My first make from Love at First Stitch is a Mimi Blouse. I made this in a soft cotton I purchased from one of the ‘coupon’ shops in Paris. The cotton is really soft and delicate – I wish I’d bought more! The buttons are some handmade polymer clay buttons I made a few months back.

I actually had my copy of Love at First Stitch early as I found it on sale in Waterstones before the official release date. That meant I was able to finish my Mimi in time to wear it to meet Tilly and get my copy signed at Guthrie and Ghani.

I have to admit to making some stupid errors in my Mimi. For a start the collar is a little wonky! I recently read a guest post on By Gum, By Golly by Sara of Lilies & Remains on her theory about f***ed but fabulous vintage clothing. I feel a bit similar about handmade clothing – I don’t worry too much about the odd error or wonkiness, or loose sleep over perfect pattern matching. Given all the effort that goes into a make, I embrace the imperfection and wear it anyway!

Having said that though there is one error that is annoying me that I’m going to go back and fix. When cutting or sewing together I’ve gone off the straight grain on the right-side of the blouse. It means that the right front hangs wrong. So I will be good and put that right – when I can tear myself away from the other makes that are in progress!