Today I will share my story of an opportunity presented to me which I simply couldn’t refuse. One day, a couple of months ago I was approached by one of the owners of my favourite store, Abakhan Fabrics in Manchester (which I frequent on a regular basis). He asked if I would like a VIP golden ticket to a secret sale they were holding in March, I jumped at the chance. 

This involved free breakfast, 10% discount in the main store and a chance to enter the sale an hour before the general public.  I was on a mission, to fill my husband’s car boot with fabric and sewing goodies (I have to say I quite successfully fulfilled my expectations, and some!) Two huge boxes of fabric, a box of buttons and various haberdashery items, all for such a fabulous price I almost fell over in shock when I was told what it was.

My first make from my stash is Simplicity 1467, a delightful pattern containing various different items to make (I just love those).  I decided to do the blouse, quick and easy, just right for the gorgeous weather we have been having recently.  The fabric is crepe de chine which is extremely lightweight. I was quite pleased that it didn’t take me too long to make as the fabric made me quite nervous, it had a tendency to pull and leave little ladders upon itself when my back was turned.

The garment consists of one front section, two back sections, yoke, neckline and armhole facings and back fastenings. The fabric was so slight I decided to create french seams at the sides rather than attempting to venture near my overlocker (it has a tendency to chew some fabric and spit it out again). These particular seams are lovely and neat and finish the garment off really well. The back fastening was created with loops (a first for me) which are sewn into the facing at the neckline.  I had a good old rummage through my new button box for a couple of matching buttons.  I suspected I would find something in there that would work perfectly now I have so many, from what I recall it is even bigger than my Grandma’s button tin used to be!