belle epoque

You’ve heard of the seven year itch? Well, this isn’t as scandalous but from a crafty perspective perhaps a little bit embarrassing. It is of course perfectly acceptable to spend two years on a quilt, blanket or intricate knit sweater. But a simple blouse? Well. I have my excuses– namely that I cut it out and marked/sewed the darts in the spring of 2007 right before I found out I was pregnant. Which of course scuppered any chance of my wearing a fitted blouse anytime soon. In the spring of 2008 I had a colicky baby who wouldn’t sleep, nixing any chance of sewing when I might catch some shuteye instead. So finally, in the spring of 2009 I can present to you the Two-Year Blouse!

It is Simplicity 4077, which was all over the blogosphere, surprise, surprise, two years ago! I mightn’t have written about it at all but two crafty ladies complimented me on it and said that I should. I highly recommend this pattern– it is relatively easy (wouldn’t take you two years except in extenuating circumstances) and turns out a good looking blouse that is VERY comfortable to wear. I’ve already worn it and washed it twice since finishing it. I used a $1 a yard quilting cotton from Joann’s that I had no high hopes for, and it actually turned out fine (even after washing and not ironing). I thought the bright pink buttons would save it from being too froufy and Laura Ashley (not that I have any objections to either, just that I wanted to add a little zing). I have another blouse in mind that I hope won’t take me two years!