BBW Top version 2

I'm really loving this version of the top in the Sew U book by Wendy Mullin. (See previous post for pattern information.)
It was fun doing the changes on this blouse. First, I added 2 1/4 inches to the CF to make a fold over facing. I thought this would look better with the softer lines of this blouse. I folded it twice so that it also served as interfacing. I also cut it 1" longer. I should have made the armholes slightly larger, since I had to rip them out and do them over. The bias tape makes them draw up a bit. Plus, I made bigger at seam allowances at the shoulder, which made them smaller as well. I eliminated the vertical darts in front and back and only left in the dart under the arm. Side seams were sewn together before the shoulders. I applied bias tape to the armholes and finished them before sewing the shoulders.











In order to make the casings for the shoulders, I made 5/8 seam allowances instead of the 1/2 inch called for. I serged the raw edge before sewing together, but turning under probably would have worked as well and looked neater. I cut 4 - 18" pieces of cording. I laid the cords in the "casings" and then stitched them down with a zipper foot. This worked nicely because It would have been almost impossible to thread them through. I basted them at the neck edge and then they were sewn down when the neck stand was applied. I still had a little problem with the neck stand. I even walked the pattern pieces together to make sure they lined up, but I still felt like the stand was a shade too small for the neck edge. I had to do a lot of "easing" to get that neck to fit in the stand without puckering all over the place.

Next, I tried on the blouse and marked my waist. I cut a 1-1/4 inch strip of fabric to make the casing. I sewed a button hole on each side aprox. 2" from the edge to bring the cording through. Once again, I laid the cord in the casing before I sewed it. I added pony beads to the ties at the shoulders and waist. (I would have never thought of this - the idea was in the book, and I really like it.)












I made 5 horizontal buttonholes down the front. Lesson to be learned: A. I like to use the water soluble pen to mark on fabric. It always comes right out. B. I like to use fray check on my buttonholes to keep them from looking ratty. WARNING: remove the pen marks before you put on the fray check! I still have one buttonhole with a little blue mark (hopefully it will come out with another washing)Fortunately, it is hidden under the button.

I am really pleased with this blouse and know I will wear it a lot.