Brooke Sh-leeves

I made this top last May.






I vaguely remember Brooke's fashion line for McCall's consisting of practical and stylish clothes in the 80's. Now we have Hilary Duff partnering up with McCall's.

I have several Brooke Shields patterns. This is the first one that I actually sewed up.

My version in embroidered linen fabric from Emma One Sock. This is the second time I sewed in this fabric.

I was a Brooke Shields fan in my teens and I am still a fan of her now. She has survived well in show business considering the media frenzy that permeated during her youth.


Here's Brooke on the Emmy red carpet looking stunning in red!



She also looks fab in a crisp white shirt from NY & Co.


Pattern Description
1986 dated pattern licensed from Brooke Shields and Co.

The pattern envelope mentions that is a "Learn to Sew for Fun" pattern, which seems very suitable for beginners or those who like patterns that describe some methods in more detail.

"Misses' blouses and camisole: Fitted blouses with scoop neckline and camisole have princess seaming and button closings. Blouse A has three-quarter length sleeves with gathered caps and tie cuffs. Blouse B, with short sleeves, and sleeveless bouse C have shaped front hemline. A and B have sleeve heads. Lined, strapless camisole D has left side button closing..." I sewed View B.

Size
One-size, Miss 12.

Fabric
Embroidered cotton linen from EmmaOneSock. This was left over from a New Look blouse with the gathered neckline.

Favorite Features
* Princess seams
* All the bodice pieces sew together very nicely, matching up at the notches, without having to ease the pieces.
* Flattering rounded neckline
* Short semi-flutter sleeves
* Curved hemline


Not-so-favorite Features
* I already found the the length of the top to be short, considering that I am short waisted. On 5'10" Brooke, the length seems fine for her, but I found that the pattern was drafted differently.

* The collar neckband needed to be lengthened a little in order to reach the front facings before turning them inward.

*The upper back needs to be taken in a little more.

Directions
In comparison to some of the current patterns such as those from Simplciity's Project Runway series, the layout is more user-friendly, the directions are sufficient, the illustrations are clear, and contains a sections that have tips on working with patterns, which can be useful for sewists are who are new to working with patterns. besides the cutting layout and the technical drawings of the viewsand pattern pieces, there is an entire section devoted to pattern shortening or lengthening, fabric preparation, types of pattern markings, and transferring pattern markings. Also, the directions for sleeve placket construction and setting in a sleeve are somewhat more detailed than usual.


Modifications
*Shortened the length between the bust and waist 3/4"
*Lengthened all pieces for the bodice 1 1/2"
*Used french seams at the sides
*Reduced the seams 1/8" to allow for more ease


Conclusion
With just another adjustment, I plan to use this pattern again soon. It does not take too long to sew, especially if you have experience with making button-down shirts. I cannot wait to try Brooke's camp shirt pattern and boho gathered front dress that I have in my stash. So far, I have been impressed with McCall's patterns from the 70's and 80's, in terms of the drafting, fit, and directions.