Hi Everyone,
I am back today with a new blouse that I made using McCalls 7811. This blouse is actually the third time I have made this pattern. You can read all the details on the initial pattern modifications that I made here. The first two versions were made from a lightweight denim and a brushed cotton flannel. This version is made in a drapey polyester crepe that I purchased from Material Girl Laura (sorry, looks like its now sold out). I love the lightweight feel and the abstract print. Bonus very feint lurex stripe running through it. Very designer! First, let’s have a look at all three versions. I think these photos demonstrate what a very versatile pattern this is.
McCalls 7811 princess seam denim shirt with flounce 
McCalls 7811 brushed cotton plaid princess seam shirt
For this version I:
- Narrowed the ruffle. The original ruffle measures approximately 16 cm in width. I made mine about 10 cm in width.
- I added a ruffle at the top the neckband.
- I used the sleeve from view C, but lengthened by 6 inches and added a bias cuff at the bottom.
The fit in the back across the shoulders/ base of the neck is not quite right. I didn’t really notice it in the first two versions, and it’s not apparent from the photos, but it is just not sitting quite right there. Seems to be horizontal pull lines. I need to investigate more for next time as to what kind of adjustment I might need to make. Or maybe I am just becoming hyper critical 🙂 Seriously though, I am wondering if that is why the collar wants to open up a bit…though in this version is could also be the weight of the ruffle?
Overall, in case you couldn’t tell, I am in love with this blouse. It just makes me happy with all the little details and I can’t wait to wear it properly and show it off.
Until soon!
Very pretty and great to get 3 very different looking blouses out of one pattern 🙂
Thanks Beth.
Love this Manju! The top works perfectly with white pants and animal-print shoes. Sooo nice!
I bought this pattern because of your reviews. Thank you!
Thanks Lynn.
Gorgeous
Thank you Aileen.
That is a lovely make! You look great in it.
Thanks!
It’s a really pretty top and you look great in it.
Your blouses are great, and I love the variety you achieved! About the blouse pulling back, I had the same issue. A couple of things that work for me depending on the pattern are to 1- add a bit more room through the bustling, or 2- move the shoulder line forward a little. You do such a great job fitting, I know you’ll figure out what works best for you.
Thanks Lynn. I am wondering if it is to do more with the shoulder yes. I will investigate.
A “quick-and-dirty” trick that has worked well for me, to accommodate my age-related forward-neck issue:
Cut the back neck and shoulder line one size too large, the front neck and shoulder line one size too small. Evens out to the correct size, gets the tiny wee bit of extra length you need at the back to keep necklines from pulling backward (and sometimes choking you). You can either make the same adjustment to any facings, or cut the facings the correct size and just not worry about matching shoulder seam lines inside the garment.
It’s kind of Little House on the Prairie but I kind of like it
Sent from my iPad
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