Sometimes You Have To Pivot

Hi Guys! I hope you all have been enjoying your summer so far. I know it’s coming to an end soon. So, this month I had decided to make this really cute ruffle top from Viki Sews and things just didn't work out as planned. I made a muslin out of the lining, and it fit great. I worked on that top, making ruffles, for two days. I decided to try it on for fit before installing the zipper and it didn’t fit! I was pretty bummed, but the show must go on. Luckly, I had enough fabric to make something else. I moved on to a button-down shirt pattern from Mood Fabrics.

Did you know that Mood has a collection of free patterns? Well, they do and you should definitely check them out if you’re ok with PDF patterns. I selected to make the Alabaster Sleeveless Blouse. I saw this top a few weeks ago when they released it and I knew I wanted to make it. My memade wardrobe is seriously lacking staples and I thought this top would be perfect to add to my rotation.

Based on my body measurements, I made a size 3XL, but I really could have gone with a 2XL. I’m in between sizes and I went with the larger size because of my hips, but I don’t think it was necessary. Besides the look of the structured shoulders, I love the covered button placket. I think it gives the blouse more of a dressy and refined look.

Now, I’m not going to lie to you. Figuring out how to fold the button placket gave me a run for my money! I was confused for a bit and had to walk away from it because I couldn’t figure it out. After going to YouTube to watch some videos I was kind of getting the hang of it. What I ended up doing was going back to the beginning of the pattern instructions and made sure I had every pattern piece labeled properly. It is very important to label the wearers right front and left front because right side is the buttonholes placket and the left side is the buttons placket. Also, one side is cut shorter than the other. There are notches to help, but the buttonhole placket is folded on it’s self like an accordion and is very easy to get wrong. Once it’s complete, it looks so nice and neat.

When I started to look for my fabric, I knew I wanted to make something that I could wear often, so I started looking for something solid. I’m a flowers and patterns kind of girl so it was difficult for me to decide on a solid color. I went with this celadon green colored cotton poly blend Robert Kaufman fabric. This fabric is very light and airy, so it’s perfect for the summer months. It also washes and presses out very well. I’m very happy with my selection of fabric.

I paired my blouse with some capri jeans I had in my closet and some kitten heel sandals and shades to complete the look. I love everything about this look. I made sure to photograph the top worn in several different styles because although it’s the same top, you can style it in a few different ways. Well, I hope you enjoyed my make and I’ll see you next time!

JOHANNA | @soveryjo

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