par Melanie for Following The Thread My latest project is an Autumnal one, using this floral cotton from the Floral Abundance line; I found the rich colours very appealing and decided to try a quick blouse, using Simplicity 9646.
I made View A, with shorter sleeves and a rounded collar. I took up an inch above the waistline, but added that inch back to the hem.
I also chose to leave off the optional fisheye darts (they are marked on front and back) and am glad I did, since this just fits around the hip on me as is. I cut a 14 at neckline, 16 at shoulder and bust, and graded out tothe equivalent of about an 18 at the hip.
I also made one addition; the pattern tissue has an interfacing foldline on the front placket, but there is no mention of interfacing it in the pattern instructions or diagrams at all. I decided to add some, however, as this cotton is fairly light. I used a lightweight interfacing the width of the fold from edge to interfacing foldline (about an inch) and am pleased that I did as I feel it did make it more stable for the buttonholes.
Otherwise, this was quite a straightforward sew, and I enjoyed working with this lighter weight cotton. These aren’t my usual colours but I think this fabric is so pretty I went for it anyhow. And it was easy to work with, plus it holds the shape of the puffed sleeves nicely. I’m happy with this one!
