Saturday, November 7, 2009

NewLook 6563 - Teal floral blouse w/ front tucks - Wardrobe contest garment #7

Woot! Another garment for the PR Wardrobe Contest is completed and there's finally some light to get the photos taken in. I originally planned to use this fabric with McCall's 5809, but it turned out to be a wadder so I had to find something else. This pattern has been in my stash for years; I'm not sure what took me so long to make it up. The fabric is a polyester chiffon from JoAnn's that I bought earlier in the year. It was part of their Monaco collection that I bought quite a few cuts of. Here is the post for the pants.

These sleeves are so pretty and feminine with their long flowy shape and gathers at the sleeve heads and bottom band. They look peasant-y to me like my most recent wadder, only without the ginormous amount of width.

This was suppose to be a bit more loose fitting. I measured the pattern piece before I cut it out, but forgot to subtract the 6 front tucks. Oh well, I love it anyway.

Here you can see the front tucks, button-and-loop closures, and slightly ruffly peplum. Didn't I luck out with the buttons? They are the perfect size and color. I did a bunch of little tweaks to this design:
1. Added 1/2" to the bottom of the bodice
2. Added 1/4" to the bottom of the peplum pieces. They only allow 3/8" hem and those are fiddly to sew, especially on a curve
3. Added a fabric inset along the button line to prevent exposing my skin
4. Took a 5/8" seam along the neckline instead of the 3/8" of the pattern - again, fiddly to sew


Here's the before-mentioned fabric inset. Why don't they include this in the pattern pieces or instructions? Without it, the slightest move exposes skin and/or undergarments.

This is the super skinny bottom sleeve band. I have been scared of these in the past, especially if it's bias cut. But this time around I compared it to the pattern piece and then starched it. I used three lines of gathering stitches for the sleeve bottoms and sleeve caps and had no problem making the gathers evenly spaced.

This pattern did call for bias tape to finish off the neckline edge, which I love to do. I also added it along the sleeve seam for a pretty finish. I again had luck with finding the right shade of teal for the bias tape.

I did french seams throughout. This picture is of the side seam and peplum side seam. If your fabric isn't too see-through you can alternate ironing the seam to the front and then the back. This cuts down on bulk.

I've got several other things to show you later, but for now I must go sew. This contest is kicking my butt!!! Poor Justin is playing with the kids all day today to give me more time at the machine.

25 comments:

  1. That is a beautiful blouse, and fits you perfectly. As always, professionally finished. Nice work.

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  2. I have this pattern and I always wanted to make it. Seeing your lovely version may just be the kick in the pants I need to get going!

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  3. The blouse is perfect for you and the fabric is beautiful. I love this color.

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  4. This is so pretty and I adore the fabric. I must get this pattern.

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  5. SO pretty and feminine! I have this pattern, but it always looked like a hassle to sew. Your version looks very, very worth the time.

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  6. Gorgeous blouse, and it works perfectly with those pants! I really wish Joann's would put New Looks on the $1 sale sometime!

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  7. What a beautiful blouse. And that is a great color for you.

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  8. So pretty. Your wardrobe is turning out really well.

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  9. This is my favorite one yet! As many others have said, I love the color and the fabric. Nice work!

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  10. I love this blouse on you....very pretty and feminine! The fit is perfect too. I hope the final 3 garments go smoothly for you.

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  11. This is so beautiful , I love everything about it . I must buy this .

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  12. It looks perfect on you. The colour, fit and pattern are great. I am so impressed with how well you finished it all. The inside is as beautiful as the outside!

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  13. Congratulations on getting back on course with the Wardrobe Contest. This top is gorgeous and looks great with your pinstripe trousers. I'm really impressed with the front insert - what a great idea.

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  14. Lovely... I have a very similar pattern in my stash, and you've inspired me to pull it further toward the top of my "next projects" list. And thanks for the tip about starching the narrow sleeve trim. I just cut some cotton lawn for a pattern with a similar sleeve, and was wondering how using a bias strip of light-weight fabric to finish a gathered edge would turn out. Great inspiration, and good luck with the rest of the wardrobe!

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  15. Vry pretty blouse, beautifully sewn! I have this same pattern and really like it. I found I had to do the insert under the CF as well. Buyer Beware!

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  16. This is a very feminine look for you. I love it when you make younger styles.

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  17. The blouse is very pretty. I think it looks nicer not being as flowy!!

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  18. Beautifully made as always. I really like the fit that you achieved even if it was by accident!

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  19. What a lovely blouse. I really like these kind of blouses, so soft and feminine. And ofcourse your sewing is very neat. Beautiful!

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  20. Oh, Amanda, that is just a beautiful blouse. So feminine. The sleeves are just wonderful. I can see you making every one of those blouses that are on the envelope. Way to go, girl!

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  21. You really did a beautiful job. Your wardrobe is amazing so far.

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  22. Wow, this is beautiful! The details are fantastic!

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  23. What a coincidence! This one just resurfaced in my mother's fabric stash.

    Ok, it's moving up on the To-Sew List. Thanks Amanda!

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  24. I'm about ready to cut this pattern out. I went over to pattern review and saw how cute it turned out on you! I'm excited now to make it.

    Love that you have a blog by the way. You are an exceptional seamstress. I've been sewing since I was 15, and I love it. I love however making clothing for my 19 year old daughter instead of me, but every once in a while I find a pattern that I try out for me.
    I'll be visiting frequently :)

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