The New Ballad blouse (XS-5X) is 25% OFF through the 16th of May. This my affiliate link www.lovenotions.com/product/ballad-blouse?affiliates=366 Use my code karina10 for an extra 10% off even on top of sale prices!
Wow, loving that one of a kind, "play that funky music" Ballad Blouse! It looks like it has just the right amount of drape for a stunning walk down the Boulevard. Get the music ready Katrina, and maybe a pair of bell bottom jeans. This is gorgeous! Oh Snap!
Thank you so much for your lovely comments and I’ll mention here that lining the shirred area is not straight forward. I can’t use the little shirring pattern piece because this area needs to stretch to accomodate the upper chest and bust volume and that’s why it’s gathered onto the larger front piece. I can feel this area stretching as I move. The lining would need to be wider to allow movement and bust volume and and it would end up bulky inside. The shirred area has more bulk there already.
Black is not boring it’s classic. Everything you make is beautiful. ❤️ I look forward to every one of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us.
Both blouses are beautiful; the second is stunning!! I am intrigued with your new music selections. The hauntingly beautiful song you always used before was so sad, it made me hope that was not the way you were actually feeling. I really do enjoy the sound though; I'm sure you do too. I am hoping the songs depressed message is not your feeling, but if it is, so be it. God is still good!
It’s very hard to find free music that is copyright free and I’ve spent hours searching for some that I like. It needs to be instrumental for sure. I’m not sad at all. I find the sound relaxing :)
The polka dots are amazing! Your attention to detail is always appreciated. Your voice sounds so very happy with it and that's so nice to hear and see you inspired. Thank you for sharing this!
I like your sleeves that length. It’s flattering to see a bit of the wrist, but of course, personal preference. Love the border print blouse. You’ve inspired me.
I love the way you cut the fabric for this blouse, using the different print areas and achieving such a lovely, balanced look. Pattern matching and laying out patterns to achieve the best outcome are no my strengths, but I'll work on learning. Thank you for all your videos.
I prefer sewn details to printed pattern fabrics, so I don't see anything boring about your black blouse. I think it is awesome! And thanks for the sleeve info... I am not a bishop sleeve lover, so I really appreciate seeing your modifications.
I’ve sewn a bishop sleeve here and there but it’s alway been with chiffon and on a style that has a simple front and back. I thought here, they’d be too much going on.
The back of the dotted swiss sleeveless version is perfection. The Ballad videos will be watched several times to take in all the wonderful information you are sharing. Thank-you.
I love your ballad blouses. The lovely black one with swiss dots. I have never seen any rayon like that. And your long sleeve blouse in the border print is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing as about how shirring affects your skin. I h as very very sensitive skin, so I am leery of that, bit your pintuck idea is a lovely answer to get a similar look. Love your videos.
I love these! You probably thought of this, but if you want to lengthen the sleeves on your winter version, you could put a narrow polk-a-dot band. Blessings for all you do!
I do like the crazy border print one - so unique. Perhaps if the shirring irritates you, you could hand stitch a tiny bit of lining over those yoke pieces? Love the black one. Pin tucks are gorgeous.
Thank you so much. I pinned a comment about not being able to line the shirred area as there are many comments suggesting I do that. It’s really not a simple solution but you can see more details about why in the first comment I pinned here 🤗
You continue to amaze me! What a gorgeous version of the Ballad blouse with shirring just at the shoulders! Love Notions is having another sale this week, so it’s a good time to pick up the pattern for those of us who didn’t pick it up before. I’m wondering…if the shirring at the shoulders does bother you, perhaps you could cut lining pieces from some batiste or something like that and hand sew it in.
I had no idea shirring was so simple. I always thought you need some special supplies, but I surely have that same elastic in my drawer, for when I feel too lazy to do proper gathering. Guess I will give it a go.
Awesome job of using that fabric. You've provided lots of inspiration for how to use some of those kinds of crazy fabric prints. When you redo the buttons, see if you can adjust it so that the top button is not pulling on the placket, like it is now. Thanks for a great video. Appreciate all your hints and tips!
