Here's my first "Amazing Fit" pattern by Simplicity that I recently sewed with. The pattern comes with sleeve and collar variations.The front pieces also come in A, B, C and D cups sizes.
I used a "10" at the shoulder seams, a "12" at the armscyes and sleeves, and a "14" elsewhere.
I used a printed cotton by Kaffe Fassett that I purchased from a local fabric store that recently went out of business. The owner decided to retire and wanted more time to spend time with family and of course, to sew.
My other purchases on that day, which coincided with PR's 10th anniversary. I received a 60% discount on the entire transaction!
My Simplicity 2151 blouse
Pattern Instructions
The procedures and diagrams to construct the blouse are clear. The directions for achieving an "amazing fit" are in a "fit as you sew" format which is helpful for a beginning sewist or any sewist who wants to be involved in a fitting process. There are "opportunities" to check for the fit at the front, back, and sides and make adjustments as necessary from the basted seams (1" allowance). The sleeves also needed to be adjusted accordingly. However, there are no "tips" to alter a pattern piece, based on your fitting adjustments.
Favorite/Not-so favorite Features of Pattern
I like the "wing" collar, epaulets, princess seams at the front, and the pleated and buttoned sleeve cuffs.
A "wing" collar shirt by Lafayette 148 New York for $228 at bluefly.com
A "Foxcroft" shirt at travelsmith.com, $74
I did not obtain an "Amazing Fit" immediately based on my typical adjustments to the pattern. In fact, I encountered a "dismay-zing" fit: extra ease at the waist, hips, and the back, necessitating more adjustments than my usual with shirts and blouses. I probably could have gone down a size to avoid spending additional time taking in the back darts and side seams.
Pattern alterations
* My standard 1" petite adjustment at the waistline
* Trimmed an excess of 1/4"-3/8" from the sleeve caps after easing and setting in the sleeves.
* I slightly lowered the first buttonhole from the original marking on the buttonhole guide and used five instead of six buttons.
*Omitted the side vents.
Recommendations
I probably would, now that I am familiar with this pattern. I recommend this shirt for its classic styling and despite the fitting to achieve the "amazing fit", it really is a straightforward shirt to sew.
Conclusion:
It is a nice basic for any wardrobe.
