

I'd also recommend going to Su's site for more in depth information on the print and the original inspiration.

All the designs are stunning and beautiful, of course, but I think there is only so much flowery Liberty I need and there seems to be other Liberty fabrics being released that are more interesting to me at the moment (that are part of other stories for the Autumn Winter 2014 collection, like Laurens Leaf).  I did buy this one though from Tessuti with the original intention of making a Veste Bernadette, but when the fabric arrived, while I liked it, I just didn't feel it was right for that jacket. Too much somehow. So it sat in the stash for a little while I contemplated what to do with it.
 
I became inspired by a very loose peplum style top. My journey started with the Chemise Maeva and while I'm not 100% sold on the button down for me, I love how floaty it looks. In more Republique du Chiffon love, I have also been covetting the Robe Lucie, especially Joe's which looks gorgeous.  We are in the middle of winter here so the Lucie will need to wait for now. Finally I'm sure you are all familiar with Debbie from Lily Sage and Co.  Not only do we share a love of the drop waist, but that lady knows how to do a structured peplum, but this fabric needed a gathered one.
So it was set: a loose peplum top with 3/4 sleeves.  I used the pattern from the Burda Wrap top as the basis as I like the 'kick' that this top has and just cut the front on the fold. I then roughly worked out where the gathered piece was going to sit and sewed it on. Nothing complicated.
I have a bit of excess fabric under the arm at the back, but I don't mind as it is a loose top. The result absolutely matches my vision. It's got the right shape, which is unbelievable. I've already worn it heaps and I love it with my pants and work shoes as much as I love it with my jeans.
I struggled with photos of this top.This is one of those makes that looks better in real life (I think - I hope!). Also because of the colours, when I stood in my usual spot in the front garden I was camouflaged. So for once I used our 'handball' wall - hence the chalk lines! Sorry.

Next up - I'm going to work on my Veste Michelle, it's been half traced for weeks now so it's time I got on with it.

55 comments:

  1. As you probably know, I'm not a fan of the peplum, but you've just taken it to a whole different (and elegant and yet fun!) level! I love it. And I love the print on you as well. Go you, converting my peplum-hating thoughts into a possibility of love!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Want to hear all about your Anima experience as I have made two pairs and helped a sister make another and I am undecided if I like them on me or not. Need another perspective!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ooh, this looks fantastic. I think loose things can be a little tricky to get right- so much is dependant on the drape of the fabric and the proportions of the design. All your elements work so well together though, love it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Suits you so much! Lovely wintery colours - you rock a peplum lady!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think it looks gorgeous! And very comfy. I've had a bit of a break from Liberty, but feel like I might be on the road back... Can I ask you - is the Michelle jacket lined? I really want to make it but want to know if it lined.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow if you think the photos don't do it justice it must be more than amazeballs IRL! Kirsty this is perfect! I am currently obsessed with RDC patterns, but I'm going to sound like a total newbs. Do you buy them direct from RDC? I couldn't figure things out, am I an eejit! Also are they all in French? I can't believe I'm asking all that "out loud".... Cringe

    ReplyDelete
  7. I know you hate them, in fact this whole make I was thinking, Michelle and Jen are going to hate this but I just kept peplumming on. Gotta say, the kick out, loose peplum is a winner. I have been wearing it almost non stop and just put it in the wash, so I can wear it to work tomorrow.
    How was Sydney!?

    ReplyDelete
  8. The torture part was just the elastic in the waist trying to make a nice neat seam while stretching out the elastic was pretty difficult. The fit was ok at the front, but Ben says that my flat bottom just makes the pants look like bad grandma pants. And I sadly agree. I really like them on others but I blame my flat bottom.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks Jenny. I agree, it's all about proportions and I just was never sure if I had the two lengths right. Fortunately I like the kanerva so I used that as a bit of a guide.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks Sarah. They are so easy to wear. Pre 12 months ago if you said I'd make a peplum I would have called you crazy.. now I have 3 in my wardrobe. Time to stop!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've just bought my first Liberty Jersey from the Workroom so it will be exciting to see that. I've never even felt it so I can't wait.
    Yes, the Michelle is lined, which is great - although it is in French there is a great photo tute on the RdC website that looks easy to follow.
    Are you feeling better??

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love Liberty jersey! I think I'm going to do my first RDC order this week. Yay! I do feel better thanks! Such a relief to have my voice back. It's been a ridiculously long time of being sick. Can't wait to see your Michelle.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well I love it in real life :)
    Gosh, I love RdC! To me they have a cool edge. Don't cringe, it's not easy to navigate their website. Yes, I buy directly from them. Patron Pouchette (patterns in pockets :)) are all paper patterns and are all in French. They will deliver to Australia although it isn't super fast. While they are in French, there are enough pictures to help out and Google Translate is a wonder. Patrons PDF are PDF patterns, in French and then there is a link for English patterns. I think Georgina dress may be paper (not sure ) but the others are pdf. I hope that wasn't too much information!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is seriously a superb make Kirsty. I love that gather so much.

    Sydney was SUPERB! Writing a blog post now.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I feel like my Michelle will take ages, though it probably won't, and the fabric is a bit 'spring like' and I'm deep in winter mood which is why I keep sneaking in quick makes - but now my 'spill and fill' application is finished I should settle back down to it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is indeed pep-tastic! I am not keen on peplums either but this has such a lovely drape I can't say no to it- super chic, my dear! Sucks about the animas though- any chance of salvage?

