The Sara Project

I’m really excited to collaborate with The Good Murph, Longan Craft and Baby Lock to create this stunning blouse! Pattern and fabric were generously gifted for this post.

The Bonnie Blouse has been at the top of my to make list since it’s recent release! I love the big collar, and all of the ways you can customize it with trim and laces. While looking through Longan Craft’s website, their vintage flower double gauze fabric stopped me in my tracks. I instantly pictured it paired with a dainty lace along the collar and the rest was history.

This is my first project sewn up on my new Baby Lock Accomplish 2 sewing machine and it was so smooth! I was able to preset my machine just right for this fabric weight, and I didn’t have any issues otherwise. It was so easy to adjust the stitch length for all of the gathers in this blouse, and I loved how speedy I was able to be! We’re talking 1,500 stitches per minute speedy!

I also used my Baby Lock Celebrate serger to finish my seam allowances where directed in the instructions. I will love this serger always and forever, the end.

The Bonnie Blouse is super fun to make. It has a lined bodice (so keep this in mind when choosing your fabric). I made a size XS, and it fits great. I followed the directions and didn’t make any pattern changes/adjustments.

Back to the fabric and double gauze in general! Double gauze kind of freaks me out. There, I said it. It can be tricky to sew with! It has a really lovely texture to it, but this can cause the fabric to stretch out a little during the sewing process. It’s such a breathable fabric to wear and always looks very beautiful as a garment. I thought I would share a few of my tips for sewing with double gauze fabrics!

Tips for Sewing with Double Gauze Fabric:

1. Use a new, sharp needle to prevent any snagging in the fabric!
2. Stay-stitch around any curves. I did this specifically around the neckline to help keep it from stretching out during the construction process.
3. Use lots of steam when pressing, and press gently! The steam helps shrink the fibers back together after being sewn. If your hemline looks a little wobbly, give it a good steamy but light press. You want to press it lightly because you don’t want to iron out the gorgeous texture- then stretching out for fabric as well changing the shape of your pattern piece.
4. Use a few more pins than you normally do to keep everything in place while sewing.

Overall, I’m really happy with how my blouse turned out. The lined bodice is a little bulky because the fabric is thicker. I get cold easily though, so it feels really cozy to wear! I know I’ll get a lot of use out of it for winter and spring! My tweenage daughter says this top is very “Love Shake Fancy”, so I’ll take her word for it that’s its cool!

I love pairing it with jeans and flats! It’s a statement blouse for sure, and I’m all about it!

I used this Youtube video to create my matching scrunchie! I love how it turned out!

Baby Lock has generously offered a 10% off code for my audience, good for anything on their website including sewing machines! Use code: SAVE10-ASJ2 at check out!

They also have some really great Black Friday offers going on right now too! If you’re in the market for a new machine, go check it out!

As always, thanks so much for being here and I hope this blog post was helpful to you!