Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Swan Dive: A Colette Hawthorn Peplum

This blouse is exactly how I pictured it in my head. I begin there, because it's rare that actually happens! A swan peplum leaped into my mind one evening fully formed, and with the Colette Hawthorn pattern, "Swan Dive" fabric from Michael Miller, and a little bit of sewing magic, here it is!
This is my second version of the Colette Hawthorn. My first version was a dress made out of plaid wool, and it's one of the most flattering dresses that I've made. I judge that by the fact that my mother asks me if I've lost weight every time I wear it, even though I know I haven't because I spend my free time going to things like artisanal cheese tasting classes
Since I had proof that I looked slim in the Hawthorn, I didn't make any additional fit changes from my first version. My original changes included shortening the dart 1", doing 1/4" broad back adjustment, and taking 1/2" out of the waist.
The short-sleeve version of this pattern has a cuff that is a really nice detail. I also loved all the top stitching! I got myself a new Bernina, which I really should post about soon, and the stitch is so lovely it makes me want to top stitch everything! 

34 comments:

  1. Such a cute blouse, and I love how the whole outfit works together with your flats and bow. And as always, I love playing "guess where the photo was taken". This one looks so familiar to me...Walnut Creek Park? McKinney Falls?

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    1. Thanks, Nicole! This was is actually out in Driftwood right by Salt Lick.

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  2. this is so pretty! i really love the print!

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  3. This is so pretty, Lauren! I love your fabric! I think you just might make me sew more Hawthorn peplums! I don't have many tops or bottoms and I think I should start! I can't wait to read your Bernina review!

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! I've been doing a lot of separates lately, and it's been really nice to expand my wardrobe a bit. I am loving the peplum version of this pattern, too!

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  4. Hehehe, gotta love those mom comments! Very cute top and great fit... And that topstitching... {{swoon}}

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    1. Tehehe, yes. Thanks, Susan! I want to top stitch all the things!!

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  5. I really love this! Such a fun and cute print, it's very you ;)

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  6. This is a perfect peplum top. I love Colette's Hawthorn pattern, I have also made the dress but have yet to try the top. After seeing yours I will be pulling that pattern back out and adding it to my list. Your topstitching is wonderful. Job well done!

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    1. Oh, I definitely recommend the peplum! And the nice thing is that if you've already done a dress, it's so much faster to sew because you don't need to re-fit!

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  7. This is gorgeous! I love the swans.

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  8. I love this! The fabric is great and I love the Hawthorn as a blouse - I'm not convinced by it as a dress as I'm not sure shirt dresses are my style. I love the way you've styled it too.

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    1. Thank you! I was looking for an excuse to buy those flats on sale from B.A.I.T, and this swan fabric was the perfect thing to push me over the edge!

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  9. What a delightful blouse. The Swan Dive fabric works so well on the Colette Hawthorn and I love the top-stitching. Looking forward to reading your Bernina review - I've had mine for over 20 years and the stitching is always beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, Caroline! I am so impressed by the Bernina stitch. I completely understand the devoted following now!

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  10. OK Lauren, I've been scoping this pattern for awhile now, not sure if I need it but wow! You just made me hit "buy"! I have always had trouble with shirtwaist dresses, so I hope I can figure this one out :)

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    1. I'm always happy to enable pattern purchases! I'd be happy to help if you get stuck!

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  11. That's one of the nicest peplum blouses that I've ever seen! I love the swans with the hawthorn. Isn't it lovely how well fitting that pattern is? I've made it 4 times now but haven't made the blouse yet. I will definitely have to put that on my list. Glad you love your new bernina! So exciting! :)

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    1. Thank you so much! Don't you just love remaking the best patterns?

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  12. You look stunning!! Beautiful fit as usual. The fabric is really cute. The peplum style is really flattering with slim pants. xxx

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    1. Thank you! They are a high-waisted jean from Modcloth and they are quite comfy!

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  13. This is delightful! A nice, crisp look-perfect for summer. A great adaptation of the Hawthorne

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  14. ACK! So adorable! You look great in this fantastic blouse....nice print choice. I'm a big sucker for wonderful prints. Probably why I make dresses all the time, so I don't have to match anything....ha! I'm a fellow Austinite too!

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    1. Oh, you should come to our sewing meet up! http://www.meetup.com/sewingwithstyle/

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  15. Love your blouse, dear Lauren. Although to be completely honest ... I love your style and I hope yours every sewing project with great anxiety. Love your blog!

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  16. It's so cute and so are you! Must go google this fabric :-D

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  17. You look stunning!! Beautiful fit as usual. thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.
    Guipure Lace | Guipure Lace Fabric

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