Dopamine Sewing: Vogue 1888 Pattern Blouse in Bold Love Bird Linen
Vogue 1888 Pattern Blouse in IL019 Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
Recently, I decided to redirect some of my sewing energy to dopamine sewing, which means sewing things that I ‘want’ for no purpose other than I want it. This means garments that fall into the inspirational category. I ask myself: “Why do they have to just be inspirational? Why can’t they just be the thing I sew?!” Dopamine sewing is using bold colors, patterns, more frill and volume. Think: big pants, big dresses, layers, stripes on stripes! My first dopamine sewing project was making the Vogue 1888 pattern, using the IL019 linen in Love Bird.
Vogue 1888 Pattern Blouse in IL019 Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
I can’t continue until we chat about the color Love Bird. It is an insanely saturated neon….is it yellow? Is it green? Whatever color it leans towards, I knew I needed it. Its bold. Its bright. AND more importantly, it hits all the dopamine sensors in my brain [insert joyful alarm noises here].
Let’s talk about the pattern itself. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this pattern is “heavily” inspired (aka- ripped off) from UK-based brand, Tove. I can’t buy a $700+ dress right now, but could afford a $10 sale pattern…If you’re reading this….you know what choice I made.
Vogue 1888 Pattern Blouse in IL019 Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
The #V1888 has two views- a sleeveless blouse and midi dress. The only difference between the two is the bottom skirt hem length. It has a million pieces to cut, so organization is KEY. In fact- if it had MORE views, then I think my brain would explode keeping them all straight. Anyone else out there a fan of four piece patterns?? Because of the zillion pieces, I wasn’t sure how it would come together, but I went step by step and the blouse took shape. Once it looked like something, my feelings towards the hours of gathering turned positive—thankfully. *Note to reader: I am exaggerating when I say hours. It felt like hours, I could have sworn it was hours. The clock might have stopped. But my partner told me it wasn’t…thank goodness he is a better timekeeper than me.
Vogue 1888 Pattern Blouse in IL019 Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
Like any “first time pattern maker”, I crowdsourced notes and fit feedback. I should have mentioned earlier, that Vogue does not provide any finished garment measurements (something I rely on heavily). Ultimately, I sized down two sizes thanks to the makers who blazed the fit trail before me. I thank you for your sacrifice. I made minimal modifications to the pattern- cropping the length, leaving the blouse open and adding large self drafted sleeves. Remember dopamine sewing means VOLUME, which this blouse embodies.
Okay- back to the fabric! Its medium weight strikes a balance between structure and drape. Initially, I was cautious about how the weight would impact the gathering, which really means how would my emotional state be impacted? Good news- we survived! I can also confirm that it has excellent breathability, ensuring good ole air flow on a hot Los Angeles day.
Although I need to recover from such a hefty pattern, its a perfect picture of what dopamine sewing is to me. I may have a dress version planned, but I will hold off on those miles of gathers for another day.
About Author
Caitlin Snyder
Caitlin is a self-taught sewist living in Los Angeles, California, with her extremely patient husband, happy French Bulldog, and skeptical cat. Her painting and design background inform her need to create. Sewing her wardrobe is her current passion (some say obsession). Laughing over a meal and wine is a close second. Instagram: @caitsnyd_sewsLeave a comment
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8 Comments
Susan Shaw
Hi,
Just love this blouse! Any tips for adding Sleeves?
Thanks,
Susan
Dawn Pellechi
This was an adorable article. I tend to sew the same so thank you for sharing your love of sewing.
It’s hard for me to buy anything made anymore since I discovered Fabric Store. I make so much I have to give it away lol that dopamine is true.
Caitlin Snyder
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! I feel the same- and need to start clearing out my makes to clear up space for more 😉
Linda Potter
Dopamine sewing is what I have been doing and I needed you to define it for me. Thank you so much!
I love the top on you! Although I do wear bright, bold, rather unusual clothing for an elderly white woman in small town Kansas, I have yet to try the lovebird color. I’m having so much fun with the new floral cottons, matching them with all my lovely linen, and playing with different ideas.
Your top is inspiring. I love the look but dread the gathering. You make it look worthwhile! Thank you for sharing it.
Caitlin Snyder
The gathering is worth it in the end, but trust me…you need to be in the mood!! I hope you feel adventurous and look to sew with bright colors like the Love Bird! I am already working on my next piece and it brings me so much joy!
Jennifer Arnold-deglado
I really like the top , the look , the color , and especially your focused and fun way of seeing things . I use this term ” Dopagenica” – sounds like a rock band , but to explain things that just make me want to MOVE on it . As you did here – making this gorgeous heirloom nouveau piece . I look forwards to some more stories as well as future creations – Jen
Chris Allen
Vogue does give finished garment measurements for their patterns (Vogue has done this since the early ‘90’s) They are printed on the tissue at the bust waist and hip. Look for a circle with a cross inside, the measurements will be printed beside it. This particular pattern also has the finished width and length printed on the back of the pattern envelope.
Caitlin Snyder
Thank you!! I should add a correction to my article- I love indie patterns print the detailed finished measurements in an easy-to-read chart that I can access without having to purchase the pattern. I guess I like it front and center, lol! I never knew that the measurements were added to those points- appreciate you! I went back into this pattern and was able to find the bust measurement and WOAH! The ease is truly insane!! Glad I sized down. I cared