See down there in the lower right hand corner, how it says "Fast and Easy Classics?" Ummm . . . compared to what? It took me 4.5 hours to make this "simple" blouse. Granted, that included cutting out, but still . . . I'm no stranger to making shirts and blouses, and this one doesn't even have the added effort of a collar stand or cuffs.
And I made it too big. Again. Here's how it went down. Last week when I was getting ready to make this, I took a look at the finished measurements. The bust for my size was 38" - a lot more ease than I wanted. So I decided to go down a size.
Last night I traced all the pieces for size 8. The front looked small. I held it up to my body. It felt small. I took a few minutes to read some reviews on Pattern Review, and a couple of them said the fit runs small on this one. So I got scared off and retraced it all back up to the size 10 (my normal). It's got quite a bit of ease. Not unwearable, but more relaxed than I usually wear.
Sorry for the bad light, but this is just a preview. |
Thankfully, the fabric is very soft and has a lot of drape. This is a cotton voile I got from Fabric.com. I like it because it reminds me of Liberty prints. But without the price tag. I had enough left over to make a yummy soft infinity scarf too!
Infinity isn't as big as I'd thought it would be. |
I remembered to use my favorite new trick for collars, courtesy of Pattern Runway:
It makes such a difference in how nicely the corners turn:
I really like the buttons I picked up yesterday:
So, I'm on the fence about this pattern. I'm not quite sure I want to sacrifice my Anna Maria Horner voile to it, even if I go back down to the size 8. It's very plain - almost camp shirt-like. I'm going to have to think on it.
But - it goes great with the new Ginger, which is what I bought the fabric for:
This one is made from organic cotton twill, also from Fabric.com. It's the same fabric I used for my Madeleine skirt (which is growing on me). While I think it was a little too heavy and stiff for the Madeleine, it works great for the Ginger. I originally chose this color to go with my Pussy Bow Blouse, but after I finished it yesterday, I spent some time going through my closet and finding other tops that go with it. Look how great it is with this '50s sleeveless blouse:
I can't wait to wear these together in summer! This blouse has some really inspiring details too: all the designs are created by manipulating this striped fabric:
Just look at this collar! |
and these tucks! |
I bought this blouse many years ago; it's in perfect condition because it was dead stock. But I've hardly ever worn it because it's a little short. So I'm very excited to be able to wear it with this high-waisted skirt!
So I guess this is the moment of truth . . . since blouse #2 is on hold, it looks like tomorrow I'll start working on the pants!
The skirt is great - and I love it with that blue blouse!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteOh wow, that blouse was made for your Ginger skirt!! So cute!
ReplyDeleteI thought so too, so I'm glad you agree!
DeleteSo many pretty things! I love your cotton voile. I'm so jealous of people who can buy fabric online! (Shipping to NZ is outrageous) Also just remember- 4 1/2 hours is super fast compared to me! lol :) I am waiting for the day when I can sew fast!
ReplyDeleteHehehe - it's just that the 4.5 hours stretched out over the whole day, because I kept getting distracted!
DeleteYou are a very busy mouse!! I am particularly fond of your button find.
ReplyDeleteI am a busy mouse. I've been taking regular cheese breaks though. Well, banh mi!
DeleteI love these buttons too. I should have looked to see if there were more colors - I didn't even think of it!
*Swoon* What a sweet Ginger. The 50s blouse is going to look awesome with your new Ginger. Now...how many more Gingers are on the pipeline? :)
ReplyDeleteWho can say? I keep seeing fabric and thinking, "That would make a great Ginger!" And it's almost instant gratification!
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