I've been testing out a few blouse patterns. I haven't sewn many blouses. My friend Flo once remarked that blouses are sometimes more work than dresses and only half of you is covered at the end. Nevertheless, I don't like the way RTW blouses fit. Or rather, don't fit. They are usually too tight in the biceps and too tight across the back so here starts my testing.
First up, Maria Denmark's Edith. The simplicity appealed to my tired brain.
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| Edith blouse, sans collar. |
I made the first one to test the fit and left off the collar. The fit is a little snug across the back so I added about 3/4" to the next one (currently under construction) . I also lowered the front darts slightly tho' you can't tell they are high here due to the busy print.
The arm holes are touch tight so I added a quick-and-dirty (pronounced 'lazy' vent and lowered them in the next version.
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| In this photo I missed the neckline but the shirt was in the washer when I realized. |
The back neckline was a little high and pressed uncomfortable against the back of my neck.
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| Back neck. |
Adding the 3/4" may help that for the next one but I scooped out a bit to make this one wearable.
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| Gape prevention. |
I interfaced the facings but that made the front a little stiff, so I added a 'secret' button to keep things together. I picked this trick up from
Jane (an "of course!" moment) so I have now totally justified my blog reading.
Wow! Now that I've written this it all down, that 'simple' blouse was a bit more complicated than I first thougth.
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| Cropped Renfrew. |
I've made the Sewaholic Renfrew many times. This time I cut if off just below the waist, raised the neckline, and widened the bottom band. I didn't pull the neckband tight enough so it has a bit of a ripple and the fit is a little tighter than I prefer, but it is a good experiment.
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| Oakridge |
I am mostly happy with the fit of the Oakridge tho' I'm wondering if I should have gone one size smaller. It is a little bit wide in the shoulders.
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| Facing sticking out on the left side. I should be more careful when getting dressed. |
I added facings as I have not had good luck with bias tape. This is somewhat full in the back. Maybe I'll take the 3/4 inch I added to the Edith out of the back of this one.
It also might look different out of a drapier fabric. This cotton is a bit stiff and may soften up after it is washed a few times.
The print is of skeleton keys and the
buttons were in my stash. I think I got them from an estate sale a few years ago.
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| Belcarra |
Sewaholic Belcarra I made last year as summer's last gasp. I like it a lot and will make more. Like the Oakridge I'm going to take about 3/4" out of the back as it gapes a bit.
And a gratuitious shot of my tomatoes which were newly planted last time I posted. The whole
garden is growing like mad, in spite of the gloomy weather we've been having. The huge rain we had last night, almost an inch, will definitely keep things growing.
