Hello, dear reader!
Oh my, I could go on and on about the joys of simple silk blouses! They’re light, they’re soft and they’re smooth… and they’re so hard to take off! I’m still in desperate need of some simple everyday garments to fill the main gaps of my recently reorganized closet. I believe my new silk Tova blouse fits in just perfectly, because I love the ease of throwing on clothes that can be forgotten about once you’re in them (there is so much else to worry about, isn’t there?). This was my first attempt to sew silk, but it was relatively easy. Of course there is so much more to learn and improve… it’s far from perfect, but certainly a beginning. Because now I’m hopelessly in love with silk…
PATTERN: Tova by Wiksten
FABRICS: Cream crepe de chine silk
MODIFICATIONS: I went up a size and added a few details to make it more silk-appropriate (a hidden button placket, a curved hem, single button cuffs, and round edges on the collar)
THOUGHTS: Considering this is my first attempt to sew silk, I must say I’m pleased with the result! I just love the easy breezy look of the blouse. The only thing I would probably change next time is the collar (I’m thinking of small ties?), because it does look a little floppy… or maybe I should add another button?
Working with silk truly excites me! I’m in love with the different textures and the fine details. It’s definitely the kind of luxury I’d be willing to part with my pennies for…
Okay, it’s time for a warm glögg!
Love,
Louise
Poppy & Red Clover 
Dear Louise, this blouse turned out so pretty! I am so differently shaped than Jenny Wiksten that I had to make a million and one alterations to her tank pattern to make it fit my body. Thus I have stayed away from Tova as I assume I would have to do the same with this one. BUT I do need some winter shirts and you may be swinging me toward experimenting with this one. It looks so lovely and drapey on you! ;) love, (girlreaction) Carolyn
Thank you so much, Carolyn! I know exactly what you mean… it’s so, so frustrating if you need to spend most of the sewing time messing around with fit. But yes, it’s totally worth the effort! It’s a perfect winter shirt…I’d love to make another version using flannel or wool someday. Thank you once again, your feedback means a lot to me! Have a nice week!
The blouse looks phenomenal! It looks super professional. Really a great garment.
Thank you for your sweet comment, Melizza! I’m so glad you like it! :)
Really classic and beautiful, I’m tempted to try sewing with silk now!
Thank you!! Ooh yes, you should try it… I bet you’ll fall in love with it too! :)
I can’t believe this was your first silk attempt, it looks beautiful! Love the changes you made to the pattern, as for the collar, another button would probably work or maybe some lightweight interfacing? Not sure if you used it here, if so than ignore that suggestion
Thanks so much, Jen!! Yes, I used some lightweight interfacing on the collar, but I only fused it to one collar piece. Hmm, I probably should have used it on both pieces, but another button will be just fine, for now. Again, thanks so much for your help… Have a great week!
Wow, einfach wunderschön geworden!! Hätte nie daran gedacht, das Tova aus Seide zu machen, aber passt perfekt. Sieht vor allem sehr edel aus und muss sich traumhaft tragen. Ich liebe auch reine Seide, aber ich finde gerade Crepe de Chine ist so schwer zu bekommen (und so teuer *seufz*). Wo hast du deine gekauft? Ich habe noch 2 Meter knallroten Crepe de Chine hier rumliegen und traue mich nicht, es anzuschneiden für ein Projekt :)
Oh, vielen lieben Dank! Die Seide habe ich aus einem Urlaub mitgebracht und seitdem versuche ich auch schon fast vergeblich, etwas Ähnliches hier zur finden.. doch leider bis jetzt noch ohne Erfolg. Aber der Fall ist wirklich unvergleichlich schön! Ich habe auch noch eine weinrote Seide hier liegen (aber Georgette), die muss ich unbedingt noch vor Weihnachten vernähen. Ich bin schon gespannt darauf, was du aus deiner Seide nähst! :)
What a gorgeous version of the Tova – such a classic wardrobe staple. I can’t believeit’s your first silk shirt – it’s beautiful. I love the modified hemline too – I might try that on a Tova I’m working on at the moment!
Thanks so much! Yes, you should try it! I really love the look of it. Can’t wait to see your Tova :)
This is so beautiful! And your stitching is perfect!
Thanks so much, Allie! :)
ohhhh!! I’m in love with it! It’s precious! It looks so well sewed, congratulations! Now I feel like using silk to do all my garments too! A big hug!
Oh Neus, you’re such a sweetheart! A closet full of handmade silk garments, oh wouldn’t that be dreamy? Sending a big hug back to Spain… thank you once again!
Your projects are gorgeous. I especially love this one, and I am now needing this pattern.
You are officially bookmarked! Can’t wait to see what you make next (your photos are beautiful too)!
Thank you, Rachel! All my Tovas are true wardrobe staples, so I bet you’ll love them just as much as I do! So yes, you definitely need the pattern :)
Super pretty blouse, and beautiful, impeccable sewing!
Abby, thank you so much for your sweet words! It makes me so incredibly happy to know that you like my silk Tova :)
Hi! I just found you via Jen @ Grainline, and I’m so glad I did! This is my favorite garment you’ve posted so far, but they’re all really impressive. The attention to detail is so wonderful – I love the curved hem! I just received the Tova pattern and am totally overwhelmed with the fact that it could be made with so many fabrics… too many choices!
Thank you, Emily Marie! So glad that you like it – I think it’s my favorite thing in the world, too :) And yes, the Tova pattern is incredibly versatile! I’m so glad I just discovered your blog – it’s lovely!
WOW!!! This is such a beautiful blouse, and sewn impeccably! You’d never know this was your first time sewing with silk. You paid such attention to detail and your technique is spot on. Inspiring!