I wanted something simple without a lot of seams for this large scale print, and chose McCalls 7248. I like both of the necklines and the high/low hemline. This fabric is a stretch silk charmeuse that's been a longtime stash resident. I think I got it online somewhere, maybe Denver fabrics? Are they even around anymore? The contrast solid gray is also silk charmeuse that was in my stash but I can't remember anything about it. It isn't a stretchy fabric like the other.
I cut a straight size 10 (am typically a 12) since my fabric had some give and the blouse was oversized as drafted. It went together quickly without any fit issues.
The sleeves have a nice amount blousy-ness - not too voluminous or too constricting.
I interfaced the top and bottom neckline binding and cuffs with knit interfacing to give it a little stability but not make it too stiff.
I found these buttons in my stash bought for some forgotten project. There were four on the card so I just went ahead and used two per cuff.
Dressform pictures:
The yoke was stitched burrito style to encase the raw edges and I used french seams on the sleeves and armholes. The side seams were finished with small double folded hems since I couldn't do a french seam with the side slits.
It's a nice addition to my collection of silk blouses. This big shirt over leggings silhouette is so great for my lifestyle. I'm tempted to make it my daily uniform!
I love this one Amanda!! I just saw this pattern on Mccall's website the other day, and was trying to decide whether I wanted to get it. I think your excellent version has made my decision! Oh, and Denver Fabrics is still around. I just ordered from them yesterday. Beautiful work, as always!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I actually made a pattern that has a pretty recent release time. That doesn't happen too often! Thanks Vanessa!
DeleteHow lovely, silk is so luxurious. It is indeed a great look for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise! This charmeuse doesn't go through the wash too well so I'll have to dryclean. Hopefully since my baby has gotten older I can remain free from baby juice lol.
DeleteWell, I love it. That's it. I love it. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee!!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful blouse. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you DK's Wife!
DeleteHi, there! Love that blouse! I haven't sewn for myself for years but I think that is going to change soon. Your blog is inspiration. Also, I find it interesting that you are from my hometown and....is that an Aggie ring I see on that finger?
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm an Aggie, class of 2000. Whoop! Thanks Boyett-Brinkley!
DeleteWell, Howdy! My husband is class of 69 and 72 and my daughter got her master's about 8 years ago. Long, long legacy with many uncles and cousins! I bleed maroon by default! And, even though I have been in North Texas since 1990, SA will ALWAYS be home -- always.
DeleteVery cool! Both my sister and I attended A&M, but there's no legacy beyond that. Hubby and I are hoping some of our kids follow in our footsteps. It's a great school!
DeleteSO pleased to see your review as I was planning on making this blouse soon. Great idea to interface the neck band too. Lovely stylish everyday look. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe directions do call for interfacing one side of the neckband. But I've sewn a neckband with silk before and that time it stretched out and was SO HARD to slip stitch to the outer band. Lesson learned! Thanks Manju. I can't wait to see yours!
DeleteBeautiful blouse Amanda and love the photo of your little girl. I've made up this pattern and it's a winner, however; I used a woven sew in interfacing since my silk had no stretch. Karen
ReplyDeleteI didn't use the knit interfacing because of it's ability to stretch, I used it because it's the lightest weight interfacing I have on hand. I just needed a little stiffening so the silk wouldn't stretch out while it was slip-stitched to the outer neckband. But it would only stretch out in the area where it curves to bias. Clear as mud? Lol. Thanks Karen!
DeleteLove the blouse. Perfect placement of the red flowers. Cute photo of your with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicki!
DeleteBeautiful, but the real delight of this post is the picture of your little girl. What a doll!
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen! Neither my husband or I have any photography experience but every once in awhile he takes an especially good picture. This one I really love.
DeleteI love your fabrics and your blouse.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne!
DeleteBeautiful blouse. Your sewing and finishing techniques are impeccable.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jean!!
