Ten or 15 years ago I was primarily a garment sewist. I loved tailoring suits and making evening wear. But at some point I found a line of clothing that I liked to wear for work and I discovered that with quilt making I could use colors that I didn't wear (everything other than black) and there was no fitting involved.
Since I quit work, I've had an interest in starting to make some casual clothes. When I made the Coleus gradient I knew that I wanted to make something from it. A sleeveless blouse seemed perfect.
I really like the effect of the gradient on this blouse and can see myself making more garments like this. I placed the pattern so that the waist aligned in the center yellow band of color. That means that the darkest green band is not included. I used the darkest red for the collar. The pattern is placed on the cross grain but that didn't cause any problems.
I've joked about my vast button collection before. I don't have a lot of small buttons but I had at least 6 different styles/colors to choose from!
The pattern is Kwik Sew 3668 and it should be a simple project. Well, it is for most people. However, I require a LOT of pattern alterations. It's one reason I selected a sleeveless pattern first. Getting the bodice to fit was enough without having to deal with sleeves. How much fitting? Basically I am size XS in the neck and shoulders, S in the back and M with a large bust adjustment for the front. I have sloping shoulders and my head sits a little forward. There were lots of dart changes. When I make knit garments I actually cut the front and back in different sizes and ease in the different. It works!
For this project I used my favorite pattern alteration book, Fitting and Pattern Alteration. I was shocked to see how much it sells for now but I certainly wouldn't sell my copy for $100! I use that book every time I sew and every time I help someone else fit a garment.
When I make a new garment pattern, I ALWAYS make a test garment for fitting. That's how I got this tacky print blouse. I still needed to alter the pattern some after I made the test garment but I finished it so it is wearable too. I just won't wear it outside of the house! It's a linen blend from my old garment fabric stash so it's good to have one less fabric in that cabinet......although you can't tell tha tanything is missinng.
In the end, all that extra work was worthwhile because my Coleus blouse fits perfectly! Now if only we could get some warm weather so I can wear it.
Beautiful job! It's always fun to see what you've been working on.
Posted by: Sue H | March 31, 2011 at 02:13 PM
LOVE THIS!!
Posted by: Gina | March 31, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Oh, how neat that Coleus gradient is in your blouse. Love the look! After seeing how much pattern alteration you had to do, I understand why I'm not a garment maker!
Posted by: Marty Mason | March 31, 2011 at 05:55 PM
lovely, its going to look smashing on, in the warm weather. :)
Posted by: Nancy Krampf | March 31, 2011 at 06:53 PM
I love your blouse! The gradient is fantastic the way it flows through the garment. Hmmm, maybe I'd better got dust off the old machine and get out my book. I think I have plenty of time the way the weather is acting! Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Jeannie | March 31, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Beautiful blouse!
Posted by: Gina | March 31, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Really cute, Vicki!
I wish I had arms that would look nice in a sleeveless blouse, but living in Alaska ther isn't much call for them!
Posted by: Deb Hardman | March 31, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Love those shades, I would love to use that in a skirt and top.
I used to have a skirt and top with paint splashes on it, loved it.
Wish I could find a pattern like it, it was so comfortable in the summer and would love to make my own.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie St.Germain | March 31, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Your blouse is exquisite! I didn't realize that you were a garment sewist! I look forward to many more exciting wearable projects!!! (Will you ever post photos of you wearing them?!?!?) XXO-
Posted by: Heather Woollove | April 01, 2011 at 04:35 AM
That blouse is really nice. I get what you mean too about being different sizes everywhere. One size does not fit all!
Posted by: Libby Fife | April 01, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Do you know how excited I am that you have made something to wear???? I hope you continue; I'd particularly love to see your pattern alterations as you make new garments - that's how I learn, by watching others. I LOVE this blouse. It looks like you AND it just has plain awesomeness all over it. And can I admit that I actually like the tacky print blouse too? I know that says way more about me than I probably want people to know.
Posted by: Kim | April 01, 2011 at 08:54 AM
Gorgeous! That is a beautiful use of the fabric and the right style for it, too.
Posted by: Summerset | April 03, 2011 at 07:22 AM
OOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lovely!
Posted by: twitter.com/CandiedFabrics | April 05, 2011 at 01:15 AM