Star Spangled Manner

I discovered on-line this earlier last year, a Banana Republic silk geometric blouse for $69.50.




Here's Talbot's top in a solid:

The version of my pattern envelope.


Another version of the pattern envelope.


Pattern Description:
Blouses with front bow, front and back vertical fronts, buttoned front, and sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing:
Misses' 8-18. I sewed a "12" at the shoulders and sleeves, tapering to a "16" for the first version and a "14" for the second version.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
They were fine. The only thing I made a note of was to exercise caution in attaching the front facing (which I used in my second version), especially at the top end, where the bow started. I should have made the top little seam 1/8" wider, leading into the collar, where the raw edge is turned under and hand-stitched or topstitched.


Favorite Features
*Bow
*Vertical darts for shaping
*Sleeve variations
*Relatively easy to sew

Slight dislikes
* The neckline is low, but fortunately as mentioned by the other reviewers, the bow makes the neckline modest, by covering up the lowest portion.

*The bow can be bulky depending on the fabric used.

*More noticeable on my second version than on my first, some bunching above the bust. I might have cut the "12" instead of the "14" or took in the bust darts more than I should. The model wearing the fuscia top is experiencing a tad of it.


Fabric Used:

First version in printed cotton left over from Heather's patriotic dress.




Heather's patriotic dress that I made last year from McCall's 5308. Now in first grade, Heather just learned several patriotic songs and has been singing them a lot around the house (America, Grand Old Flag) with Star Spangled Banner, being her favorite, of course.

"Campaign" buttons from the back view.




Second version: Cotton from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

First version
*Eliminated the center front seam

*Reinforced the the upper center front by creating a narrow 3/8" seam which will be covered by the bow when worn.

*I took out 2" in width of the bow for the first version, because I was using a double knit.


Second version
* 3/4" horizontal tuck to eliminate the slight "puff" in the upper back
center back seam. I made this alteration after my first version.

* I used the front facing for the button down portion

* In making my second version to a "14", I reduced the width of the darts and had to eliminate the front darts. My fabric had less ease than the one I used on my first version. I should have eliminated the center back seam.


Both versions
*Made a 3/4" petite adjustment


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. I might try the longer sleeve version.

I realize the importance of creating a muslin version (in my case with "less serious" fabric) before making a very wearable outfit in more luxurious fabric. It took me years to realize what adjustments I needed to make something fit better after looking at things I have made with a critical eye. I still have a long way to go.

Conclusion:
Nice pattern to try, as a diversion from collared tops.

O say can you sew, by the dawn's early light...