Tailoring and Sewing a Blouse From a Pattern
I like to think of sewing patterns as mini-modules. I look for patterns that can teach me new techniques for achieving the effects I want. For example, I usually have to do some alterations to accommodate my full bust. McCalls M6399 to the rescue!
This pattern comes with full tailoring directions for all types of figures! As you can see, I altered mine by adding fullness in the front.
Above, I demonstrate how to make tailor's thread markings for the precision pleating involved in making this blouse. Large stitches using contrasting thread are sewn through the pattern, and are then used to match up the folds.
Once marked, I basted the pleats, then machine stitched them in place. This top has 24 pleats in all!
Taking plenty of time and care to prepare the pieces of the garment ensures that tricky pleats will still line up and drape exactly the way you want them to.
Never content to churn out a basic garment, I searched my fabric stash and retrieved this bit of 1999 "Shiva" artist's cotton to use for an applique, as well as for the facings.
I applied the elephant print by hand using silk thread and embroidery stitches.
I love this style of top, and this one is the third iteration I have made using this pattern!
Here's how it looks on me from the back:
Just for fun, here is the first top I made using McCalls M6399:
And here is a longsleeved version:
I wonder what the next top from this pattern will look like? It is so much fun to make, even if it does require so much fuss with all the pleating.
Cheers!
Love,cat
@creationofcare
My gallery of creations is on fb:
https://www.facebook.com/FeraL-Clothing-162395904652/
Thank you so much for being part of the #socalsteemit community.
Very cool, thank you!
You and your wonderful blouses are so beautiful!
What a cool pattern and awesome material on the
first photos! Now what would this look like with the
white fur and spacey material the jacket had? :-)
❤ 🐱
Aw, thank you @shasta! Hehe I am imagining pleating fantasy fur, and weeping at the same time! I do think it would be funky fresh done in that galaxy print, though. I wonder if the remnants are large enough...maybe just for a tank top ;)
Much love!
What a beautiful blouse! Isn't it amazing how many different looking garments you can do with one good pattern and a bit of imagination?
I love the fabric - especially close up you can see how many color there are in it. Was it hard to sew with it? It looks like it might be a bit slippery.
Thanks! I do appreciate a quality pattern that I don't get bored working on again and again. This one is particularly versatile, having a zipper option for nonstretch as well as all the tailoring info.
I'm glad you like this orangey pinky fabric! I bought it years ago from the discount table and made some raver wear with it. It is surprisingly easy to work with, once I zigzagged all the edges. I realized after I cut it that the stretch goes lengthwise, and technically I should have cut it with horizontal stripes. But I prefer my stripes vertical . Breaking all the rulez hehe!
Cheers and thanks for your comment!
THis shirt (and espacially the applique) is beuatiful and suits you so well. And your explanation is also very clear.... but for me so intimidating :-DDD My sewing skills are strained to the max by making a circle skirt with elastic :-D Such a tailored blouse as yours has to wait for me getting muuuuch better in sewing.
Thank you very much!
I agree, I couldn't design this pattern myself. So having a well written commercial pattern teaches me a lot, like a home study course :)
Awesome work! Congrats on the #SoCalSteemit Spotlight.
Thanks! And likewise! :)
Hello @creationofcare!! Welcome to #NeedleWorkMonday! It’s so good to have you! Every Monday we get together to share our work, ideas, patterns, tips, shortcuts and to inspire each other! Anyone that does a craft involving a needle is welcome! Thank you for sharing the process of your work as we love seeing a project come to life. No need to wait for a project to be fully complete to post!
Your blouse is so pretty! The material and color looks great on you! I love the appliqué and color that you added to it. The first blouse you made is also very pretty! I think it’s great that we can alter clothing to our liking.
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