I bought it for my old corporate lifestyle to go over a skirt or pair of trousers and under a cardigan. While I liked the pattern, once that lifestyle disappeared I wasn't sure I would be able to use it. Though I wasn't ready to part with it.
Background Information ~
First a little about the pattern ~ the copyright date is 2001. The pattern description says, "Loose-fitting, above-hip length blouse (may be worn tucked in or out) has front-button closing and short sleeves. The back I'm using has a pleat into back yokes and shawl collar."
This pattern has no darts which I will admit had me a little concerned. Also, it's not as loose-fitting as the pattern envelope's picture. Finally let's not forget that kinda lowish (BurdaStyle) neckline. That's why I did something I don't normally do, I made a wearable muslin.
Supplies ~
- A poly print from the collection that has no tag so I have no idea how long it's been there
- silk organza for the interfacing
- blue & white shell buttons from the button collection
Pattern Alterations ~
To add width to the hemline on the front piece, I slit the front stitching line and added 1.75" of space there.
After making the blouse, I went back and added the insert from the bust point to the hemline.
To the back piece I did a pivot and slide and added 4" to the hemline. I did the pivot and slide on the fabric. Then went back and added the alteration to the pattern, after I knew it worked.
For the sleeve, I slit it up to the sleeve cap and added 1" to the bicep. Then I added 5" to the length. It was the perfect length to add a hem of 3" and then turn up a 2" cuff.
I shortened the shoulder seam by 1" for my narrower shoulders on the front and back yoke pattern pieces.
Construction ~
I constructed the blouse just like the pattern instructions stated. The only thing I didn't do was handstitch the front down, however, I did handstitch the back neckline down.
I also added topstitching on the outer collar, down the front and around the hemline.
As I mentioned in the pattern alterations, my sleeves were cut longer than the pattern instructions and I added a 2" cuff to them. I wanted to give the blouse a sporty look with the cuffs.
A few pictures ~
Blouse shown with TNT linen pants
Conclusion ~
This is a pretty good wearable muslin. I think I still need another inch in the the abdomen and hip area for me to be comfortable wearing this as a closed front blouse. I also want to make it about 2" longer - more thigh length. This version comes across as a camp shirt. Once all of the changes were made to the pattern, I wanted to use it with a navy double silk chiffon to make the top and a pair of pants...sort of a jumpsuit look without the jumpsuit all in oneness.
I won't get to this now that the chill is settling in. I have another version of this blouse with longer sleeves and a cuff roaming around in my brain. I want to make it this fall now I have all of the fitting challenges worked out.
Me and Samantha who started Pre-K4 this September
Next up on the blog will be a new fall shirt!
...as always more later!
Very, very nice. I remember these blouses! I have an Anne Klein suit pattern from (I believe) the late 70's featuring a similar blouse with the neckline of your View C. It has a much baggier fit, but the neckline is definitely the same. It's great to see the older patterns getting some use these days.
ReplyDeleteIrene - this does seem to be an 70s/80s look right? I really just wanted some different blouse looks and this one fits the bill. I'm sure your Anne Klein pattern is amazing and definitely couldn't be found in pattern books today!
DeleteThis is such a pretty top. You make the alteration process look effortless.
ReplyDeleteBethany - I don't know if the process is as effortless as it looks! *smile* Some of it is trial and error and some of it is just experience.
DeleteI love shawl collars on garments, and your wearable muslin looks fantastic as all your garments do. You have an eye for your adjustments, and the results are perfect. I do enjoy reading your blog because to me its a learning experience. I am 71 yrs. old and been sewing since age 10, and I thought I knew all the tricks, but with you I learn something every time I read it.
ReplyDeleteGemma - I like shawl collars too and don't understand why they aren't popular anymore since it's a flattering look on most everyone. Thank you for appreciating the info contained in my posts. I learn something from other sewists blogs all the time too, so that's why I like sharing what I know.
DeleteWhat a nice classic! Well done! FIESTA!!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the top. It's such a great print!
ReplyDeleteI used this exact pattern, and morphed it into a summer dress (in linen), by adding a high waist seam, straightish skirt (with minimum hip ease), and pockets (of course). I'd copied a dress I saw in a POETRY catalogue which clocked in at 189.00 us dollars. Mine was from stashed fabric and my favorite wear of the whole summer. There is potential in "that there pattern!"
ReplyDeleteThis is so flattering! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI think all of your adjustments worked well with this! I like the idea of using this for a fall version with longer sleeves.
ReplyDeleteYou rocked this OOP pattern! Your blouse is beautiful--thanks for sharing all your adjustments, as always! Your granddaughter is precious!
ReplyDeleteYour new blouse is so pretty !
ReplyDeleteI second what Gemma said! I have gotten far more comfortable making changes since following you. It's one thing to know everyone has to change something, but another when you can actually see what a more experienced sewist does in practice! Thank you for taking the time to share. 😊
ReplyDeleteCB - I think the backstory and how you got a finished garment is important. So to me it's all part of the garments story. I'm glad that the information I share helps you. I know I like seeing it on other sewists blogs. It helps me to continue to learn too!
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