DeletePerfevt pattern choice for your fabric and I love the contrast cuffs and neckband. I really like mixing smart tops / jackets with jeans too.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten away from wearing jackets lately but I need to start wearing them again. I do love that uniform too. Thanks Allison!
DeleteYour blouse is gorgeous! The fabric choice is spot on and I really love the cuff detail. It's the perfect amount of sleeve pooling over the cuff as well.
ReplyDeleteAh, I hadn't thought of the sleeve pooling but you are right about that. There's so much to take into consideration when making a long sleeve blouse. Thanks Deb!
DeleteGreat print placement and perfect seams! It is a joy to see a well crafted shirt both in the outside and in the inside. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Merche!
DeleteSo pretty! And I love that bird painting in the background! Also I love the fact that your hair is naturally curly and that you've stopped flat ironing it. You look really good with the curly hair!
ReplyDeleteHa! That is pure laziness my friend! I started working out last September and just couldn't keep up with the hair and sweating on a daily basis. Plus I tire of people asking me where Rachel gets her curls from. Thanks Kyle!
DeleteI love everything about this post! The beautiful fabric, the lovely blouse, your impeccable finishing skills, the bird painting, and most of all the simple joy and love shining in the photo of you and your daughter!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lisa! This is THE ONLY PLACE in my house bright enough to take pictures in during the winter. I probably having something bird related in every room as I love them so.
DeleteThis is a gorgeous blouse and the fabric is fabulous. What are you going to wear it with? Can't pair silk with a poly spandex tight. Too much incongruity of fabrics. Crepe drape pants? Let us know what you make to go with it.
ReplyDeleteWell, for me, I like the silhouette of blousy top with fitted pants. It just works for my figure. So I won't be wearing it with any type of drape pants. However, I do have some black legging with faux leather panels down the sides. I may give those a try for a more lux bottom half to go with silk. Thanks for your thought-provoking comment!
Deletereally lovely. great use of the fabric. I am always intrigued by loose flowing tops but never sew/wear them as I feel there is too much fabric. this shows it is all about proportion. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI think it works because I have a smaller top area. If I was sticking out more I think I might look bigger then I am, and nobody wants that. ;) Thanks Beth!
DeleteOops, make that bigger THAN I am. I don't want the grammar police after me.
DeleteThank you Irene!!
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blouse! I LOVE the 4th picture of you...just beautiful!
And of course, the one of you and Rachel is so adorable!!!
Love, Mom
Thanks mom! <3
DeleteOh my! That little girl is beautiful!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe blouse is lovely as usual.
And is that an Aggie ring on your finger?
Yep, I'm class of 2000. So now you know my age lol. Thanks Lisa!
DeleteSuch a beautiful blouse. I love the colors and the print. And you placed the print perfectly...those red sections are in just the right places. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tomasa!
Deletegorgeous fabric! and such a great choice of pattern to really show it off! as always, your technique is flawless - i'm in awe! and adorable picture of you and your daughter! such beauties!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sallie!
DeleteLovely blouse and great print! I like the clean contrast on the cuffs particularly, gives the whole thing a nice edge.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah!
DeleteWhy are people tormenting me by posting so many stunning fabrics! The pattern is perfect for showcasing the print and your work is always impeccable.
ReplyDeleteHaha, New Year's resolution to go on a fabric diet? ;) Thanks Gail!
DeleteAnother fabulous looking project Amanda! Love the pic of you & your daughter!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rosalind!
DeleteSo, so pretty! I love it when I visit your blog and you have sewed something new! My family gifted me with a new sewing machine for Christmas and you are such an inspiration. Looking forward to your next creation!
ReplyDeleteYou lucky thing! New sewing machines are such wonderful gifts. Have fun creating with it!
DeleteVery beautiful. Color and construction :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Tasha!
DeleteVery pretty! I don't even remember this pattern but will have to check it out. I have some cotton lawn and am looking for the perfect blouse pattern for it.
ReplyDeleteI got it for the neckline detail that I've seen on RTW lately. I think cotton lawn would be great, just keep in mind there's no shaping in the body. Thanks Jenny!
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