Last year (when I bought this pattern) I thought that it would be just the perfect addition to my wardrobe. This year - I'm not so sure. It's the Alice and Olivia peasant blouse the red one.
I dawdled with the sewing. There's not much that's really difficult with this blouse. I actually followed the instructions, and yes, I made all french seams on the inside. Guess you could almost wear this one inside out! Mine is a cotton/silk voile. Feels lovely. Now I'm not so sure about the "explosion" pattern. It does match (and sort of work with) my wide(r) brown linen pants. That's about all that it goes with. I think that the pants should, perhaps be much more narrow. New dark brown pants? Probably need to happen at some point before the end of the warm weather. This isn't something that could be stuffed under a cardigan or a jacket. Guess I've kept you in suspense long enough...
I did pull the elastic at the neck a bit tighter than prescribed - felt like the neck edge would fall of my shoulders at the least hint of movement. The waist is on a drawstring - seems to me that it would be better with elastic, having the ties only for show. The fabric is rather slippery, especially as "spaghetti strings" - I can just see having to retie that bow at the waist at least every 15 minutes. I'm not crazy about the casing in the sleeves - it's just a tuck inside. Makes the flounce hang in a "different" fashion to what I've come to expect.
As I look at the picture - no, actually, as soon as I put the pants under the blouse on Dummy, I thought that there might be hope for this blouse. It's one of those items that I really have to wear for some hours before I can really decide if I like it or not. Just standing in front of a mirror to see if something fits, doesn't really truly tell you if something is comfortable to wear. For me, comfortable is something that I don't have to think about the whole time it's on me. Some minor changes might have to be made. Something tells me that tomorrow night's beginners' sewing class is not the right time to try out this blouse - I pretty well have to be a whirlwind at those classes, just to make sure that no-one goofs too badly. Now - lounging around someone's backyard with wine glass in hand - that's more the appropriate time.
It's a little different from many of the things that you have made, but I think it is lovely and it looks great with the brown pants. It's so soft and feminine. The fabric is a very nice choice for the blouse as well. Hey, send it to me, I'll wear it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think that top will look really pretty on you. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it is pretty, and if it encourages you to lounge around in the garden with a glass of wine- so much the better! :-)
ReplyDeleteI think it's beautiful! Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your definition of comfort vs looks. Still this top is beautiful and certainly worthy of a shot at a garden party with wine!
ReplyDeleteShame you don't enjoy wearing it. It looks rather beautiful in your photograph.
ReplyDeleteI like your blouse a lot. The style is very soft and feminine and the print is modern, but in subdued colors. The style may not be one you are used to wearing. But I'll bet it looks very nice worn over your brown pants.
ReplyDeleteIrene! I am seeing these tops everywhere in RTW! You should wear it! I'm sure it will look SO lovely on you!
ReplyDeleteI think this top is very pretty. But I agree that if it's not comfortable you won't enjoy wearing it.
ReplyDeleteI think its nice... and.... tomorrow i post the same model!
ReplyDeleteGroeten uit Nederland.
This is beautiful, Irene! I hope you end up liking it :)
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