As you can see, I made the view (B, I think) with the waist tabs and self-fabric belt. I didn't have enough fabric to cut the belt to full length so it's a little short. I also left off any pockets both because of the fabric shortage and the boobage. ;-)
Speaking of boobage, I know I've said it before, but I really need to reshape Zillie. This top almost doesn't fit her because both her bust and her back are bigger/broader than me. Her hips are smaller, though, darn it. (I'll get a pic of this on me when I've got the skirt done.)
I'm not happy with the hem. It's too ripply from fighting the fabric and the curved hem. I want to re-do it, but I don't know if I actually will. I guess it depends how it looks with the skirt to come and how motivated I am.
The pleated "design feature" of the sleeves turned out fine. As I said, you'd never know it wasn't intentional from the start, so that's fine with me. Much better than fighting a badly drafted sleeve.
Close-up of one of the tabs.
Overall, I'd recommend this pattern but beware of the sleeves. I made very minimal alterations. No FBA because none was needed. The D cup front pieces were perfect on me, including apex height. I think I'm actually between a D and DD now. The sleeve bicep width was fine, even if the blasted cap didn't fit into the armhole. I also narrowed the shoulders and took a tuck below the neck on the center back piece due to erect posture (like a sway back alteration but higher). That's it for alterations. Oh, one last point of note — watch the front princess seam notches. I'm pretty sure one is in the wrong place. I'll try to remember to double-check it when I write a real review.
Now to decide on a skirt pattern from the stash. And also something in denim to wear on Friday. Probably another skirt.
Wow, that turned out beautifully. I actually quite like the hem. It looks soft and pretty with the structured elements of the top and IMHO suits the material. I'm with Caroline, I think you should try the Rachel skirt too. Of course I'm not biased by any similarities to my name at all ;-) I think it suits the new trendy and much younger looking you
ReplyDeleteVery pretty shirt, Debbie, I like all the details. Have a good week at work.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I love the belt and tabs. Very impressive how you wrangled the slippery fabric to make those tabs!
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric and the details!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! Love undulating hem, it seems that on purpose and is very smooth in the model. I love those "happy accidents" as the pleating of the cup sleeve, no one can say that the model does not and it's great.
ReplyDeleteThe blouse is lovely. I really like all the details - the waist tabs are very nice, and seriously, the tucks in the sleeves look like they belong. The front princess seaming is very complementary to Zillie's figure. I need to get a start on this for sure!
ReplyDeleteWow! You were much more focused than I was last night because you went back up to the sewing room and finished this beauty up! This will make a great addition to your work wardrobe...maybe add a pair of pants as well as a skirt.
ReplyDeleteTerrific blouse! I like the print, and the style.
ReplyDeleteIt looks good Debbie. I wouldn't bother with the bottom. At the rate you're losing weight it will be too big before you know it.
ReplyDeleteYou've lost so much weight you should get your bras refitted! You'll look even thinner.
Very nice blouse! Love that fabric choice.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely - I might have to pick up this pattern for myself. Although I should probably go through my stash first - it might already be there! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have noticed the hem had you not pointed it out. A good tip when sewing long straight seams/hems on slippery fabric: put your index finger behind the presser foot, and use it to keep the fabric bunched up as it comes out behind the needle. Keeps stretchy fabrics in order, helps prevent hem edges from going all ripply. (Saw this on a Sandra Betzina cable show, years ago.)
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for tabs! Another great project!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful blouse, Debbie. I'm sure you will wear it often with many different bottoms.
ReplyDeleteNice blouse and perfect for work. I really like the fabric which should go with many different things.
ReplyDeleteVery nice indeed! It's both pretty and smart looking - perfect for the workplace and also lovely to wear with something more casual. I like all the nice details - including your 'design feature' on the sleeves!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Lovely fabric.
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