Voila Blouse for Me

I was so so excited to be able to pattern test this beautiful Women's Voila Blouse for Sarah at Cali Faye Collection a few weeks ago.  It is the first garment that I have ever made for myself, and though I was nervous about it, I just love the results.  I can't say that I'm going to start cranking out clothes for myself at the rate that I do for Hannah, but just having the option to maybe do that sometimes is blowing my mind more than a little bit!!

I'm such a fan of Cali Faye.  The designs are simple but gorgeous with details that make an impact.  I recently made Hannah's navy rompers with the Mariana Romper pattern, and I have 3 others in my cart on Etsy. :)  The Girls Voila Blouse seems at obvious choice at this point, but there are just so many cute ones!!  And now that I have an option to sew for myself...   

This top is loose and flowy and comfy.  It's slightly longer, which I like since I have a long torso anyway, and now that I've got one in my closet I want to go get fabric to make another summery version. The fabric is from the Shepherds Bush fabric district in London.

Sewing for myself wasn't nearly as nerve-wracking as I thought it would be, but "modeling" for the pictures totally was!

Having your sister take your pictures and give you posing tips doesn't help.  Or maybe it does.  

She was yelling at me and was like, "Spin around!  Now give me just a little look at the camera!"

And I was yelling at her and giving her photography advice, and was like, "Stand all the way up! Don't shoot at hip level, I'll look like a dinosaur!"  And then I tried to teach her how to shoot into the sun but her hand was in the pictures.  We were a mess.

I have officially forgotten how to take a picture without a child in my arms or up against my cheek.  I don't know how to do it.  

But here is a real tip that did work: make yourself fake laugh.  You end up actually laughing and then you look slightly less awkward.  Not entirely, but it helps.

Also, do you like my top?  Because I made it.  For real. 

And it appears this was a good time to make a top for myself because I can link up to Rae.  I'm hoping this doesn't open a whole new can of worms, but I don't think I'll mind if it does. :)

**A VERY special thank you to Chelsea for taking these pictures and making me laugh through the awkwardness!! You are the best, which is why I did not include the"test" pictures I took of you! :)