I stitched up Tilly and the Buttons Mathilde Blouse for myself. Find out how I liked the pattern get my tips for constructing the blouse in today’s blog post.
One of the sewing goals I set for myself this year was to dive more into apparel sewing—both for my teenage daughters and me. I told my 18 yr old daughter this, and she promptly responded by creating a Pinterest board called “mom makes for me.”
She’s in college far away, and it’s been fun via Pinterest to see what she likes as far as sewing patterns and fabrics go. Plus, HELLO, she wants me to sew for her, score!
I can not tell you how far out of my comfort zone this kind of sewing takes me. My gut is telling me that is a good thing. I’m not generally comfortable having photos taken of myself, so taking them and posting them on the internet for all to see gives me waves of panic… but like I said, I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone, so be prepared to see more of “me” here this year.
Blouse Details
Back in October, I participated in Project Sewn; it was a single-elimination sewing competition. Each week people voted on their favorite looks. I went home the 2nd week.
This was the outfit planned for the 3rd week, which was the graphic print challenge. In retrospect, it’s a good thing I went home that week. Everyone had taken to making entire outfits, and I only wanted to make a shirt… I would have had my butt kicked by everyone’s mad pant-making skills.
I do love a good print; I’m not afraid to wear them or sew with them. I picked up this fabric in SLC at Tissu last summer. I don’t even know what it is; my best guess would be a lawn cotton blend, but there was no tag, so I can’t share. Can anyone identify it for me?
The pattern is the Mathilde blouse by Tilly and the Buttons. I LOVE this pattern, it was easy to sew, and it fit me with no alterations (I’ve got broad shoulders that can be hard to fit).
Recommended Changes
I love the button detail in the back but debated for months about installing an invisible zipper instead. I was not too fond of the idea that I couldn’t get myself dressed in the morning. I’m not the best at doing buttons behind me, and heaven knows I don’t have a ladies maid ala Downton Abby to help me get dressed.
In the end, I stuck with the buttons, and I can’t do them up by myself. I did my best for the photos (everyone was gone) but managed to twist the 2nd button in the process, so it looks a little wonky in the photo. If I make this again, I will definitely be inserting a zipper instead.
This top reminds me of Spring and coincidentally matches my favorite pair of spring flats. I can’t wait to wear it with red or white crops in the summer, but until then, it’s the DEAD of winter here, and I’m cold. So I paired it with a long sweater and boots. I like the layered look, although the puffy sleeves are not the easiest to feed into a sleeve. Maybe I’ll make a tank top from the extra fabric instead.
My next apparel sewing project involves this fabulous polka dot print fabric! I’ve got dresses on my mind and will be sharing the finished project in March as a part of the 2nd annual Project Polka Dot.
Since this project fits in nicely with this week’s Project Sewn challenge, I will link it up as part of the reader sew-along. Better late than never, right??
Emmely says
The blouse looks great on you and I love the print. It’s bright and fun.
Lisa McGriff says
The blouse is great, love the print and the style on you. Next, you are beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your sewing this year. Maybe I will catch the inspiration bug!
Melissa Mortenson says
You are so sweet! I was so intimidated to start making clothes for myself, but I’m loving it so far, hopefully a few more people will want to give it a try.
Jordan A says
I love everything about that shirt. The print is fun and I love the lines of the pattern. Gorgeous!
Melissa Mortenson says
Thank you!
Laurel K. says
I love the shirt.
Monique says
I made this blouse from Tilly’s pattern also and love it! Like you, I debated the zipper vs. buttons and the zipper won! I love your fabric for this pattern and am excited to see the next item you make with polka dots!
Melissa Mortenson says
I think I’ll go the zipper route with the next one too.
Jenn says
Cute! I like the way you put the rest of the outfit together! I would totally wear that 🙂
Shannon says
I LOVE that top, the print is adorable! Beautiful work, Shannon
Annika says
Such a beautiful blouse. You look great. I also have the mathilde pattern on my wish list. however, I so far haven’t seen the buttons in the back. that is quite impractical. a zipper would probably be better…
Melissa Mortenson says
Yeah, I’m adding a zipper to the next one for sure. I’ve seen a few people make the blouse out of solid fabric with contrast buttons on the back that are super cute.
erin says
it looks fantastic, melissa! i think i told you on instagram that this blouse is on my list, too. i just need to choose the fabric.
Melissa Mortenson says
Thanks Erin!
Teresa says
Love the layered look with the red cardigan and boots… very cool! (and warm, too!)
Teresa says
I used to sew a lot for myself and got out of the habit when my sons were born. I’ve got several projects in the works, including a couple of Schoolhouse Tunics for spring. So happy to see this trend picking up speed again!
Melissa Mortenson says
I’ve got a schoolhouse tunic on my “to do” list too- I’m happy to see it picking up again too, I’ve even heard of more fabric designers releasing apparel fabric with their lines, I hope it keeps up!
Tilly says
Gorgeous! I love the fabric you chose – it turned out really nice.
Melissa Mortenson says
Thanks Tilly, awesome pattern 🙂
Karrie Smith says
I love it!! The fit is really good, and I love the fabric! I normally wouldn’t chose something like that, but again I’m proven wrong on how great it can look! I’m getting a bit more comfortable in my fabric selections for clothing. I have only sewn one dress, so I”m on the beginner end of the spectrum. I think it looks awesome, and I hope I’m able to sew clothes half as good as your top looks!
=karrie
Melissa Mortenson says
Thank you! It’s been years since I sewed clothing for myself and I must say that it’s really really fun! Just keep sewing and you won’t be a beginner for long!
Gretchen says
Beautiful work Melissa. And I’m going to create a board on Pinterest called Melissa sews for me ;).
Melissa Mortenson says
Go for it ! *wink*
Lisa says
I love the pattern and you did an impeccable job sewing this blouse! PS, I can’t believe you have a daughter in college!
Melissa Mortenson says
Thanks for your kind comments! I can’t believe I have a daughter in college either, time flies by so fast.
Simple Simon and co says
I have this pattern and have been wanting to make it forever…yours is the push I need, it’s darling on!
Rosemary says
The blouse looks great on you, love the fabric and the button detail. My mother is desperate to know where your red shoes are from? If you could let me know she would be ecstatic.
Melissa Mortenson says
Hi!
Thanks so much for the kind words! The shoes are from Tory Burch. I got them on clearance a few years ago!
Shirley MacMillan says
I like you choice of patterns,