Simplicity 8296 - Navy + White Off-The-Shoulder Blouse

Off-the-shoulder blouses are currently everywhere: in stores, magazines, and pattern catalogues. I don't always make the newest trend right away, probably because I like to see what other people make first or which patterns seem to work the best. This time, though, I happened upon the perfect fabric. This navy and white embroidered gingham is from Moodfabrics.com. It is the loveliest of weights for a blouse, and has a slight amount of stretch to it not included in the description. There's only a little bit left as of this post. I highly recommend you snap some up!

I chose Simplicity 8296 for it's slightly fitted shape and cute sleeve ties. So many of these styles of blouses have elastic around the entire top, and I liked that this one has a smooth band in the front. I cut this blouse in a size 10, one size down from my typical 12, because I wanted a closer fit and because my fabric had some stretch. I did use the length of elastic for the 12, though. Thanks to weight-lifting, my shoulders have broadened somewhat. I also cut about 3 inches off the bottom hem. This top is almost tunic length as drafted.

One great thing about this design is that I do not need to keep tugging the neckline down my arms. Garments that need constant readjusting just do not end up being worn much by me. I like to put clothing on and go about my business.

Since the fabric is cotton, it behaved very nicely while being stitched up.

I cut the top front band and sleeve ties on the bias for some visual interest. You can better see the fabric texture in the following close-ups:

This is a really great pattern. The front darts give it a fitted shape, which I prefer when working with these types of slightly crisp blouse fabrics. I already have plans to use the pattern again for a dress in the next few weeks. What do y'all think? Am I ready for a backyard BBQ?

Note: This fabric was purchased with my Mood Fabrics monthly allowance, as part of my participation in the Mood Sewing Network.