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Sunday, November 11, 2012

Candy Striper Blouse: Vogue 8747

When I saw this article in the June/July 2012 issue of Threads magazine, I knew I wanted to make Vogue 8747.  It's a classic blouse with gathering at the bust along the button placket.  Since returning home from India, I have been trying to dress nicer than just throwing on a tee shirt when I go out (even to the grocery store), so I have been wearing the few blouses I have quite a bit.

I wasn't feeling in the mood to do a muslin for this blouse.  It seemed like a lot of work and I didn't want to spend the time on a muslin when I could just dive right in.   I figured I could treat this version as a wearable muslin if needed.

This pattern comes with different pattern pieces for different cup sizes.  Uh-oh.  I know there are some people who do FBA's on every top/dress they make and this would be a huge time saver for them.  I've never had the FBA issue to deal with and to be given choices for cup sizes made me freeze with fear.  I mean, in terms of cup size, a 36B = 34C = 32D its just the rib cage that is different.  I had recently gone bra shopping and was still reeling a little by the size I bought.  Eventually I decided to follow the pattern instructions for choosing the cup size and do my measurements of full bust vs high bust.  My difference was 2"= B cup.  (I haven't worn a B cup since b.c.=before children), but, ok...if the pattern says so...let's cut.  I cut a 14 but made the side front pieces a 16 by the sleeve, and also graded the waist and hip seams out to a 16/18.   Well, it's done...next time I'll use the C cup pattern.  This is what happens when I move my arms back:

Whoops.  Not pretty
  
When I'm standing upright and still, it looks pretty good:

For fabric, I used a "shirting piece" that I bought in India ages ago.  It was 2.25m of 36" wide, high quality cotton.  It has pink and white stripes with a fine silver thread between every other stripe.  I feel like a candy striper when I wear this.  I would have preferred to have made long sleeves, but I didn't have enough fabric. The pattern itself is fine although I sewed the button plackets onto the wrong side of the fabric first and then had to topstitch the top down.  Not a big deal- it worked out.  

I will try this pattern again and I'm confident the next one will be better.  






4 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review. I just made a top and have the same issue with the front being tight. I also have this pattern, but have been procrastinating making it because I'm unsure of fit issues. Aside from the front being tight, your shirt looks great. I'm sure your next version will be perfect.

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    1. Thanks! I'm glad it wasn't just me that had this problem :)

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  2. I like it! I think as long as you don't stretch your arms out too too far, you should be okay, and if you really aren't crazy about it, maybe it would work under a cardigan? I have some tighter shirts - eep! - that are strictly under cardigan shirts and they are perfect for the chilly office right now. Well done, and I'm looking forward to your next version!

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    1. Thanks, it is wearable and I certainly don't go about my daily business stretching my arms out behind me, so for a 'wearable muslin' it works. :)

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