Sunday, May 24, 2009

Gold Blouse finished!



The more I look at the picture in the last post, the more I realize that I should NEVER wear a jewel neck blouse!!! The good news is, this blouse is finished and I love the way the neckline turned out. All in all, I love the whole blouse. There are still a few minor fit issues that I will not mention, because then that will be all you see! I do know a few little changes I will make for next time, and I think there will definitely be a next time. I'm very pleased with the whole fitting process that I used to make this blouse and basically this is it.

  1. trace and cut pattern pieces for a size 36
  2. try on tissue, find the bust point and measure to see how much is needed to reach CF
  3. add in a dart and use the FFRP method for FBA. This also increases the waist and hip
  4. Tissue fit the blouse and make adjustments. I added a 3/8" forward neck adjustment and 1/2" sway back. Next time I will make a larger SBA.
  5. I then cut out the pattern and pin fit the blouse. Make additional adjustments - I took a lot in on the side seams, but still had to taper out at the hips.
  6. At this point I basted the side and shoulder seams to fit again. My tissue is very firm, so doesn't drape as well as the Palmer Pletch tissue paper. I would recommend using their tissue or something of a similar weight when tissue fitting.
This process worked for me and I will definitely do it the next pattern I tackle.


Speaking of which, now I will have to make a new piece for the contest since I am scrapping my pants. I didn't think they were that bad, but I was very unhappy with the high waist and I would have liked them to be flatter across the tummy. My daughter said they were horrible and that I should never wear them again. So, I cut off the waistband thinking I could salvage these "horrible pants" but now I'm not sure I want to do anything with them. I tried basting the legs in so there is less ease, but I'm not sure I like that either. I have put them aside. Not only that, I think the color is a little off to go with the gold blouse. I probably won't finish the mini wardrobe contest because I doubt I can make two more things in the next week. Well, I could, but then that would mean that I wouldn't be doing anything else that I need to do. Also, since my trips to Uganda and Portland, coupled with the fact that DH's work load has lightened a bit lately, means that he wants to spend more time doing things together. This does not include sewing.


Oh, and yes, that is the naughtiest dog in the world, and I had to include this picture because he looks so funny. Yesterday he grabbed an empty bobbin off the sewing table and started chewing on it. Those of you who have met me know how I constantly talk about how naughty this dog is! But, we love him anyway. Geez....

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

This blouse is glorious. Fabulous colour. Fabulous fit. Fabulous construction.

And just how CUTE is your dog?

Elaray said...

That's a wonderful blouse! And, I like the necklace, too!

gwensews said...

Beautiful blouse. Necklace too! Since you went through this fitting process, the next time it will be easier. You'll probably do the same alterations each time. Congratulations!

Summerset said...

You look marvelous in your new blouse - the necklace is perfect, too. I know the next one will be even better because you know the changes you'll need to make.

cidell said...

I LOVE your necklace. Where did you get it? Please say it was recent :) I'm going to try this tissue fitting nonsense today now because of you!

Lori said...

Very pretty blouse.

Myra said...

That blouse looks great on you! Both of your BWOF blouses look great, the floral one and this. Rock on!

Maryissewfast said...

Great blouse and thanks for sharing a picture of your naughty little dog! I have one of those as well who grabs anything that hits the studio floor and runs!

knitmachinequeen (KMQ) said...

Love your blouse. I too use the FFRP tissue fitting and have had nothing but success!

window dressing said...

Very beautiful blouse. Love the neckline, the fit and amazing material!

Birgitte said...

This looks sooo good on you, feminine and relaxed, showing off your beautiful face and coloring. Congrats!!

Jacqui said...

Gorgeous! I'm so glad the tissue fitting worked.

Dr. Bennett said...

Nancy, I currently have a big crush on fabrics with Lurex (ever since your Bronze sandals, actually....)-- and I'm in total love with your blouse. Gorgeous! May I steal your fabric idea and make one for the fall?
I also just glimpsed your last post on tissue fitting-- off to read it closer!

Anonymous said...

Love your new blouse! It's classic, fits beautifully and the fabric looks very luxurious.

Melissa said...

Look how well your blouse turned out following the FFRP techniques. I was inpsired to try again too after Pati's seminar and have a BWOF blouse pattern altered and ready to cut out. Your fabric is so pretty too. :-)

P.S. When I took the FFRP class from Marta last fall, she told me not to use Pattern Ease if I'm tracing off a pattern because it doesn't drape right. Instead she recommended gift wrapping tissue paper. I bought a huge bundle at Costco for $5.

Nancy Winningham said...

Thanks Melissa. I've never used Pattern Ease, but I know that the P/P Perfect Pattern Paper is the same weight as pattern tissue and drapes well. However, the gift wrap bundle you picked up at Costco is a much better deal!

Sheila said...

Gorgeous Blouse