Victoria Hack – Liviality

Out of a last-minute impulse I decided to join the Fibre Mood Victoria Hack challenge/competition.

And when I say last minute, I mean reaaally last minute! lol
Inspiration hit last night and I just had to make it happen! Sewed the night away and photographed it today because the deadline is in 2 days. haha

The Victoria is such a beautiful pattern! A modern take on a victorian period blouse with trendy and romantic vibes. It features a ruffled high neck, gathered center front with a v-shaped yoke and cuffed long sleeves.

So, what was my take on this challenge?

The one thing I knew for sure that I wasn’t going to change was the neck. It’s so gorgeous and it deserves all my admiration and respect! 😉

The first thing I decided to do was shorten the sleeves to a 3/4 length as it’s my favorite and chose for an elastic casing instead of a buttoned cuff.

The main alteration I did was to the bottom of the shirt and the back.
Tadaaaa!

OMG, I’m SO HAPPY with how this turned out!
I was actually doing a happy dance after I tried it on 😀

My steps were:

I shortened the bodice pieces by about 6″ so it would hit me at the hip bone;
straightened the center edge of the bodice piece (straight down from the keyhole edge);
finished and hemmed the back center seams and kept them 2 separate pieces;
sewed the rest of the blouse as per pattern instructions;
when side seams were sewn closed, I gathered the bottom edge of the blouse with an elastic (measured around my high hip);
added the bottom band/tie.

That back bow is such a charming detail! I just love it!

The fabric I used is Royal Satin. It’s super soft and a dream to wear, but it was a bit of a headache to make it behave. It also frays just by being looked at. lol

Note to self: When rushing to make an impulse project, choose an easier to handle fabric. Especially if it’s a hack that you have no idea if it will work!

This photo would get me booted from ANTM. Where’s my neck? LOL

I guess we could call this my mullet blouse: business on the front and party on the back! haha

There are a few cosmetic flaws with my sewing with this one, but I don’t even care because the plan worked, it”s totally wearable and I freaking love it!

That being said… I already got another one in gear and will take my sweet time taming the fabric for a cleaner result.

What do you think? Can I stand proud alongside the other participants?
I just love all the creativity and talent I’ve seen in the Victoria Hack gallery. Soooo much inspiration!
It’s so great to see how everyone’s creative minds work, isn’t it?

Check out all the makes here (scroll down for photos and info) and spread some love to your favorites! <3