Blouse #106, Burda 05/2013

Wow... this project was one of the most frustrating for me so far...But let me explain why. I absolutely fell in love with the look of this blouse on the model. I was thinking about making it for a couple of weeks, and finally I decided to start working on it.

Cutting out the pattern details didn't alarm me yet, and only after my fabric was cut out I decided to search through other peoples blogs on how they succeeded with this blouse. Let me tell you I wasn't impressed. The references I read explained that the collar is not attached to the body and is loose (basically like a scarf), a lack of darts on the bodice makes it hang shapelessly and it is quite tight on the hips... wow... remember that my fabric is already cut out.... And it is pure beautiful silk fabric...

           

So I started to work on adjustments as I was sewing.

1. First of all I don't need a blouse with a scarf, so I decided to attach turtleneck to the bodice. But as the silk is not strechy I wouldn't be able to get it over my head.
2. So I opened up the seam on back and attached a 50cm long invisible zipper.
3. On both the front and back I added darts to give it some shape.
4. As it was too narrow on my hips I made side slits about 5cm up the seam line.

 

And here is the outcome after all my frustrations. I am still not fully happy of how the slit on the front bodice is laying, but I am absolutely satisfied with the overall shape of the blouse. My next project is going to be a dress. I am done with blouses for a while :)