I love the border print blouse! It may be a little busy but it all makes sense. If you're worried about the shirring, try making a piece to wear around your wrist for the day. It might just have been the elastic that was used, it might have been stiffer. If, after wearing it for a day, you're fine then you'll know for sure. And what about coral buttons instead of the navy? Or maybe make your own coral buttons from the polka dot part of your material? I know it's warm where you are but for a future show could you show how to sew a sweater? It doesn't have to be heavy but I'm terrified of even trying and ruining the fabric! As always, I love what you do. You're so thorough, thoughtful, and easy to understand and follow. Hasta la proxima vez!
Covered buttons would be lovely, (on the border print) though the fabric might give you a hard time. I remember my mom making covered buttons for special pieces. I have the blanks to make them, but never have. Maybe this time I will. As usual, your work is fabulous and look fantastic on you
Actually, it stretches and accommodates the volume of the upper chest and bust instead of a bust dart and that’s why the bottom of the shirred section is also gathered on to the front piece. The shirring piece can’t be lined because it needs to stretch to be sewn onto the front piece that is bigger. That means it would have to be a bigger piece and it would end up bulky on the inside. I thought of doing this too but it wouldn’t work well. I can feel this area stretching as I move around.
Absolutely beautiful Karina, you have inspired me to purchased the Ballad blouse. Your work is so methodical and easy to follow, I will be following your steps to make up my top. Thank you.
Wow, such a beautiful and unique version! I love it! I was thinking maybe you could draft a facing for the front shirred yoke so that the elastic doesn't touch your skin. It might be a bit tricky. I think it would have to be drafted after the shirred portion is sewed to the front because I'm sure with all the elastic and gathering the size changes a bit. If anyone could figure it out, it would be you. You have an amazing way of thinking through the patterns, fabrics and hacks! Fantastic job Karina! Inspiring!
To be lined the piece would have to be wide to accomodate the gathers of the front piece and to allow ease of movement on the upper chest. It would be bulky inside. I’d rather just use a thin tank underneath in the end. I thought a lot about this while sewing.
Lovely blouses, the second one is amazing. I’ve just assembled my ballad pattern. Can’t wait to sew it! I’ve just made the rhapsody blouse about 4 times in a row! I think this one is going to be equally my new favourite. 😁
When i’m shirring, instead of cutting off at each end, i lift the foot & needle, pull the fabric and thread out a bit then sew back in the opposite direction. Then once i get to that end, i pull it out again, flip it around again and go back up. It saves all those wasteful thread tails. Don’t know about where you live, but shirring elastic is a little bit pricey here and i hate wasting it. That blouse turned out beautifully. I love the complimentary fabrics!
I tried that during the phase where I was preparing and testing my setting and it gave me very puckered uneven edges. I too wanted to save thread. I ended up doing each row separately.
Also..to the lining of the shirring... I had a thought .could you line the shirring with a light weight stretch knit? Stretch the shirring and the knit and flat line them together before sewing it into the garment? In my head it would accommodate for the stretch needed and possibly protect your skin without interfering?
The shirring piece can’t be lined because it needs to stretch to be sewn onto the front piece that is bigger. That means it would have to be a bigger piece and it would end up bulky on the inside. I thought of doing this too but it wouldn’t work well.
Wow I have already said you have fabric magic but this blouse is wizardry it’s just beautiful. 🙏🙌❤️💚💙💜 maybe line the shirring section to avoid irritation
The shirring piece can’t be lined because it needs to stretch to be sewn onto the front piece that is bigger. That means it would have to be a bigger piece and it would end up bulky on the inside. I thought of doing this too but it wouldn’t work well.
I loved the pin-tuck version of the blouse. For the shirring version could you not line just the shirred portion as it does not have to stretch when worn?
It does actually does need to stretch when worn because that’s where the bust volume has been drafted into the pattern. There are no busy darts. See the pinned post where I explained further.
As always you look beautiful in this blouse. How will it work if you make a "facing" for the shired section of the blouse so that you have fabric without elastic against your skin? Karina I cannot find the patterns you use in South Africa. 😭 Where can I order them from? 😁
I know you usually raise your armhole in sleeveless. I noticed all my shirts ride up in my sleeved shirts for that reason....so I want to start raising my armholes. Would I have to modify my sleeves?
Could you not line the shirred section with a very lightweight fabric? It would be a shame to loose that detail. As you say it is your winter blouse it should not make it too hot to ware. Best of luck with it. Judy from OZ
Hi Judy. If you look at the first comment (pinned post) you can see a little bit more about why lining it is not straightforward and why I opt to use a tank under :)
Not really. Smocking is a technique that was popular before elastic was available for sewing. Smocking was generally done by hand and included embroidery. There is no Elastic thread. Much more time consuming than shirring.
