Project # 8  A Flowing Knit Blouse for Spring

Pattern: Simplicity 4568 sizes 8-16 (be aware, this pattern runs small). Other similar patterns are: Kwik Sew 3169 sizes 4-14, Butterick 4177 sizes 7-16. We used size 14.

Supplies: 1 3/4 yards soft drapey fabric,  thread, a small amount of interfacing.

Fabric Used: Sun Showers

Sun Showers We couldn't resist this beautifully printed knit from Jones of New York. Large swaths of aqua and peach mingle with splotches of soft olive green. Creamy butter highlights and peeks through the dominant colors throughout the print. Great choice for tops to mix and match with year round solids. Polyester knit.60 in. (C) $14.95 yard

Other fabric Suggestions:  Check out all our knits!

This pattern was easy to start and finish in a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon. There were just six pieces: front top, front and back bottom, back top, sleeves and a neck facing. Because the fabric Rachel chose was a knit, I had her use a zig zag stitch. She didn't bother finishing the seams because the knit doesn't ravel.

Lessons Learned: Understitiching       To understitch, simply press the facing away from the garment. Then press the seam toward the facing. With the facing side up, stitch carefully and close to the seam through the facing and seam allowances.

Rachel learned about understitching and setting in sleeves on this pattern. Understitching is done on facings to keep them laying flat and is done after the facing is attached to the neckline. Setting in the sleeves went well too. Rachel first sewed the long sleeve seam together and then gently and slowly eased and sewed the sleeve cap into the armhole of the bodice.

Here are some thoughts from Rachel as she reflected back on the project:

 "I absolutely fell in love with this fabric at the store; it has pretty, spring-y colors, a funky pattern, and is soft and slinky. It was perfect for the loose, flowing shirt pattern we had in mind. The fabric's only flaw was its slipperiness, which made it harder to cut, sew, pin, and handle. This was easily dealt with by doing everything slowly and carefully to make sure it didn’t stretch or slip out of place. The finished shirt is soft and comfortable, not to mention unique! This shirt will definitely one of my favorite shirts in my closet- and hopefully yours too!"

Carole