Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Blouse by Simplicity 2566


This is a version of the Khaliah Ali top in the Simplicity 2566 pattern.  By version I mean that my finished result is nuthin' and I mean nuthin' like the original pattern.  I had planned to make the top just like the pattern suggests but I made a serious error in sewing on the collar...like I sewed the collar onto the wrong side of the top and just couldn't fathom ripping it apart to correct the mistake.  Especially since I had already cut the slit to make the v-neckline.  So after angrily casting the top aside and saying a few choice cuss words, I decided the top was salvageable.


Taking a deep breathe I picked the top up and realized that I could just stitch the facing down to the front of the top and hide the facing edges under the collar since it's quite wide.  I followed the pattern instructions on finishing the collar by hand stitching it down... 



...although the hand stitching is on the right side of the garment but again the collar hides that.


My version is sleeveless because of opportunity.  See I had a limited amount of time to have pictures taken by my daughter...it was Super Bowl Sunday after all...and due to the challenge of getting the collar on the top, I hadn't finished it by the time she arrived.  So I just tucked it under the cardigan but after we took the pictures I realized that I really liked it like way.  Here's how it looks on Lulu now:




A few other things:
1.  The darts needed to be raised like big time on the top.  I guess I'm just not busty enough but those darts were so low it was ridiculous.  I moved them up two inches but will adjust the pattern so that I get my bust points correct.  Right now they are a little too close together.


2.  I started with a 22W for the shoulders and bust area and a size 28W for the abdomen and hip area.  The good thing about multi-size patterns is the ability to merge sizes.


3.  Even with this adjustment, the top is close-fitting.  And I really don't like close-fitting but thankfully this shirting has some lycra in it which helps.  However, for the next version, I will add a back seam for some additional fitting since the original is cut on the fold.


4.  The armholes are pressed under 1/2" and stitched down.


This is a wearable muslin.  My collar needs work and the facing is not equal on both sides...but it will work for my first version.  I have loads of shirting purchased from Fabric Mart last summer and I'm going to pull some of those out and make a couple more versions with and without sleeves.  I don't really like button front shirts and I think this one will work perfectly for my figure and my wardrobe needs.


...and yes I will make up the tie that came in the pattern to accompany the top especially since it's already cut out...


...as always, more later!












34 comments:

  1. Well, that is one of the best mistakes I have seen in a while, I love the contrast white on white.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your top. I have this pattern in my stash and I'm planning to sew up some of my shirting material for my Spring/Summer pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is such a great looking top that looks great on you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A very wearable muslin indeed. I agree with Victoria - the white on white contrast is very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very very cute! I agree, this "mistake" was an opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is a lovely blouse - nice and crisp. Great fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wearable muslin? Heh - best looking muslin I've ever seen and the 'facing on the outside' treatment is a great fashion touch. Looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The blouse is very nice. What a great save!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Looks wonderful! The whole collection looks wonderful. And you've proved yet again that mistakes are only design opportunities.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, so pretty! And timely...I was just standing in front of my stash thinking "I need a white shirt. But not just another that looks like a man's shirt...one with some interest!" And here you are!

    ReplyDelete
  11. WOW - Your definition of wearable muslin is lightyears ahead of mine. That's a great looking top. I agree with you about not being crazy about button front tops and this is a great alternative!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really like this top. I have trouble adding white into my wardrobe, even though I desperately need it. I was just about to cut a white button down blouse for my SWAP but this style may well work better for me. Thank you for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great save, Carolyn--a top that can be worn with many coordinates.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It looks great, if you make this again you need to make the same mistake you did on this one! It's good to be able to get the look of a shirt without worrying about any gaping buttonholes too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, what a great top. A fabulous alternative to the button down shirt. Looks lovely on you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Love this! That top has a very slenderizing look to it - even your "muslins" look great!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That was definitely a make it work moment. Good save.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh - I love it! I think it turned out fabulous and you look great in it. g

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love the blouse. What a great neckline!

    ReplyDelete
  20. You didn't make an error – you made a design opportunity! I've been looking at Khaliah Ali patterns recently. I think I'll take a closer look after seeing your blouse.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I really like what you have done with this top!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I always sew my collars on the way you did so that the sewing is hid under the collar and when the neck folds open it has that clean line. Not sure where I learned that method but it was in some class. I find it makes things neater.

    ReplyDelete
  23. It looks fantastic! I too prefer a non-button top I'm very busty and they ALWAYS gap, no matter how much width and length I add to the pattern. I either sew the placket shut to the fullest part of the bust, or I do a tunic style top or sewn down wrap top. I just haven't got the patience to fiddle with my outfit all day, ya know?

    I'm so sorry you had troubles with the pattern though-I had a great experience with one of the KA patterns so I was hoping the entire line was sloped the same way-guess not! Dayum!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I do love that outfit best of the collection, slacks, white top, purple cardi. Great save.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great save. What a lovely top.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the way it compliments your body...hmmm I have one similiar I think.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Cute top and like it paired with the cardigan. I have that pattern and like your sleeveless version.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Despite the collar issue, your wearable muslin looks great on you. The style and fabric are a great combination. I'm sure when you work up the next version it will be perfect. You will come up with interesting ways to embellish it.
    C

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a great look for you! Very pretty and slimming. No one but you would ever know you goofed.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Lovely wearable muslin! That blouse looks good on you:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. It's funny how mistakes and time constraints can conspire to make great garments! This top is so cute and looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! It is so appreciated!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails