Magnificent Mashru 'Silk' and Ruffles

Fabriclore is a company based out of India. When they reached out to me about a fabric collaboration I was very impressed with the range of fabric they have to offer. They offer both fine and heavy weaves in an array of spectacular colours and prints, as well as gorgeous trims. Fabrics are available in cottons, viscose, polyester, silks and sustainable fabrics. There are printed fabrics and embellished fabrics; all are stunning and so colourful. Your biggest issue will be trying to decide which one to order! Use this link to their website along with the Code: FABLOUISE for a 10% discount on already reasonable prices.

Mashru Silk is a wonderful option among the many types of silk-like fabrics. Historically in Islam, some silks were not considered holy for men. The appeal and desire for silk however was stronger and so Mashru was created. It means, "allowed" in Arabic. We all love the richness and luxuriousness of silk but it can be a high maintenance, special occasion fabric.

That is why Mashru silk is such a great option! It is a cotton!! Mashru silk is the best of both worlds combined with the magic of cotton. Comfort, richness and sheen. What more could we want in a fabric. Do remember to pretreat this fabric to set the dye and to preshrink it. I soaked it for a couple of hours in a cold water, vinegar and salt solution then popped it into the wash and dried it. This set the dye completely and made sure the cotton was preshrunk.

The Ruffle Sleeve Top from Peppermint Magazine is a great pattern to allow the Mashru silk to be the feature. It is a minimal design for the bodice with a wonderful sleeve feature. It slips over your head so you don't have to fuss with back closures. It incorporates a few French seams on the sleeve for a polished finish. This pattern was featured in Issue 37 for the magazine. It is a stylish ruffle-sleeve created for the magazine by In The Folds This is a free pattern that you can download to sew up with your own lovely woven fabric. Just sign up for the sewing mailing list and the all of their pattern collaborations are yours.

I made a Size F based on the finished bust measurements graded down 3 sizes at the hip. The original pattern has a 3/4 length sleeve so I lengthened the sleeve top by 2.5" and the ruffle by 5" so that I had a full length sleeve. By adding a bit of length to each part of the sleeve it stayed true to the proportions of the original design. I also added 2" the length of the interfacing so that it didn't draped well below my bustline.

I love the style of this top. I appreciate the basic design of the bodice and the simple bust darts. The pattern is a very easy sew- great for a sewing cleanser or a beginning sewing project. The simplicity of the bodice design allows the sleeve to be the showcase for this pattern. Using a heavier fabric really helps to accentuate the great drape that can be achieved with these sleeves. This is definitely a signature style top for me. The sleeves give the Classic Drama feature that represent my Kibbe body type. I have a couple of ready made blouses in this style and I am thrilled to find a pattern that gives me this exact fit.

This will be a go to pattern for me. I will definitely be reusing it and playing with the sleeve features depending on the fabric and pattern I am using.

After all... there is Sew Much To Design.

Happy Sewing

Lou Sheffer

• Blouse