The New Ballad blouse (XS-5X) is 25% OFF through the 16th of May. This my affiliate link www.lovenotions.com/product/ballad-blouse?affiliates=366
Use my code karina10 for an extra 10% off even on top of sale prices!
Both tops are just flat out gorgeous, thank you for all your wonderful information, your skills are greatly appreciated!!!
Wow, loving that one of a kind, "play that funky music" Ballad Blouse! It looks like it has just the right amount of drape for a stunning walk down the Boulevard. Get the music ready Katrina, and maybe a pair of bell bottom jeans. This is gorgeous!
Oh Snap!
Thank you so much for your lovely comments and I’ll mention here that lining the shirred area is not straight forward. I can’t use the little shirring pattern piece because this area needs to stretch to accomodate the upper chest and bust volume and that’s why it’s gathered onto the larger front piece. I can feel this area stretching as I move. The lining would need to be wider to allow movement and bust volume and and it would end up bulky inside. The shirred area has more bulk there already.
Black is not boring it’s classic. Everything you make is beautiful. ❤️ I look forward to every one of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us.
I love black tops and look for texture to make them different. Thanks for watching 😊.
Both blouses are beautiful; the second is stunning!! I am intrigued with your new music selections. The hauntingly beautiful song you always used before was so sad, it made me hope that was not the way you were actually feeling. I really do enjoy the sound though; I'm sure you do too. I am hoping the songs depressed message is not your feeling, but if it is, so be it. God is still good!
It’s very hard to find free music that is copyright free and I’ve spent hours searching for some that I like. It needs to be instrumental for sure. I’m not sad at all. I find the sound relaxing :)
I like the pin tucks! Your tops are gorgeous! You are a fantastic seamstress!
The polka dots are amazing! Your attention to detail is always appreciated. Your voice sounds so very happy with it and that's so nice to hear and see you inspired. Thank you for sharing this!
I’m very happy with both. So fun :)
I like your sleeves that length. It’s flattering to see a bit of the wrist, but of course, personal preference. Love the border print blouse. You’ve inspired me.
Nice. I can see why you like the fabric choice so much. You can wear that anywhere, church, work, play. Good job.
Not boring black at all! Beautiful and elegant.
Thank you so much. I’m always looking for nice black fabric of different types because I love black clothes actually :)
I love the way you cut the fabric for this blouse, using the different print areas and achieving such a lovely, balanced look. Pattern matching and laying out patterns to achieve the best outcome are no my strengths, but I'll work on learning. Thank you for all your videos.
I prefer sewn details to printed pattern fabrics, so I don't see anything boring about your black blouse. I think it is awesome! And thanks for the sleeve info... I am not a bishop sleeve lover, so I really appreciate seeing your modifications.
I’ve sewn a bishop sleeve here and there but it’s alway been with chiffon and on a style that has a simple front and back. I thought here, they’d be too much going on.
WOW your polka dot version is amazing .. I love it.
I really love the navy and pink blouse and it looks gorgeous on you. Regards Christine 🙋♀️🇦🇺👍🏻😊🤗😍
Thank you so much 😀
That second top is a work of art. Absolutely gorgeous. Like the black one too. As always you do amazing work.
Thankies :)
The back of the dotted swiss sleeveless version is perfection. The Ballad videos will be watched several times to take in all the wonderful information you are sharing. Thank-you.
Wow! Your eye for color and print is envious. That top is gorgeous!
I love your ballad blouses. The lovely black one with swiss dots. I have never seen any rayon like that. And your long sleeve blouse in the border print is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing as about how shirring affects your skin. I h as very very sensitive skin, so I am leery of that, bit your pintuck idea is a lovely answer to get a similar look. Love your videos.
I love these! You probably thought of this, but if you want to lengthen the sleeves on your winter version, you could put a narrow polk-a-dot band. Blessings for all you do!
I do like the crazy border print one - so unique. Perhaps if the shirring irritates you, you could hand stitch a tiny bit of lining over those yoke pieces?
Love the black one. Pin tucks are gorgeous.
