Last week I finally finished a flannel blouse, which I started in February last year, and then ran out of time to finish it. As the weather was changing I also knew I wouldn't get to wear it, so on the shelf it went.
First of all the fabric - a Minerva POD Brushed Cotton Flannel in 'Wildflower Whispers'. I fell in love with this pattern and kept my fingers crossed that the vibrancy of the colours wouldn't be too muted on a flannel fabric. I needed have worried, they lost very little of their vibrancy. I washed at 40 degrees, so it would be safe at 30 or 40 degrees, and then tumble dried it. Weather permitting I would normally line dry. There was no visible shrinkage and the fabric retained a beautiful softness.
It was a dream to cut out and sew. I've used the Burda 6908 pattern many times, varying the size depending on the weight of the fabric, and which season I would be wearing the blouse. I flat felled the seams as it suited the fabric and style, so everything is nicely enclosed and used a new universal needle 90/14 size.
One thing I am pleased with is finally mastering the buttonholer on my Janome. On a straight and flat section it will produce buttonholes with no problem. However, on collar stands and occasionally on cuffs, it suddenly goes berserk and won't stop sewing. Which means tedious and careful unpicking of the compacted thread.
I have mastered the cuffs by adding a piece of the same interfaced fabric to the edge of the cuff and lightly tacking it in place, which you can see in one of the photos. The buttonhole foot is now happy if it extends slightly over the edge of the cuff.
This time I did the same as for the cuff, and also placed tissue paper on the underside, (a tip I've used in the past, but forgotten about until Jo@three stories high mentioned it), and crossed my fingers. At last, it did the buttonhole without a fuss - phew!!
The fabric is wonderfully soft and warm against the skin, and has been perfect to wear during the recent cold spell.
I have some more of the Minerva POD flannel in the 'Jungle Dreamer', but I'm going to leave that for another day, while I dream up what to make with it.
Happy sewing everyone.