Sweet Ruffle wrap, Anna Sui V2850

Honey, is your foot on the wall?















No dear, I'm standing like a stork!















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!















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!








***This one I didn't forget. It just became to complicated and kept reseting itself. Anyway here is the ruffle dissection!







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.






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.















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.














ARMSCYE & NECK BINDING: Sewn as recommended.














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.















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?