Friday, June 15, 2007

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.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nancy,
Your blouse turned out so nice....it looks so inviting to wear...cool and light.
I have to tell you, your first blog about Wendy's book just made me order it, and I recieved it yesterday..I am looking forward to trying out some of the patterns myself..
Stay cool..
Enid

Sigrid said...

What a nice blouse, so different from the other one you made. Good for hot summer days, that you probably have a lot!

Linda said...

Nancy, First off - I just love reading your blog. Your work is stupendous. You asked about where to get fabric on Maui. Can you check on my son while you are there? LOL, just kidding. Actually, he would turn into your official tourguide because if he knew you were acquainted with me, he would feel it would be his obligation. If you want any information on what to see while there, let me know. As far as fabric sits on Maui, I wrote about it on my blog. I would point you to the right place, but I dont' have it at my fingertips right now. But if you search my blog for the month of April, you will find the two I went to listed there. If you need any more info about Maui, contact me through my blog and I will get to you my personal email so we can chat more about it. I wish I could say I would be there in December, because I miss my son badly, but DH will not have the vacation time to be able to do that. Have fun on your trip. I looooove Maui, but can't wait to check out Kauai too someday. - Linda