Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Liberty Classic


Some years back, I made the Liberty Shirt from The Sewing Workshop. I love it and still wear it often. And, as is often the case when I love a pattern, I said to myself, I will make this again. But I didn't. Then Linda Lee came out with a Craftsy class on sewing with silk. And it features the Liberty Shirt. I signed up for that and said to myself, I will make this again. But I didn't.

Finally I wanted something new to wear to a sewing party. This pretty piece of silk had been in my stash a while, washed and ready to cut. It is silk dupioni but has finer finish than some I have sewed. In fact the first Liberty I made had washed (and dried) gray silk dupioni. Much rougher than this. I'm happy I didn't machine dry this lovely blue piece. This way, I can still wash it when needed and avoid dry cleaning. And it retains that lovely sheen.

It was a dream to sew. I just had to have a light hand with the iron. It responds to hand pressing like a good linen, and doesn't produce many wrinkles, again like a good linen. I'm sure I bought it a Gail K.

And then it needed pearls. Shell buttons in a pearl shade. And then the necklace.

That is probably old lady jewelry, but I am fond of pearls. I bought these in Hong Kong back in the 80's when my job took me there. They are light and warm to the touch. And at 63, I've earned old lady jewelry so I guess I'll just embrace it.

Great pattern, I really should make it again.

Some things to like about this pattern:

  • The back wraps to the front with mitered corners at the hem.
  • The collar is almost a Peter Pan collar when folded down, but ripples nicely when up.
  • The sleeves are simple but have a vent so that it looks good folded back a little.
  • By stitching down the facing, a princess seam is produced. Vertical lines are my friend. 
Here is the favorite old version of the Liberty shirt:
Back was an interesting printed ombre cotton
Left side - silk dupioni; right side printed cotton



7 comments:

  1. Gorgeous color Martha. I also love the Liberty Shirt and think it is one of the most flattering patterns Sewing Workshop has done.

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  2. Such as nice pattern. I must pull mine out and make again. That color is so pretty! (and I love pearls too - have forever!)

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  3. So striking. It looks like a peacock blue from the photos. I bet you look like a million bucks in it! Terrific!

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  4. Gorgeous color and beautiful construction, as always. Wear that old lady jewelry with pride!

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  5. Beautiful versions of the Liberty Shirt--a great pattern! The pearls are perfect!

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  6. Such a beautiful color--I'm betting it looks just gorgeous on you! I think this SW Liberty Shirt pattern is in my top 5 (if not at the very top) of my list of all-time favorite patterns. My copy hardly even ever gets put away with the rest of my patterns because I use it so often. It is very versatile and always looks good. Lovely top!

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  7. I've enjoyed both the wearing and making the numerous Liberty shirts I have. It's a great pattern. Your silk rendition is absolutely fabulous!

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