I spent WAY too many hours last Saturday searching for a similar blouse pattern. You know what? It doesn't exist. Blouse patterns today are HIDEOUS. My choices were either designed for knits (not my thing), or oversized tunics, peasant blouses, or your standard collared shirt. I tried Vogue, McCalls, Butterick, New Look, Simplicity, and then I looked on Etsy and eBay for vintage patterns. I searched all over for "peplum blouse pattern" and came up cold.
Then I checked Googled Reader. Tasia of Sewaholic Patterns was releasing a new pattern, and it was a blouse! And it was PERFECT.
View B is basically like she read my mind. I ordered it immediately, and started working on it the day it came. This version here is my wearable muslin, and the fabric is a densely woven rayon I picked up at a rummage sale. I've got a couple fabrics in mind for the "real" thing, but never having made a Sewaholic pattern before, I wanted to do a muslin first. Sewaholic Patterns are sized for women who are pear-shaped, which I am not, so I was a little concerned about fit. I had nothing to worry about, because I made my standard size 8 and it fits perfectly. It was super easy to put together and the instructions were clear and concise. I spent about three hours constructing it last night, plus another hour Wednesday prepping the pattern pieces and cutting them out.
I am a cocky sewer, and I didn't bother to try it on until AFTER I had done the zipper. Luckily, it fit. Whew. I even sewed my zipper on correctly this time! I did a lapped zipper application again since I did not have any invisible zippers on hand.
It looks boxy on the hanger, but it is totally not once it is on my body. I really like how it turned out. The only change I would make is that next time I'm not going to interface the collar. It made it difficult to turn inside out and press, and it was pretty bulky after I did the facings. Other than that, this pattern gets an A+ from me. I can't wait to make the other two versions!
I think you could make the peplum top by getting a peter pan collared dress pattern and alter it by making the skirt super short (peplum length) and gathering/pleating the waist rather than using the waist darts.
ReplyDeleteA pattern something like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97700932/simplicity-2913-misses-1950s-sweet?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_includes[0]=materials&ga_search_query=peter+pan+collar+pattern&ga_ref=related&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery
That is a great idea! Thanks!
DeleteAdorable! This pattern is near the top of my sewing queue.
ReplyDeletei am definitely getting this pattern. all the versions i have seen are so cute!
ReplyDeleteLove it! It's the view I pattern tested for Tasia and I'm in love with it too, planning more as we speak! I didn't interface my collar and I'm sure that it was the right decision to make as it sits perfectly without being bulky!
ReplyDeleteGood to know! I will leave out the interfacing for
Deletesure next time. I love your version too! The contrast collar looks great.
Such a cute version. You look great. Thanks so much for the interfacing advice. I'm hoping to make this within the next few weeks, so this really helps.
ReplyDeleteLove your top! Earlier this week I checked the fabric shop near me that carries sewaholic and they hadn't gotten the alma pattern in yet. But as soon as they get it in, I'm buying it. There are so many fabrics that this would be great in. I also wasn't sure about doing the peter pan color, but yours looks so cute that i might give it a shot!
ReplyDeleteI would think adding the peplum wouldn't be too hard. I would make a simple waistband that fits, put it around the top, and then adjust the top to create pleats in the desired places (measure so they're even and pin in place), tack the pleats down and then topstitch the waistband part on over top. If it's not billowing out enough at the bottom, then I'd make the top angle out wider toward the bottom hem before cutting the top out, which would give you more fabric to play with when making your pleats. I'm no expert, that's just what I would do. I might try it out. Just need to get that pattern first!! Have you found your cute penguin fabric? =)
I have seen that pattern and I like it a lot also, you did a very nice job and you say it is a muslim! I would like to see the "real" one!
ReplyDeleteI love your top !
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely - great fabric!
ReplyDeleteReally adorable! I love this top! (PS, I found your blog through Marie's post, and I really like it!)
ReplyDeleteYou call this your practice version, but I think it looks fantastic. I find this pattern growing on me with versions like yours. My other thought for you regarding pretty blouses is to look at dress patterns and envision them at "blouse" length. I love to do this, and it opens tons of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI just finished mine last night in a beautiful Liberty lawn in View B. I'll be making all the views eventually. I LOVE IT! I didn't use interfacing because I just don't like it and it's really fine. I love your muslin and it's definitely a wearable one!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I'm so excited I had to come back. I just saw a blouse made of the Cambie on the Sewaholic flickr group and I realized that if you use the bottom of the Cambie and the top of the Alma blouse you will have the exact Anthro blouse you are so in love with! Check it out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/susiehomemakermd/7750647268/in/pool-sewaholicpatterns
ReplyDeleteOh, that is perfect!!!! I didn't buy the Cambie pattern because I already had a similar dress pattern. I will try that! Thanks!
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