Ikat Tova Blouse

Finiiiished! The Tova blouse by Wiksten, gifted by Backstitch, in a soft ikat cotton from John Lewis. I lurrrrve this blouse. I know I'm going to get loads of wear out of it - it's so comfortable and easy to wear. (Do excuse the dishevelled state of my hair non-style in these photos - I call this particular look "Autumn Mist".)

The pattern was easy to use and came together with no problems whatsoever. There are a couple of parts that may prove a little tricky for beginners, notably the part where you have to attach the corners of the inset to the bodice, but it's totally do-able. Plus remember that the seam allowance is 3/8" - something I kept forgetting myself.

The neckline is a little low for me, so in an effort to avoid flashing my bits, I'm wearing a camisole under it for the Autumn. Looks great with a Breton top under it too - then again, what doesn't? I'm considering adding a button or two come Spring - has anyone else done that? When I finished it I was initially a little confused about the floppiness of the stand, I guess I expected it to lie flat against my chest...

... but a quick Google search later and I was reassured that it looks like that on everyone, and looks really great on everyone! Seriously - Google Image search Wiksten Tova. Amazing. On. Everyone.

Love it! Have you made a Tova blouse yet? What did you think?

PS. Guys, thank you SO much to everyone who filled in my questionnaire the other day. It had an incredible 1,000 responses in 24 hours, after which I had to close the survey so it wouldn't explode. I've started reading through all your comments and am feeling so encouraged and inspired by what you've said - thank you!

[Soundtrack: 'Lovin' You More Every Day' by Etta James]

What's On My Sewing Table...

Run a Google Image search on "Wiksten Tova" and you'll be greeted with squillions of absolutely beauuuuutiful homemade blouses. I want in. To celebrate their website makeover, Backstitch sent me the pattern to play with, so on breaks between writing I'm making it up in a super soft ikat cotton that I bought aaaages ago from John Lewis.

It's my first time using a Wiksten pattern and there are a few points of interest worth mentioning. The first thing that struck me was how stylish the pattern looks. While the format is simple - black and white A4 paper print outs - the minimalism and DIY vibe is rather appealing. The instructions are illustrated with black and white photos and hand drawings. It kinda got me thinking that converting my own patterns from print-at-home to ready-printed doesn't necessarily have to be a major, costly operation. (Although if I do go down that route, knowing my perfectionist tendencies I probably will turn it into a major, costly operation.) The pattern comes in two versions - sizes XS to M or sizes L to XL. I usually straddle three pattern sizes, so was relieved to discover that with just an inch or so of grading I could get away with using one size. And one final thing to note if you're using a Wiksten pattern - the seam allowance is 3/8", which is fine with me as it saves both fabric and trimming seams, but worth remembering before you start stitching.

I'm really enjoying making the Tova blouse so far and am already dreaming of another version in a snuggly Nani Iro double knit.

If you fancy getting your own copy of the pattern, or anything else from the shiny new Backstitch website, then I bring good tidings! Alice from Backstitch is offering you 10% off all products from today until Thursday 24th October (midnight GMT) - just use the code WLTIL at checkout. What's more, anyone who places an order with Backstitch in the month of October gets entered into a Grand Prize Draw, with the chance to win money off your order and generous discounts. For all the details of how to enter, check out the Backstitch blog.

What's on your sewing table please?

[Soundtrack: 'Motoring Home' by Sweet Baboo]