Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Blouse with Embellished Collar: Because Separates


There's a downside to everything, even such a nice thing as loving to wear and make dresses. It's hard to make separates, even when I know I need, want and will wear them. Making a blouse like this is exactly as much work as making a dress and at the end of it, only half of my body is covered!

But: pants. In the winter I do like to wear them. Even for dancing. And mixing things up with jeans from time to time helps me feel just a little less matronly. So. I should do this. I should make more separates.


Vogue 1573 had its second outing here, this time as a variation on view B (version 1, the black lace dress, here). See the spread collar with facing? I wanted that. See the shoulder gathers? I didn't want those.


Below is the altered front pattern piece showing four things:
  1. Shortened the bodice 1".
  2. Based on my previous making of this pattern, added a smallish FBA to increase the length at the center front only (not at the side, where I had removed it) and also width.
  3. Narrowed the front shoulder 1 1/4" to remove gathers. I determined this amount by comparing the unaltered front shoulder width to the back (which did not have gathers); the difference was the amount to remove.
  4. Narrowed the front shoulder an additional 5/8" based on previous make of this pattern.


 My point here (yes, there is one) is to say that I was nervous about reducing the shoulder width so much (1 7/8" on the front). The back shoulder width was narrowed to match. Wonder of wonders, it all worked out. I feel very empowered to know that I can make both fitting and style adjustments with success.



This rayon challis from FabricMart appealed to me for the combination of a color that works well for me (rust) with one that doesn't (black). I thought that the two together, plus the geometric design, would be useful for pairing with black separates. But then as I was envisioning this top, it seemed rather dark and gloomy. I admire vintage blouses and dresses with white collars, which play such a good trick of directing the eye to the wearer's face.


The plain white collar, though, was too stark against the fashion fabric. It put me a bit in mind of a bowling shirt or a waitress uniform. I started playing around with this vintage black cotton trim and loved the way it related the collar to the rest of the garment and especially the buttons.

And then I decided it needed rhinestones, which I have never, never used or even considered using before. Off to Hancock's, which didn't have what I wanted, and then to A.C. Moore, which did.


Since neither store I visited had a heat set tool that looked sturdy, I simply applied these stones with adhesive. If they come loose during washing, I'll just glue them back on. I have lots more. A heat set tool might be in my future, though--let me know if you have any suggestions!


Paired with a beloved Ann Taylor black rayon cardigan. Yes, I did make a matching skirt, but I don't like either the skirt or any of the pictures of the two pieces together. After the holidays, I hope to make the skirt work better (mostly, it's just too big).

This dress pattern, made as a blouse, combines two things that I need in a top: a collar and a defined waist. I'd like to think I will make a bunch more, but it isn't a quickie garment. We'll see.

8 comments:

  1. Oh, I have the same problem. I need to make more separates, but what am I working on right now -- another dress! I feel the same as you -- separates are the same amount of work for half the results. I do love your blouse. I have my mom's rhinestone kit from the '70s, but haven't tried to use it yet to see if it still works.

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  2. Wow, love this blouse! I will have to get my copy of this pattern out and give it a look again.

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  3. I LOVE the blouse you made. You have a good point. Making a blouse from a dress pattern will give a more defined waist. Great idea. I might try that sometime soon!

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  4. It's really lovely and the shape suits you perfectly! That embellished collar is great!

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  5. Really pretty. Definitely a 1950s vibe going on!

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  6. Ha, this is why I hate making separates too! As much work as a dress and you're only half-covered when it's done, exactly.

    Very cute blouse. The collar embellishment is a lovely little touch.

    I have the Kandi Kane hotfix wand which seems fine, though I can't say I've used it all that much (and I can't think of any project I've made with it that's washable).

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  7. Love it! I really like the color you chose and that it has a retro 40s vibe too!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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