Pattern tour: Compagnie M's Mara blouse and a GIVEAWAY!!

October 04, 2013


I am very happy to be showing you my version of The Mara blouse pattern by my new friend Marte from Compagnie M.  I first spotted this shirt a few months back and it struck me right away as a pattern I really wanted to try.  So when Marte emailed me a few weeks ago asking if I would like to sew one up for her pattern tour, I was really excited!

Marte is lovely, funny and has quickly  become one of my good sewing friends!  She lives in Belgium and has only been blogging this year.  She offers free digital patterns on her blog (so generous) and she has worked very hard on perfecting this gorgeous pattern which is now available to purchase from her blog here.  
 
 
The pattern has the sweetest yoke - piped with button loops and three buttons.  The yoke is complemented by symmetrical pin tucks to give extra detail underneath.  The pattern variations are these:
  • flutter sleeve (which I sewn for this shirt)
  • short butterfly sleeve
  • sleeveless
  • gathered long sleeve
  • shirt length
  • dress length adjustment with a simple tutorial included in the pattern 
The pattern age range is 1Y - 10Y, so you get plenty of value for money.  And with so many options, you can make different variations for any season and still be amused by not sewing the same thing!!  I have made a butterfly sleeve shirt version and also want to try the dress version without piping around the yoke (although, who would omit piping?)
 

The fabric I used is a black spotted crepe which was given to me in the same bounty as this fabric.  I used a watermelon pink fabric to make some binding.  The buttons are metallic (thrifted - as are almost all of my buttons!!) and stitched on with watermelon pink thread.  I first went through my button stash looking for pink buttons, but I didn't have any sets of the right colour.  I like the metal substitute! I actually intentionally cropped the photo below not to show a close up of the button because unfortunately I gave the shirt a shiny spot near the bottom button with my iron - crepe can do that!  Barely noticeable, but certainly can be seen in a close up still shot!




Isabella huddling her arms in here - just a little bit chilly yesterday against a rain stained fence - thankyou my best little model!!  Although had I photographed her today, we would have been spoilt with a lovely 23 degrees - that's Melbourne weather for you!!

Now,  for the 'giveaway' part of my post!! Marte is kindly gifting her pattern to one of my readers.  Simply enter the giveaway below before................  and I will let Marte know if you are the lucky winner!! If you just can't wait to find out the result and want to buy the pattern NOW,  go ahead and buy it, as Marte will just refund you if you win her pattern instead!

 
 


My piping looks  a little wonky on one side - I'm not sure why!  I will blame the slippery crepe - not Marte's brilliant pattern!!

To check out more gorgeous Mara's you can check out Marta's gorgeous red plaid dress, Laura's fun liberty long sleeved shirt and Rachel's classic linen sleeveless dress.  And if you love the pattern like I do, make sure you visit Compagnie M over the next couple of days for some more Mara loveliness!!

Thankyou for the wonderful pattern Marte!! I love it and would certainly have purchased it had you not so kindly invited me to sew it up for your tour!!

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21 comments

  1. Thanks again for all your support! And I saw a fabulous version of that Oliver & S skirt pattern you bought! I'll send you the link tonight! Marte

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  2. What a beautiful version of the Mara-blouse!
    Your daughter looks great in it.....
    I'm not joining in for the give-away, since I allready have this georgious pattern since I'm participating this pattern-tour myself!
    Within two das it's my turn.....so exited!

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  3. This looks lovely Suz! This pattern is on my KCW list now!

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  4. Very sweet Suz - may need this pattern... :-)

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  5. It looks lovely Suz :) Love the pink piping and metal buttons :) The top looks very soft, which will feel nice on young skin :) Well done :) I really need to win this pattern now, my marriage might not survive one more pattern related transaction hahaha Just kidding :)

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  6. Very sweet. The hot pink piping makes it pop!

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  7. The watermelon with the black looks great! Such a sweet design, I'll have to add it to the wish list ;)

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  8. Beautiful as always ;) I love that pattern. All the versions so far were just perfect. I guess that's one more that I need...

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  9. oh such a cute pattern and your version is so sweet!

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  10. Lovely top! I really love the detail and multiple options you offer. Thanks!

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  11. The perfect blouse for spring, for your season now in Australia. It's so fun to see everyone's different version this week. Have a great day, enjoy your spring weather!

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  12. I am in love with this pattern! I would love to win it!

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  13. Piping, pintucks, a yoke! .. this is too much..! There I was thinking I wasn't going to get any new patterns until I'd at least sewn up my Debbie dress! But this could be tricky!

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  14. Hi Suz, this was the skirt I wanted to show you!
    http://probablyactually.wordpress.com
    Good pattern choice you made!

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  15. I love this pattern! So many cute variations :)

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  16. Love your version Suz - I can't wait to make one :)

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  17. I really love your version of this blouse :) You always come up with something so cute.

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