Weekend Sewing: Summer Blouse

Bet you thought I burned out, huh? Nope, at least not yet. Here's the "Summer Blouse" pattern from Heather Ross' book, Weekend Sewing:


This was my favorite project in the book and the one I wanted to run home and make after purchasing it. No surprise, but there are tons of these out there on the nets. I'm just late to the party!

The pattern needed a few adjustments. I started with the Medium and added a FBA using the Nancy Zeiman method. I had to lower the neckline 1-3/8 inch...it's really high (even for you Shan!) I lengthed the bodice pieces by 2 inches because I could tell right away they weren't long enough for this style. The proportion was off. (Next time I'll be adding at least 1 more inch. I only serged the edge to hem this one!)

Some bloggers have lengthened the sleeves, others have shortened them because they were too long. If it helps at all, they were "just right" for me. In length only though...I did a tissue fit but I still need about an inch in width at the biceip. It's not uncomfortably tight and should loosen up on wearing, so I'm not going to sweat it in this top.

Lastly, I lowered the bust dart 1". Now for the goods! I used an old favorite, a dark blue dotty print for my facings, binding, and the button loop:



It just barely shows through the fabric, which is a look I LOVE. I also hemstitched the facings from the right side, rather than plain old topstitched. It goes much better with the vintagey feel of the fabric (which is an awesome lightweight cotton from Hancocks! It looks and feels like a lovely vintage sheet!)


The placket ends in a V shape, and you slipstich the opening a few inches. This is purely decorative, only you can't "see" it. It's an odd treatment...and I'm not sure it will stand the test of time on someone with a bust. The model in the book isn't as well endowed as yours truly. ;)


I added a vintage lavender button from my antique button stash. I'll never be buttoning this top, but is a nice addition:


Here's the top on me (who hasn't fixed her hair or face yet. And probably won't today.)


Other than the slight snuggy feeling of the biceps, I LOVE THIS TOP!! I would wear it every single day. Which means I need to get some fabric washed & on the line so I can make another!

Lest you think I've been whiling away my time in front of the tv (I have) I'll have you know, I've also almost finished this little pattern, also a Built By Wendy:


But I'll save that post for another day.