Sewing Week So Far (previews)

Today I made blouse #1 from my plan, Butterick 6085 from way back in 1999:

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!