Dove Blouse in Red and Navy Flannel

My Dove Blouse is finished and it is so comfy and warm

The pattern is from Indiesew and it is the Dove Blouse.  The description is

A loose-fitting blouse with varying sleeve options, french darts, a v-neckline and curved neckline.

and the recommended fabrics are

Charmeuse, Crêpe De Chine, Lawn, Linen, Shirting, Silk, Voile

The pattern is in paper form only and comes with a very nice booklet to help in every step of the way.

I went with a type of shirting, flannel to be specific.  The red-navy plaid is from Indiesew also. I liked the combination of a trendy, bell-sleeved top in a more traditional type fabric.  The fabric is amazing and was very easy to sew, plus washed beautifully.

I made this Dove in two evenings, one to cut out and one to sew.  Some things I changed and noticed in the pattern

1.  I added 1" to the body of the top and 1" to the sleeves.  The addition to the sleeve was at the bottom of the upper sleeve.  I am so happy I added this, the sleeves hit right at my wristbone.

2.  The instructions state to draw the seam line on the v-neck of the facing. This is a great tip except I think it should be on the front of the top.  Reason?  This is what you will be seeing and the "v" needs to be perfect on the front.  I was able to stitch and see the middle of the navy plaid.

3. I did topstitch the front facing in place on the right side of the garment.  I did use my chalk liner to make sure I had it even and a nice curve on the front

 A photo of the bell sleeve, which I used the smaller one.

On the rolled hem of the sleeves, I like to first serge the edge of the area to be hemmed.  I find that to be an easy way to control the hem and I can control it easier to turn the hem twice.

So a fun top for early fall and a great sew.  The front darts are a nice design feature to keep the top a bit more fitted.

One suggestion, the v is deep and I don't mind it but in the future I might raise it two inches.