Thank you so much. I pinned a comment about not being able to line the shirred area as there are many comments suggesting I do that. It’s really not a simple solution but you can see more details about why in the first comment I pinned here 🤗
Beautiful design changes: I always enjoy learning how the changes are made. Thank you. ~ L
I’m glad it’s helpful :)
Both tops are nifty as all get out but the navy/coral one just rocks. 🥰
You continue to amaze me! What a gorgeous version of the Ballad blouse with shirring just at the shoulders! Love Notions is having another sale this week, so it’s a good time to pick up the pattern for those of us who didn’t pick it up before. I’m wondering…if the shirring at the shoulders does bother you, perhaps you could cut lining pieces from some batiste or something like that and hand sew it in.
So far so good with the shirring there. It has not bothered me :)
What gorgeous colour blocking and matching. I love that fabric. Thanks Karina.
Very creative use of border print fabric and different techniques. Thanks so much for sharing, I love it😍
I had fun cutting out the pieces and imagining it finished :)
Beautiful blouses! I really appreciate your attention to detail.
Thank you so much :)
I love how you give very detailed and well explained sewing tips. Thanks for your hard work in making these videos!
I had no idea shirring was so simple. I always thought you need some special supplies, but I surely have that same elastic in my drawer, for when I feel too lazy to do proper gathering. Guess I will give it a go.
Wow! Love the pin tucked one, but the shirred one is special 😍
Love, love, love the second top. A real work of art.
Awesome job of using that fabric. You've provided lots of inspiration for how to use some of those kinds of crazy fabric prints. When you redo the buttons, see if you can adjust it so that the top button is not pulling on the placket, like it is now. Thanks for a great video. Appreciate all your hints and tips!
The black blouse is so wonderful. Classic and timeless. I can see why you're so extra happy with it!
The joy just jumps off the screen 💕
I just really love sewing 😍. Thanks for watching 😊.
Beautiful tops. I love the black one.
Thanks!
I love the border print blouse! It may be a little busy but it all makes sense. If you're worried about the shirring, try making a piece to wear around your wrist for the day. It might just have been the elastic that was used, it might have been stiffer. If, after wearing it for a day, you're fine then you'll know for sure. And what about coral buttons instead of the navy? Or maybe make your own coral buttons from the polka dot part of your material? I know it's warm where you are but for a future show could you show how to sew a sweater? It doesn't have to be heavy but I'm terrified of even trying and ruining the fabric! As always, I love what you do. You're so thorough, thoughtful, and easy to understand and follow. Hasta la proxima vez!
Very nice both tops, one simple in black and the other fun and creativ, its written Karina all over it :-)
Covered buttons would be lovely, (on the border print) though the fabric might give you a hard time. I remember my mom making covered buttons for special pieces. I have the blanks to make them, but never have. Maybe this time I will. As usual, your work is fabulous and look fantastic on you
So So pretty! You are right - the fabric is everything!
The shirring is for decoration so a front yoke can be added for those sensitive to elastic. Use the pattern piece for the shirring.
Actually, it stretches and accommodates the volume of the upper chest and bust instead of a bust dart and that’s why the bottom of the shirred section is also gathered on to the front piece. The shirring piece can’t be lined because it needs to stretch to be sewn onto the front piece that is bigger. That means it would have to be a bigger piece and it would end up bulky on the inside. I thought of doing this too but it wouldn’t work well. I can feel this area stretching as I move around.
Lovely as always, I also love the way you explain why you do the things you do. Cheers Mary
Thankies! I had so much fun :)
Absolutely beautiful Karina, you have inspired me to purchased the Ballad blouse. Your work is so methodical and easy to follow, I will be following your steps to make up my top. Thank you.
I hope the videos help. I hope it’s a super enjoyable process for you 😀
Beautiful blouses. The second one is stunning. I love it...a work of art!
Thank you so much 😀
I have been considering lining the shirred piece.
This blouse is stunning! I love it!
Thanks 😀😀
Thank you for providing this link for me. I will definitely tackle lengthening my short sleeve with more confidence. your ballad blouse is beautiful!!
Wow, such a beautiful and unique version! I love it! I was thinking maybe you could draft a facing for the front shirred yoke so that the elastic doesn't touch your skin. It might be a bit tricky. I think it would have to be drafted after the shirred portion is sewed to the front because I'm sure with all the elastic and gathering the size changes a bit. If anyone could figure it out, it would be you. You have an amazing way of thinking through the patterns, fabrics and hacks! Fantastic job Karina! Inspiring!
