A Nell Blouse

I've made myself a new top using the Nell dress and top pattern by Tilly and the Buttons. I had gotten this pattern in a Sew Hayley Jane subscription box last year. I showed the pattern to my daughter, thinking she might like me to make it for her. Nope. She said, "Mom, it's soooo 90s," which made me laugh. But then I really thought about it and realized I had a dress just like this (I think it was a McCall's) in the 90s. It was made out of a light yellow linen with bunches of flowers. I wore that dress constantly on our European summer trip as it was perfect in the heat. I no longer have the dress, but if I could find a similar fabric, I could easily duplicate it!

So, I set about making a muslin or two or three, trying to get the fit right, learning in the process that I do not fit in the Tilly and the Buttons block very well: the block is too wide in the shoulders, too small in the bust, too short in the bodice, sleeves, and skirt, too boxy in the bodice, too tight in the biceps, the bust dart is too high, the back is too big, etc. You get the idea. I think I altered every single pattern piece.

Well, this version is by no means perfect--but it is much better than the original muslin! For this top, I used a Waverly cotton  that I saw at Walmart. I think it's pretty. And I do like pink!

The buttons were purchased at Mill End Fabrics in Reno, Nevada--eighty cents for six. 

This was a simple make--once I'd done a multitude of adjustments. Everything was done on my sewing machine and I finished all seams with my serger. I hand sewed the hems and tacked down the bottom of the button placket. And I had a first: I used my machine to sew on the buttons, and it was easy!

If I make another version, and I am might make a dress in rayon, I'll take out some of the volume under my bust and also from the back waist, and probably add a tie. I might add darts at the front and back waist seams. And I'll narrow the shoulders and the back a little more. I'm not sure, though. I might just make a pattern more suited to my figure.

Especially with those future changes needed, this was a just okay make. It'll be handy to have another lightweight woven top in a natural fiber in my wardrobe--perfect for our hot summer. And I will wear it, but it sure has a lot of flaws, and I don't care for it at all. In fact, I'm thinking of repurposing this top into a dress or top for my granddaughter. Oh well, I guess they can't all be winners! I am hopeful that my current project will fit me better.

I hope you are having fun at the sewing machine and enjoying the weather wherever you are!

Happy sewing ~ Peggy