When Lisa mentioned she was working on an heirloom tutorial for the Afternoon Tea Blouse, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Honestly, I can’t think of anyone better suited to guide others through heirloom techniques than Lisa. Her attention to detail and passion always shine through in everything she does—she really knocked it out of the park this time around! When I originally designed the Afternoon Tea Blouse pattern, lace was at the forefront of my mind, and I envisioned how it could enhance the overall look of the garment.
But today, I want to share an alternative approach—a technique that’s much simpler and quicker for those who still want to achieve a similar aesthetic without committing too much time. Here's a sneak peek:
This project started with a lace panel I'd prepared a couple of years ago. At the time, I intended to incorporate it into a Cinema Dress, but life got busy, and I never got around to finishing it. As a result, the panel had already been beautifully pintucked with entredeux applied along the center front. However, it wasn’t quite long enough, so I added an extra section to the bottom to make it fit perfectly.
For the lace feature, I decided to attach the lace to tulle to create a floating effect. To achieve this, the two lower rows of lace were stitched onto the tulle before the sleeves were sewn, while the top row was attached after the yoke was secured. This ensured continuity across both the front and back of the blouse.
Here’s what the side view looks like once the front and back pieces are joined together. Honestly, I didn’t go overboard with any fancy techniques—there’s no serging along the seam allowances. But surprisingly, it doesn’t matter because the seam allowances remain mostly hidden between the lace panels. Don’t let that hold you back! If heirloom sewing feels intimidating, take it step by step. Experiment with a few details first and then fill in the gaps as you grow more comfortable.
I paired this blouse with my Hollywood Trousers, naturally. It’s such a versatile outfit!
One of the things I love most about this method is its simplicity. By positioning the lace directly against the seam and using a small zigzag stitch, the process became incredibly straightforward. Plus, if you're feeling creative, you could even cover the seam with lace to hide it completely. Come to think of it, I bet someone with an embroidery machine could create some truly stunning designs with this pattern!
Interestingly, I skipped the tea-staining step this time, opting instead for a mix of white and cream tones throughout the blouse. While I initially worried it might not work, I ended up loving the result! The central lace and entredeux are crisp white, while the fabric and thinner lace provide a softer, creamier tone. This combination gives the blouse a slightly more contemporary feel, which I think works beautifully.
Would you give this pattern a try? I highly recommend it! You can find a copy of the Afternoon Tea Blouse right here. And don’t forget to check out the other versions we’ve showcased—they’re equally inspiring!
---
(Ads by Google)
---
**Related Posts:**
[Stay tuned for more posts featuring this pattern and other sewing projects!]
Headwear and neckwear
Hair Claw Clips,Hair Claw,Ponytail Hair Extensions,Hair Clips For Women
ZHOUSHAN FOISON IMPORT AND EXPORT CO.,LTD. , https://www.foison-fashion.com