Lotus Blossom Blouse

This is such a feminine top and as soon as I saw it in the Black Friday sales, I knew I wanted to try it!  It is quite possibly the most impressive looking 2 pattern piece top I have come across so far and it's definitely my favourite!

I got myself in a little bit of a 'twist' working out how to sew the front together due to me over thinking it, even though the pattern instructions say not to, but as soon as I'd worked it out, the rest came together in just 4 serger seams.  Hemming the neckline and sleeves was also a little tricky due to my fabric choice, the lightweight stretch fabric has an uneven slub effect with some parts being almost see through and others quite dense, making the tension tricky to adjust and get right.  With even the highest tension on my machine causing a tunnelling effect when using a twin needle, I decided to embrace it as a feature this time.  It doesn't take away from the design and doesn't loose any functionality of the top either as the size of the openings mean little to no stretch is required of the hems.

Photo showing the uneven texture and channelled twin needle hems

The Lotus Blossom is best made in a fabric which is the same on the right and wrong sides although there are clear instructions included on how to 'piece' fabrics to use a single sided fabric instead. There is also a pattern piece included for adding an optional contrast fabric to the back neck which I hope to try next time.  There is also a pattern for a child's version down to age 2 which is so cute!  I chose a lightweight 120cm wide stretch poly viscose material which has a nice texture to it and drapes beautifully.  I was lucky to find this in a £1 per metre clearance and needed 2 metres, so this top cost me just £2 to make! ​

Adult Pattern: Love Notions Lotus Blossom 
Child Pattern: Lotus Blossom Blouse
Fabric: Tia Knight