FINISHED! Ciara Marthe Blouse

The new Republique du Chiffon pattern, the Marthe Blouse was released last week and it quickly sky rocketed to the top of my sewing list. I adore the lose peplum style and while it is not dissimilar to the top I made from Liberty Wildflowers a few months ago, which had turned into one of my most worn tops, I thought the raglan sleeves might add interest and I was interested in making a top that had a higher neck. I was taken in with the line drawing and the fabulous photos.
 
I chose a Liberty that I had in the stash, which I bought on a bit of a whim when the latest collection was released called Ciara C.  The Ciara design was originally for a scarf in 1969 and has been recently redesigned for the Classic collection.   
The pattern only comes in pdf, which is fine by me and the pattern is in French, but don't let that stop you as there are plenty of pictures and this is a very simple pattern, so I didn't always use the instructions.  Like all the RdC patterns, it is necessary to add seam allowance. 
The pattern back is cut in two pieces and the pattern calls for either an invisible zip or a button at the neck. Given the closure requirement (and the line drawing), I was expecting that the neckline would be much higher, thus requiring a button, but on trying it on I realised that the neck was wide and definitely did not require any fussing around with closures. I simply sewed up the back seam. Unfortunately while I didn't need the closure this meant that the neck was not at all what I was hoping for.  I really wanted it to be a smaller round neck which would act as a contrast to the volume. Oh well, it's not bad how it is, just not what I had wanted.   
I sewed the arm seams up a little smaller to try and take some width out of neckline. I also took an inch and a half out of the length of the bodice, bringing the skirt seam up. I really like where that sits. I took about 2 inches off the length of the sleeves but I find myself wanting to push my sleeves up even more so perhaps I should have made them just a tad shorter.  
Rather than gather the 'skirt' traditionally using 2 or threads, I used my overlocker. This worked ok, but I think I'll be going back to the gathering method next time.While I hate pulling those threads I feel as if the gathers look a bit pleated on this make. 
Have you been participating in Amanda's #bpSewvember on instagram? It has been so much fun and there is still more than half of November to go! I  The other day we had to do our #favouritefinish and Jillian said her favourite finish is a Woo Hoo finish. What a great interpretation. Sadly, while this is a fun make, the fabric is fab and  I'll wear this during summer with my Iris shorts, it isn't exactly the woo hoo finish I was hoping for. C'est la vie! 

37 comments:

  1. Oh no! No Woohoo!! That's such a shame and I really love how it looks. I actually think the wide neckline does a lot to balance out the volume of the peplum, but I understand how frustrating it is to end up with something not quite right. I think it'll look great with jeans and shorts. One question. The pattern page seems to show a quilted version - can it be made with stretch or sweatshirt fabric? Glad my "woohoo" reference sat well with you!

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  2. Love it! I am totally with you on the would have liked a smaller collar. I hate gatherings - my threads always get tangled, it's a mess. Must find another method.

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  3. I'm in the love camp too

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  4. Goodness I think they must have designed this pattern just for you! It's great on you. Cripes do I hate gathering! I've just recently discovered that using shirring thread just inside the seam allowance gives me the best results on knits and wovens. It's totally my Achilles heel I think....

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  5. I agree with Sarah - this style was made for you! I really love it with the slim black pants.

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  6. Bummer you're not feeling woo hoo about this make. It really does look fantastic on you. I've seen a couple of semi sheer versions around. I think I want to make a version like that. I was a bit worries about the French instructions so hear it isn't too difficult.

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  7. I love this look on you. I agree with the changes, contrasting volume with less volume. That is why the slim pants look so good with this. Beautiful fabric (but that kinda goes without saying)

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  8. This definitely makes me say 'woo hoo'!! I love this on you! The fabric is, indeed, fab, and I think it works really well with this style!

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  9. Great top. I love the ruffled peplum. It reminds me a bit of a Kanerva. Looks great on you.

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  10. I noticed that some some of RduC's patterns are now in English, too! I just downloaded a Gerard and felt so glad to see them. I have two RduC's patterns that aren't in English but they are simple enough to figure out on your own, if you're even a beginner!

    And, I love this on you. I love the back and from the side especially.

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  11. It is such an eye-catcher. I love the Liberty fabric.

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  12. I love the volume in this top, and the fabric is a riot! In the best possible way. You look super cool.

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  13. Its beautiful, it (almost) wouldn't matter what you made in that gorgeous fabric!

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  14. Gorgeous! Why isn't it a "woo hoo" for you? The fabric is utterly beautiful :)

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  15. KB, this is so in your wheelhouse! Love the loose peplum and the pleaty gathers aren't particularly noticeable... I'd call this a sassy win!

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  16. I think it's gorgeous - maybe the woo hoos will come over time?

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  17. What amazing fabric! I think this looks great on you, I hope it grows on you too as seems like most folks think it's a woohoo!

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  18. Thanks Kathryn! It's growing on me! The fabric is definitely great.

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  19. I think you are right. Eventually I won't care that the neck is wider than I wanted and will just enjoy it's breeziness.

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  20. It's only not woo hoo because I dreamt that the neck would be much higher. I am starting to enjoy it's loose neck style.

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  21. Thanks Colleen, yes I love the side shot as well. I really like RduC and it's great to see them come out in English!

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  22. Aaah, the Kanerva. Probably me most favourite pattern of the year for sure!

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  23. Thanks Salllie! It's hard not to love the style. I just wanted it slighly less loose in the neck, but hey!

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  24. Yes, Julie (Joliesbobines) has done a beautiful semi sheer version. I just love that one.

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  25. Yes, gathering is terrible.. but I keep making garments with gathers!

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  26. Thanks Sasha! When you find another method let me know!

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  27. Yes, I think it could be made with thicker fabric for sure.. it would just be a matter of getting the gathers sorted. I have some Liberty sweatshirt fabric that I was thinking of using in my next version, but I am a bit worried about the gathers..

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  28. It looks great on you though - it's kind of an arty shape, but I bet it'll feel lovely and breezy in warm weather :)

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