To be lined the piece would have to be wide to accomodate the gathers of the front piece and to allow ease of movement on the upper chest. It would be bulky inside. I’d rather just use a thin tank underneath in the end. I thought a lot about this while sewing.
Karina, your creativity is astounding! ❤️❤️❤️ how you’ve used this fabric. This Ballard is stunning!
This blouse is just amazing! Your so talented and everything that you make is so beautiful.
Gorgeous details works, lovely blouses.
I love it...so much personality!😊
Great make! I used your link and bought it!
I hope you love it as much as I do!
Lovely blouses, the second one is amazing. I’ve just assembled my ballad pattern. Can’t wait to sew it! I’ve just made the rhapsody blouse about 4 times in a row! I think this one is going to be equally my new favourite. 😁
I feel the same. I know I’ll make many more.
When i’m shirring, instead of cutting off at each end, i lift the foot & needle, pull the fabric and thread out a bit then sew back in the opposite direction. Then once i get to that end, i pull it out again, flip it around again and go back up. It saves all those wasteful thread tails. Don’t know about where you live, but shirring elastic is a little bit pricey here and i hate wasting it.
That blouse turned out beautifully. I love the complimentary fabrics!
I tried that during the phase where I was preparing and testing my setting and it gave me very puckered uneven edges. I too wanted to save thread. I ended up doing each row separately.
Love the second blouse. Looks really cool 😎.
Thank you so much :)
Will surely try this black one.
Another great video. Hopefully the elastic won’t bother you since it’s mostly just laying there and not snug around a wrist or waist. Thanks
Awesome work
Thank you so much :)
Wonderful use of the border prints!!
I was thinking if the shirring irritates you hand stitch in rayon cut from the the front yoke section. xxxxx
Also..to the lining of the shirring... I had a thought .could you line the shirring with a light weight stretch knit? Stretch the shirring and the knit and flat line them together before sewing it into the garment? In my head it would accommodate for the stretch needed and possibly protect your skin without interfering?
Could you make a plain piece/facing on the inside of the shirring.
The shirring piece can’t be lined because it needs to stretch to be sewn onto the front piece that is bigger. That means it would have to be a bigger piece and it would end up bulky on the inside. I thought of doing this too but it wouldn’t work well.
Wow I have already said you have fabric magic but this blouse is wizardry it’s just beautiful. 🙏🙌❤️💚💙💜 maybe line the shirring section to avoid irritation
The shirring piece can’t be lined because it needs to stretch to be sewn onto the front piece that is bigger. That means it would have to be a bigger piece and it would end up bulky on the inside. I thought of doing this too but it wouldn’t work well.
Beautiful 😍
Really great work thx mam
I loved the pin-tuck version of the blouse. For the shirring version could you not line just the shirred portion as it does not have to stretch when worn?
It does actually does need to stretch when worn because that’s where the bust volume has been drafted into the pattern. There are no busy darts. See the pinned post where I explained further.
Love the blouse. I
As always you look beautiful in this blouse.
How will it work if you make a "facing" for the shired section of the blouse so that you have fabric without elastic against your skin?
Karina I cannot find the patterns you use in South Africa. 😭 Where can I order them from? 😁
These are digital patterns and you can buy them from anywhere. www.lovenotions.com/
I know you usually raise your armhole in sleeveless. I noticed all my shirts ride up in my sleeved shirts for that reason....so I want to start raising my armholes. Would I have to modify my sleeves?
Where did you find that fabric please
I live in Brazil and purchase all my fabrics here.
Its absolutely beautiful
Could you not line the shirred section with a very lightweight fabric? It would be a shame to loose that detail. As you say it is your winter blouse it should not make it too hot to ware. Best of luck with it. Judy from OZ
Hi Judy. If you look at the first comment (pinned post) you can see a little bit more about why lining it is not straightforward and why I opt to use a tank under :)
Is this also called "smocking"?
Not really. Smocking is a technique that was popular before elastic was available for sewing. Smocking was generally done by hand and included embroidery. There is no Elastic thread. Much more time consuming than shirring.
@@LiftingPinsandNeedles thank you!
❤️👌👍👏💯
Karina, not loud at all!. It is very tropical and very you,....not loud, colorful.