Vogue 7828 blouse

Reviewed by:	Ann Smith	About Ann Smith CA USA Member since: 8/24/02 Reviews written: 155 Sewing skills:Advanced Favored by: 186 people patterns reviewed: 152 Bio: I love to sew for fashion, especially unusual designs. I own way too many patterns and fabric! I hav...full profile
Posted on:	4/12/04 2:17 AM
Last Updated:	4/12/04 11:01 AM
Pattern Size:	Regular
Project Photo:
Pattern Photo:	Pattern Information provided by Ann Smith
Pattern Rating:	Recommended, but with modifications
Pattern Description: A fitted, wrap blouse with front tucks, drape front, and straight or flared long sleeves. View A has buttons and self fabric loops and View B and C have self-fabric ties. I choose View A. Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6-8-10, 12-14-16, and 18-20-22. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were fine. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the look on the pattern envelope. It is a very graceful and unusual style...a copy of an Armani. I disliked how it looks on me and the difficulties fitting. It involved a lot of fussing. Fabric Used: Pink wool/lycra. The stretch is very minimal. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I started with my usual size which requires a 6 inch addition for the bust and 3 for the hips. This was tricky because of the diagonal tucks. After it was mostly completed I fussed with the fit alot. I took in the center tuck to shape to the body more. I stitched closed the tucks on the under lap. I don't understand why they are not closed on the pattern as they create extra bulk underneath at the belly. Not good. I had to fiddle with the button placement because the suggested locations had the top button very unattractively placed on my bosom. I moved that button down to the middle tuck and respaced the three buttons. I would have switched to the tie closures but I didn't have enough fabric left without lots of piecing. The ties would have been much easier to fit. Now that I see the pictures of myself in this blouse I'm not happy with it. I think the drape front is very unflattering. I think I may stitch all the tucks closed and shorten the front some. I think the sleeves look a little too full. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might try this again now that I have the alterations figured out but I will choose a very thin, silky fabric. (The fabrics suggested are shantung, taffeta, faille, lt.wt.linen and silk-like broadcloth....none very drapey). This pattern is rated Easy which it would be if there are no alterations needed. However because of the design, the changes for personal fit are not easy to figure out. I would not recommend this to the beginner.