BWOF Blouse 1/2009 #120

Pattern: BWOF 1/2009 #120
Description: Parallel rows of horizontal tucks decorate this batiste blouse.

Sizing: 36 to 42

Instructions: They are really pretty good for BWOF magazine. If you are unsure about blouse construction, pull out a Big 4 pattern instruction sheet for guidance. I usually use my notes from the Pattern Review shirtmaking class with Shannon Gifford.

Here are several steps I took pictures during the construction.

Clipped the seam allowance on each side for the tuck. Pressed this tuck in place matching the clips on each side. With washable marker, drew 1/2" stitching line





The tucks press down and you can see the hidden stitching line. This is the way I did my pleats, the picture looks as if you stitch a different way and/or topstitch. So pick how you want the pleats to turn out!


I would fold back the facings a check to see if my pleats were matching on each front.




I used the fusible interfacing, marvelous by the way, from Sew Exciting on the entire shirt. The facings I did like this this tutorial



Topstitched the collar:



The instructions just call for you turning under one side of the collar and stitching over the seam allowance. I didn't think this would be a good luck if the shirt was unbuttoned the top two buttons. I used a bias strip and then hand sewed it to the wrong side


I used the pin easing from Ann's blog and yes, it is lots of pins but it does work. I tried the gathering stitches and that was terrible on this blouse. I had many tucks, so I ripped out the seam and followed Ann's instructions.


Likes/Dislikes:
Likes first: I really like the look of the tucks, changes up a basic blouse. Now on the model the blouse has room for a turtleneck, well, I think this is because she is so skinny and needs a 32 or 34! Take a look at the other photo from the BWOF website, you can see a different look. The blouse has higher armscye, notice that in the picture without the model. Impossible to tell on the model, her hair is in the way on one side. The fit of the blouse is slim, so if you are wanting to layer it, go up a size. I do like the fit and look of this blouse. The tucks were easy to do.





Not really dislikes now but things I noticed. It is hard to tell about the fit of a BWOF garment on the models, they are slender, who knows if this is their size of garment and the awkward poses. The cuffs are rather tight on the blouse, so you might want to measure this against a favorite blouse. Not a measurement I normally think to do.

Changes: Added a bit of length, should have added about ½” more to the sleeves.

Fabric: A shirting blend from Gorgeous Fabrics. Gorgeous fabrics A shirting with lycra would probably be good for this pattern, too

Conclusion: A fun blouse with a decorative feature, check the sizing, it all depends on how you plan to wear your blouse.




Pictures of the tucks




Thanks all for the button opinions and votes. You picked a winner and my favorite, BTW.




Now if my blouse gets to tight, I have Kaitlyn to blame. She has been baking up a storm.



Meredith's job is to pick the colors for the icing. She was in a bright phase!





Now sometimes I think between my internet connection and bloggers unique features it takes me longer to post the review than sew the blouse!!