Painted Portrait Blouse

 

It's finished!  The last few steps took a bit longer than I had expected because the facings are hand sewn to finish - a surprise to me.  But, I know so little about sewing garments (this was my first top) so surprises are to be expected.



So I like it!  Yay!  Wasn't sure about the fabrics for wearing, but when I put it on, I decided that the Pastry Voile in toast is a good color for me after all.  There were also some sizing issues.  According to my measurements on the Painted Portrait packaging I was a solid size medium, but when I put on the sewn top the first time, it was swimming on me.  My instinct was to take it in at the back princess seams, which Erin's post confirmed.  So, that I did.



I unpicked the back princess seams and left the seam allowances pressed in.  Then I brought the side panels in and pinned them under the turned seam allowance.  Try it on.  Adjust.  Try it on.  Adjust.  Eventually, a good fit!   Here's the back, finished:



I ended up taking it in by about 1 1/4" at the top of the seam and 3 1/2" at the bottom of the seam, and that on both sides.  I'm a 32C, so I'm kind of a big/little shape, so it's understandable that I had to make some changes.  And then again, it's also about how you like a top to fit.  I appreciate that this one is blousy at the front over the tummy area.  Taking it in at the side panels means it fits narrow rather than flaring out wide.  Oh, I also shortened all panels by 2" at the shortening line, since I am only 5' 4". 



I recorded my changes to the side panels by tracing the final shape onto my side panel pattern piece.  Those of you garment sewing pros, should I just sew the small next time or now that I've adjusted the medium, should I sew it again?  Because I'd definitely like to make another Painted Portrait blouse sometime!

Thanks, Anna Maria, for another great pattern!