So, here's what I've been working on for the past week. This blouse makes me laugh because I set out to make something to wear with this recent jacket. But when I finished making it I didn't love the two together. And instead of a warm winter day outfit, it is more of a spring/summer look. This has happened to me more times then I can count. At least this time I didn't make an orphan.
I'm showing you this first picture with the denim jacket covering a lot of the top because this is how I plan to wear it. I like the proportion of tunic with cropped jacket, especially with the cinched in drawstring of the blouse. Cute?
And here it is without the jacket. Not so cute. It's the sleeves, maybe. They're too long and the puff starts at the very end of the shoulder. Or maybe the bodice is too short and should have been extended farther down the rib cage? Something's off.
Here's the back. This top was actually quite a bit of work - collar with collar stand, all those gathers on the sleeves, making a drawstring and casing, a fair amount of hand sewing. Sigh. Kinda dowdy without the jacket. 
You can see on the pattern envelope how it was designed to be longer on the top. After looking over what others had done on pattern review, I thought the proportion was off. I took 2 inches out of the top of it, but now I'm thinking that was a bit much. Don't those puffed sleeves on the drawing look cute? This is why you never trust a drawing! I'll not be making this again. In fact, it has a date with my trash can.
Moving on, it's back to winter sewing for me. Next I will be making a muslin for Vogue 1150. Surprised? I do make muslins on occasion, especially when I plan to use expensive or much loved fabric. I'm hoping to make the finished dress from my recently acquired wool doubleknit. However, I have a deep love and enthusiasm for the Olympic Games, currently occurring in Canada. I might be distracted for the next few weeks. It's hard to sew and watch figure skating at the same time.***Edited 2/15***
You ladies are brilliant!!! I tried on the blouse with the sleeve band rolled up a few times and that made all the difference! The sleeves are too long and hitting my arm at the same place the drawstring does - not flattering. I have a tiny bit of fabric left to recut sleeve bands (no, they aren't elastic) and will be cutting the sleeve shorter. Although now that they are already attached to the bodice, sewing will not be as easy. Oh well, might as well be perfect, right?
I agree with you. I think the top does look cuter with the denim jacket than without. There's just something about the way the gathers in the sleeves seem to be at the same spot as the gathers in the rib cage - I think you're right about the bodice being too short. I'm sure your next project will work out better.
ReplyDeleteI will 2nd that. The bodice need to be a little longer. And I think the sleeves are a little off too. But I do like it with the denim jacket on.
ReplyDeleteI like it. But if you look at the pattern and where the sleeves end, it is above the bust. Yours end below. Is there elastic in the sleeve cuff? Maybe just make it tighter so that it sits higher on your arm - to give a more puffed look, like the pattern. Anyway, I am sure you don't go around with your arms down like that - they would be moving, so it is never going to exactly look like that. Personally, I think it is a winner!
ReplyDeleteYour top is adorable and pairs nicely with the jacket.
ReplyDeleteTaking off the sleeves might improve it, but is it worth it. Given your great track record, the odd dud won't matter.
ReplyDeleteI think the top looks great with the jacket ....and without. I like the high waist. All in all I think it looks great on you both ways.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your observations. It does look really cute with the denim jacket and you will get some wear out of it that way. Had to laugh at the in the trash can comment as I can so relate.
ReplyDeleteOr, take the sleeves out and use the fabric to recut a capped sleeve.
ReplyDeleteI like the body of it (but then I'm entirely in love with the empire waist line), but I would get the sleeves up higher - either tighten the cuff like Vicki says (if you like poof), or hack off about two inches and re-cuff. I think it's way too close to adorable to bin right now!
ReplyDeleteSleeveless could definitely work on you too (me, not so much ;)), if you'd wear it.
Give it one more shot?
I like the top with and without the jacket! Very nice, as always.
ReplyDeleteI think this top looks wonderful as it is and I would have been really happy if I had made it. But I love how you are changing the sleeves to make it perfect and exactly how you want it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that blouse!!! It looks great on you. Will you tell me more about your cropped pants? Did you make them? I love those.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment on my blouse. The cropped pants are Bandolino brand. I just bought them at Sam's Wholesale Club. I wouldn't normally buy pants there since there's no dressing room, but I have several other pairs of pants from this brand and they always fit great.
Amanda
I'm in the minority, but I really like this top as is! I don't think it looks funky or disproportioned *at all*. I may pick it up for myself, actually... ;)
ReplyDeleteLately i have really been making an effort to deal with those little problems that make a garment blah. I am often surprised to find that another hour of work makes everything so much better. It's hard to get myself to start, though!
ReplyDeleteI agree; I think it's the sleeves. It looks like the seams are extending too far beyond the shoulder. It kinda works in the long sleeve version, but not with short puffy sleeves. Otherwise the top is cool.
ReplyDeleteI am in the minority, I know, but I personally think the top and capris without the jacket is more flattering on you and gives the illusion of height. I think it's an adorable top and looks super cute on you!
ReplyDeleteI like your top with or without the jacket. Great job as usual.
ReplyDeleteVery cute top on you! I love it with the denim jacket. I see what you mean about the sleeves. At least that will be an easy fix:) Hope you make more--it's really cute!
ReplyDeleteAmanda- very cute blouse. I adore the fabric. did you purchase it recently? it has a vintage feel to it.
ReplyDeleteHi, Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThanks! This fabric is from JoAnn's and has been in my stash for 2 or 3 years. Sorry, not a recent buy!
Amanda
Just stumbled across your blog, and I LOVE this blouse! I suppose it could be cuter if the sleeves didn't end where the waistband does, but I still think it's really cute without the jacket.
ReplyDeleteI'm not very good at following patterns myself, so I'm impressed with all of your creations :[