Big Glittering Sleeves - Making an Iridescent Blouse

Getting caught up on this Patreon stuff, having just discovered your YouTube channel. I have used iridescent lame a few times, because I was extra in high school, and was later a burlesque performer. The iridescent stuff has the advantage over the actual metallic kind in that it is usually made of mylar thread instead of metal, which tarnishes and eventually smells like biting a fork. You did manage to get garments made, but word to those who haven't dealt with lame -please look into either the metallic linen Bianca found, or look into knits. Lame pull like a mofo if you aren't using a fine sharp needles and pins because the warp threads are so wide, and at the same time that mylar or metallic warp will dull everything with a quickness. Those warp threads are also very pokey /scratchy and the fabric ravels at an alarming rate, so you will want to somehow encase every seam as soon as possible after cutting. I used mostly wide french seams, as you mentioned, because the fabric is also relatively sheer, so hiding serged or bias-bound edges is an issue. Nothing is as all-over sparkly under lights in a woven, you pretty much have to go to fully sequinned to approach the look, and that's going to be an expensive, even more painful to work with knit!

I use a clear presser foot on my Bernina. I’ve had it for about six years. Of course I’m probably about to put a hex on it, but so far it’s really holding up well. I use a clear foot on my server and really wish I had a clear foot for my coverstitch machine. So much easier to see where I’m sewing, especially as the coverstitch foot is really quite long in front of the needles

I bought the book. It’s terrifying.

So, I finally got to finish watching this 🤣 quarantined at home with hubs and three kids, I had to wait until TODAY to watch it, AND it took me -no joke- almost ten hours to finish it. Homeschooling is no joke, and neither is having kids cooped up indoors with cabin fever. ANYHOW. I LOVED THIS!! That blouse is gorgeous, you’re fantastic, and you go ahead and use whatever techniques work better for you. How you sew, use your pins, or make your gathers are completely up to you and you should never change what works for you based on others’ opinion!! Keep doing the fantastic work you do!

you held that measuring tape around your hand with nothing to secure it, and hubby muttered "witchcraft" xD

I did you a solid my friend. I bought the book :)

I'm so glad this blouse and this video finally turned out. I love that fabric and can we talk about those sleeves!

I'd really like to see the pattern drafting for a cowl neck. Pwitty pweeze?

I just love how this blouse turned out. So dramatic! And you look like your having fun modeling it at the end. Thank you! I may have to try drafting something like this for myself now. Eek!

That fabric is gorgeous, and I am definitely going to consider getting some. I am also excited about that math heavy video...if it's what I think it is I have been waiting eagerly for it!

I was able to select the color card on my cell phone. Maybe you could try that as well? 😁

This video was a nice treat! I agree with everyone who has suggested a Juki straight stitch machine. I have the F600, which has many stitches and a plastic foot - but it has other features that I love for its main purpose of piecing & quilting. The Juki TL2010, e.g., is an industrial workhorse that quilters love, and which might also suit you. I know there's a vibrant second hand market for these machines. Anyway, every video brings me one step closer to actually making clothing. Thanks for the inspiration!

Thank you so much!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this. Loved the fabric and the blouse. I am going to get the textbook you mentioned. I too thought that a semi-industrial machine might be the go. I have a Bernina and love it though I had to save for it as they're pricey. Stay safe and warmest wishes from Down Under <3

Hi, I like the blouse, and that linnen fabric is wonderful. If I could sew I would definitively find a way to get some. Alas I can not, but I've had a wonderful time spending an hour with you seeing you do it so well. As an aside; I have a panel of the same shimmery fabric in my ballroom competition gown. It's a "hidden" panel that only shows when I move. The lady that made my dress has spent her life making competition dresses and she hasn't even gathered it. She cut out a triangle sewed it in and put horsehair on the bottom of the triangle. I haven't seen any dress with anything more elaborate done in that kind of fabric either and I would think anyone would jump at an opportunity to use it as it is rather spectacular. It's apparently a devil to work with. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I'm on my way thinking about my next comp dress, probably for next year maybe, so I'm hoping to "steal" some ideas from you when you do something with it. Thank you for letting me share your time. Yours, Ann

Hooray for a nice long video! I just bought more of that fabric too, but the heathered kind, not metalic. I've used it for a skirt and bits of a quilt ages ago, you reminded me to take a look again! By the way, about the machine search - 100% recommend a vintage Bernina if you can find one. I'd have one if I had the space! They are solid, great (but pricey) feet and have that multistep buttonhole. Otherwise I'd recommend my semi-industrial straight stitch Juki. I use an industrial buttonholer with it so I don't have to switch machines just for buttonholes. My other machine is a pricey modern Bernina, which I also love, but the Juki is my workhorse.

It looks wonderful! Can I ask a question; is that material itchy at all? I've had trouble with metallic materials in the past that they feel a little scratchy, so always looking for recommendations that don't.

Sci-Fi meets vintage/historical dress is 150% my jam and I hope you do more of it!

That hair, I love it! B looking super cute as always!

By the way, look what I found: https://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/essex_yarn_dyed_metallic/#colorcard

Again an amazing video, Bianca! I wish my hair was a bit longer so I can make an updo like that. I think I prefer this fabric compared the other iridescent one. :-)

Amazing video as always! <3

This was a lovely surprise in my inbox today, and a nice, soothing way to spend an evening. Thanks for this one, Bianca!

This blouse is beautiful. Wonderful project. Thanks!

This iridescent green linen confection is absolutely my favorite style of blouse. Fits you flawlessly.

I’ve been to sick to sew so I’ll have to live through you for now. I seem to finally be getting better so hopefully Monday I can sew again.

Silly question: Why are their lines through the faces of the drawings you made? Is it just like ~*Fashion Designer Aesthetic*~ ? :D I love the finished product, no surprise haha

I have made a jacket out of the rainbow color way of this fabric and it was really nice to work with. You are thinking of another mechanical machine think about like a Bernina 1008 or older models 1001,1000, 1010 they are really nice machines