70s silk samples patchwork blouse

About two years ago I was gifted some exquisite French silk crepe de chine samples all dated 1979, by someone who as an art teacher in the 80s, had been given some bags of fabric ‘scraps’ for her school kids to use - but recognising something special had squirrelled them away for over four decades.

Making sure I did these beautiful fabrics justice was quite a responsibility. Due to the fine nature of the fabric I've used French seams throughout and bound the hems with little strips to try and include as many of the beautiful prints as possible. Some of the swatches measured only about 10cmx5cm, but were special enough to patchwork together to make the binding, yoke and collar.

The facings are all cut from found vintage silk and I have chosen some really sweet decorative shell buttons.