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No dear, I'm standing like a stork!
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Inspiration: This J.Crew Coralie blouse
Pattern Description & sizing:
MISSES TOP: Close-fitting empire waist tops with neckline variations. A, C: partially lined. A: halter back with back neck and waist ties. B: sleeveless, wrap top has neck flounce. C: ribbon trim along outer edge. I made view B.
NOTIONS: Top C: 3 yds. of 11/2" Decorative Ribbon.
FABRICS: Top A, B, C: Chiffon, Batiste, Charmeuse and Crepe de Chine. Underlining and Lining A, B, C: Lining Fabric.
Combinations: A(6-8-10), D(12-14-16), FW(18-20-22)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Almost, except for the changes that I made. I wanted to recreate the X of ruffles in the front!
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/11/s_2311.jpg)
Were the instructions easy to follow?. Yes, they were very clear, and well written. The pictures are helpful too.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the the idea of the flouncy ruffle but not the size. I also liked that this top wraps! Another great thing about this pattern is is has 3 great independent blouses, not your mix and match puzzle piece variety. And it's a Designer pattern by Anna Sui! This pattern has really great value! And I highly recommend it on that note. Also, this pattern has a bit of longevity. It was printed in 2005 and I just purchased it this last week, it hasn't be hanging around in my stash. I think that's impressive for Anna and Vogue, so add it to your stash before it's too late (OOP).
Fabric Used: Sheer rayon chiffon from Haberman's.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:.
THE RUFFLE: I reduced the size of the ruffle by 1/3, grading and tapering to the narrowest portion. Instead of cutting 2, I cut 4. I used 2 on the upper right side, 1.5 on the upper left, .5 on the lower right side and 1 on the bottom left.
***I forgot this picture, I took it a while ago, but the pattern piece on the right is what I used for my ruffles. Combine the 2 and that's the original pattern ruffle, it's pretty big!
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/12/s_2354.jpg)
***This one I didn't forget. It just became to complicated and kept reseting itself. Anyway here is the ruffle dissection!
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/13/s_78.jpg)
THE HEM & EDGES: The directions recommend a double turn edging for the hem and the ruffle. I decided to use my serger and do a rolled hem on all the edges including the belt. This was a huge time saver, but can be challenging with thin fabrics that enjoy fraying. It can be done either way. I highly recommend doing a test run to adjust your serger to the settings that work best with your fabric.
THE BELT & BOW: Shortened by 8 inches, and I could probably shorten it more. The original length wrapped around my bodice and tied in the front, bow & tails hanging long. Or when tied in the back the bow tails reached the bottom of my skirt. BTW, it doesn't look good being tied in the front with the additional ruffles on the lower half.
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/11/s_2312.jpg)
RIGHT BELT LOOP: I made my own. Although the blouse looks as light as air, this blouse is weighty! So instead a skinny loop, I made a chunky one that's interfaced with fusible white weft. Topstitched then machine stitched onto the blouse.
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/11/s_2313.jpg)
LEFT BELT LOOP: Again, I made my own. The pattern recommends an inseam loop. I stitched mine closed and made a weft fusiable reinforced buttonhole that will not collapse! And I placed is slightly higher than where the pattern suggested to correct the inevitable belt droopiness.
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/11/s_2314.jpg)
ARMSCYE & NECK BINDING: Sewn as recommended.
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/11/s_2315.jpg)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Again, I highly recommend this pattern! I have no plans to do the other views at this time but it's nice to have options. On a basic level, view B has great bones to build on for different projects.
![](http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/07/11/s_2316.jpg)
Conclusion: I think it's very floaty! It's best worn with a cool summer breeze at sunset. Almost ruffle nausea but I hope I stopped short for those of you with ruffle fru fru sensitivities. Oh, and I need a cami! Thanks for reading!
Thoughts? Questions?
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Very very cute, and not fru-fru! I have this pattern also in my stash and I so appreciate this detailed review! You're right about this pattern and I actually like all views.
ReplyDeleteFabulous
ReplyDeleteThis blouse adorable! Love, love, love it!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet blouse. :)
ReplyDeleteVery cute blouse! As always, you look like you stepped off the runway at Fashion Week! I will definitely pick this pattern up when the Vogues are on sale...maybe they are now? Must research!!!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and feminine!
ReplyDeletePretty and feminine.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your thoughts! Jennifer, you just missed the sale at Joann fabrics! I'm expecting the Vogue Autumn rollout within the next 7 days, so finding a sale might be challenging. But Hopefully it will not be OOP before you get yours... Regular price is $25.00, and even 40%-50% is steep. Good luck and keep checking their website too!
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful blouse. You will get so much wear out of this. It looks great with both skirts you've shown it with. I must get brave and try something like this. I really love it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blouse! I love all of the flowy layers!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! You are so inspiring! I LOVE to sew, and usually sew for my family and husband. I just might have to give this one a try for myself! Thanks for showing all of your details as well! I think I'm going to put my current project aside and try one of these! Where do you find your fabrics? Are you in a big city? My choices are pretty limited. Are there mail order fabrics? Thnx!
ReplyDeleteWow - it's really really pretty :)))
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Suzy, I had no idea that you love to sew. That's awesome! Well I do try to get my fabric at independent fabric retailers as much as I cab but I often find myself in Joann Fabrics! Locally, I like Haberman's of Royal Oak, Michigan. And because of my locale, my options are also limited as compared to NY or LA. I haven't done a ton of online fabric shopping because I'm fortunate to travel often and pick up pieces on the road. Online I'd recommend Fashionista Fabrics, Lucy's fabrics, & Mood fabrics. For mail order fabrics I recommend vogue fabrics because they will send you samples. Thanks for asking!
ReplyDeleteFabulous blouse! I like ruffles too...in moderation. LOL.
ReplyDeleteExactlY, Dei!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blouse! You are truly a vision of loveliness! Great work!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty.
ReplyDeleteClever and stylish modification of the Sui pattern. I adore the ruffles on you!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous blouse! Great job with all the ruffles!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! A Wonderful alternative to the j.Crew version!
ReplyDeleteThanks y'all! LOL. Dying to wear it!
ReplyDeleteRuffles galore! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYea! I had a great weekend with my blouse! Paired with the Turkish skirt, it was great! Thanks everyone for taking the time to read this post and comment!
ReplyDelete