Finished: Tie-Front Top

Pattern: PussyBow Blouse by Pattern Runway

Mods:

• lowered bust dart 1" (?!?)
• shortened and took out gathers in the sleeves
• omitted the tie
• pinched out about 3/4" from the shoulder and redistributed the fullness into the dart - the same effect as going down a size and doing an FBA.
• lengthened the front ends for ties by several inches
• omitted interfacing
• increased seam allowance to 5/8" on all sides for french seams
• created back yoke and pleat as per instructions in my most favorite book ever 

Fabric: cotton voile from Gorgeous Fabrics that I dyed here.

My thoughts? I love this pattern. The instructions were clear. It's super cute and versatile. The fabric, on the other hand, was kind of a nightmare. It's so delicate that I ripped my first collar in half. I'm terrified that Binks is going to shred it, so I won't be wearing it around the house much.

As it gets warmer, this piece is going to be really fun to style. I picture it with white jeans and sandals. Or black shorts with these. Or over a maxi dress?

Best Laid Plans

If I always listened to that little voice in the back of my head questioning my fabric and pattern choices, then nothing would get done. But this time I listened. I was working on the PussyBow Blouse. The fit was perfected  and I was ready to go. Then I looked at my Pinterest sewing inspiration board and something else took shape.

I used the pattern as a sloper and made the adjustments I envisioned. Now there's a back yoke, an inverted box pleat, a lengthened front, short sleeves and I'm contemplating pockets. If all goes well it's going to be fabulous. I'm going to fit one more muslin, then cut into this: a voile from Gorgeous Fabrics.

I dyed it last summer and absolutely love the color. I can't rave enough about Dharma's Procion dyes.

The bodice was really close to a perfect fit, but I noticed excess fabric above the bust near the armhole. I get the same issue with ready-to-wear. So I pinched out 3/4" from the shoulder and tapered it to the bust, then slash and spread the pattern to move the fullness to the side dart. That adjustment caused a ripple effect and I had to lengthen the collar pieces as well. In hindsight, I should have cut a size smaller and done an FBA for a similar fit. I also moved the dart down 1/4."

I'm trying not to get antsy. I get really impatient because there are thousands of things I want to sew right now. But it's going to be worth it.