V8324

Here's one of my favorite blouses. Unfortunately, the photograph doesn't show it to it's advantage! I would like to have seen a photograph on the pattern envelope instead of a line drawing.

The pattern has a pleat at center back, fastened at the waist. Plain V-neck or with added ruffle. Short bell sleeves, or long bishop sleeves. I made the version with a ruffle and made a 3/4 length sleeve, adding a ruffle there also. It's semi-fitted with bust darts and vertical darts, front and back.

My blouse is made of rayon challis. I LOVE rayon challis. It's so drapey and soft. It's hard to find. I have a couple of pieces in my stash and at least one of them will become another of this pattern.

Linda suggested I describe how I made the ruffles on this blouse. I disregarded the instructions and made the ruffle I prefer. Patterns are just a starting point--a suggestion. Sometimes, I don't like their suggestions! The pattern calls for a double ruffle. That may work if using a sheer fabric, but in challis, the ruffle would be heavy and weigh down the front of the blouse.

To make the ruffle on both the neckline and the sleeves, I first determined how wide I wanted the ruffle, and cut a 3" strip of fabric across the grain. On each long side, I made a serger rolled-hem. I gathered the strip(s) on the machine with a gathering foot. making the gathering stitches 5/8" from the edge. The strip was ready to be sewn in place, to the neckline and to the sleeves.

It's a simple, uncomplicated way to make a ruffle. Here's a closeup of the sleeve:

This is a nice pattern. It's feminine and comfortable.

I have jeans cut out, ready to sew. Maybe I'll get going on those next week.

Have a great week.