This Built by Wendy blouse was started and finished over the last two nights and I couldn't be happier. This is me in the natural position on drinking coffee up against a suspiciously blank wall, something I do often.
So, the pattern is great. The directions are the typical sewing pattern language and although I have said in the past that I don't sew blouses, I did enjoy making this. I get a bit jiggy about details. Skirts are so easy and quick, so blouses can get me a bit bunched up. There is so much more to fit-boobs, shoulders, all that, but this is really nice and moves well.This naughty secretary look is a favorite of mine,and I love blouses that tie, but it looks cute with the ties hanging untied too.
This is from this pattern here, 4112, and here's some details:
-I used the long sleeve version but shortened the sleeves a whole ton and then added the bias trim which I did attach the real way, sewn on one side and then hand stitched on the inside. I didn't use the short sleeve pattern because I wanted the tie and the sleeves looked more fluttery on that one (could be wrong, it was getting late)
-I contemplated doing this blouse sleeveless because the fit is so good under the arm, it would look swell without sleeves with no alterations needed.
-the quilting cotton I used (a repro civil war print) is just slightly thicker than I would recommend, but it's fine. It's what I had on hand, so there you go. I think dotted swiss would be so cool I can't stand it, so maybe I will try that next.
-this is not what I call a beginner project. There are several small steps that can involve swearing and there are other tops in her line (or others) that would be better to start with.
-on the pattern, the typical seam allowance is 5/8" but on most of the blouse you actually use a 3/8" and if I didn't accidentally notice that I would have really screwed this up.
-buttons. sigh. I was actually in the mood to do these, but snap tape would be extra cool and I'd try that for sure as an option.
Okay, now I really am going back to working on my quilt. After I clean my new craft room! It finally dawned on us that I could move into Pete's office now that he is downtown. woo-hoo!
