With cutouts on the front and buttons on the back, the Datura Blouse is a double cute in my book!  Before I even had an inkling I would start sewing my own clothes, this blouse ended up on a Pinterest board.  Ever since, it’s kept floating to the top but never been made. This year it had to make my Make Nine.

I haven’t had much time to sew the last couple of months, and I’m happy this little number was the first one in the queue.  It’s such a happy little blouse with easy assembly and a super cute result. I was craving a sewing escape after a busy two months.

The directions resulted in almost every seam being finished, which is fantastic, so I decided to do the side seams with a french seam and not have to use my serger at all.  Honestly, utter laziness on my part for avoiding changing the thread, but I do love a french seam.

I used some quilting cotton my Grandma had given me and it turned out pretty well.  I’m looking forward to the well-worn cotton stage, where it’s soft and the perfect summer top. I would love to try this in a raw silk or something with a little more drape for a fancier version in the future.  It was such an easy make, there wasn’t much I could add or even change in future makes. Maybe just be a little more fussy about clipping the corners and with the bias binding, but those are personal skill builders.

More than anything, this top was an enjoyable and simple make, when I most needed it. It has been my grab and go summer top when I need it and wearing it has brought me a simple joy. That has been the best part of the pattern. It reminds me to slow down, enjoy the summer, and the power of being in the moment.

There’s several Deer and Doe patterns I can’t wait to try.  The Opium coat, Sirocco jumpsuit, and Magnolia dress haunt my dreams!  Which should I try next?