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've just sewn a Bellatrix in linen - it won't see the light of day until December, but I felt oddly compelled to make it. I want to make a cocoon coat like yours - it is freezing here!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I forgot you are a peplum hater needing to be turned as well! The Anima's can be saved. They are ok, just not great on...might try with a different fabric as I do dream of wearing a pair. Did you get much sewing done today?

    ReplyDelete
  19. That cocoon coat has been wonderful.. although some days I feel like even it isn't warm enough. Can't wait to see your bellatrix.

    ReplyDelete
  20. More a peplum non-plusser ;) Glad the animas can be saved- I want to make some to have comfy round the house pants with a bit of sass! I did some tracing today with ze ladies and am no slowly chugging through some boiled wool Iris shorts. Stupidly decided to hong kong finish all the seams O_o Are you feeling better?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hong kong the seams! Yikes they are going to be beautiful. Yes, feeling better and ready for some sewing chit chat and dinner on Wednesday.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Glad to hear you are feeling better! :D

    ReplyDelete
  23. pooh pooh to pants not turning out! How rude of them to do that to you. That said, this is of course - gorgeous. You quite possibly are the queen of Liberty. And for the first time in a long time I've been sewing with it all today... it's just so friendly to sew with. Like it wants to help you make it look fabulous. It's no wonder you sew with it all the time. I must take a note from your book! It's a gorgeous top on you :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is great! I find some of the darker Liberty prints are difficult to see in photos or in the distance too, so I can guess how awesome this must look close up. I think those colours are just perfect for the cooler months though and I LOVE The shape of the top. Spot on with the gathers and looser fit, it makes for such a nice silhouette (one drop waist lover to the next ;-) - and thanks for the link!) Shame about the pants though. Not really the weather for thinking about pants here, but I was looking at their new top and tog patterns the other day so am interested to hear what you say.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yes, the elastic was a nightmare! Hubby was holding down my machine while I was trying to stretch elastic and avoid the pins...a near tragedy! However, I did make a second pair with different elastic and it was MUCH easier. Sorry to hear about the Nanna Bum...never attractive to those going behind us!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Am not sure which I love more, this new top or the fact you have a handball wall. Can you get any cooler?
    The top is great, I like the dramatic shape and the print is so beautiful. I am still building up the courage to cut my Liberty fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  27. This looks such a cute thing to wear. I'm glad others have said they are not fans of peplums as I've declared the same on my blog - but that is because I'm a big old pear who just looks mahoooosive in a peplum - you don't have this problem! Love the print. x

    ReplyDelete
  28. SeamsOddLouise.Blogspot.comJuly 14, 2014 at 7:20 AM

    This top looks lovely, you look great in it.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks Kathryn. It's not often that it works out!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Ha ha ha I think that there are many peplums to be avoided.. in fact this is just a bit of gathering.. it's an exageration to call it a peplum!

    ReplyDelete
  31. To call it a handball wall is a bit of an exageration.. it is just the front wall that we play handball :) You are such a good sewer you should not be worried about cutting into them at all!

    ReplyDelete
  32. There have been some great makes of the top and tog patterns, but I'm not sure I'll make them. Too cold to think about.. the opposite problem you have. I'm keen to try those pants again as I love all your fancy trackie pants!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks Mel. You have hit the nail on the head with Liberty. It is so easy to sew isn't it and I agree, it works with you when so many fabrics work against you!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love it, so clever to draft just what you wanted. I can't wear a peplum, but you sure can. That fabric is lovely, I can see why couldnt go past it.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Liberty print is perfect for your pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Really beautiful top! I just love the fabric and your hack is adorable, well done!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks Angela. I think there will be more to come !

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks Barbara. This is more of an oversized top than a peplum but I think there will be more to come. .. but so many patterns, so little time.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Absolutely FABULOUS as always! I love this style on you...super cute and looks tops with jeans!

    ReplyDelete
  40. That fabric is so utterly divine! Now I'm craving a cool wildflowers-in-the-forest print too :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love this! I just bought some Liberty lawn. I love the handball wall :) I appreciate the links that inspired your make.

    ReplyDelete
  42. hey love, finally reading this! Ha! Sooooo, i actually love the photos in front of the wall because a) you look like a rockstar and b) they are closer so we get more detail....even better to see you with....cackle cackle ;) smooch
    oh bugger, forgot to say, i love the top! As always my darling stalkee!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thanks Mel. If only I could get away with wearing it more than one day a week to work I would !

    ReplyDelete
  44. I think it's your colours so you had better get some!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Ha ha ha ! If I take anymore photos in front of that wall I'd better straighten up the handball line. The height of it also gives away how short I am :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I bought Solsteur and Growing Fonder Blue. I have never sewn with Liberty lawn before. So it helps to view your makes!

    ReplyDelete
  47. And I bought it at Ray-Stitch

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love the Solsteur print - now why haven't I made anything in that print yet.. and of course I loved all the prints from last season by Mo Copolletta including Growing Fonder (which I wear almost every day!!!). I hope you enjoy sewing with Liberty Lawn as much as I do.

    ReplyDelete