Sew Miss Oz

Pattern Picture:

Project Photo:

Pattern Rating:

I like the ease of this pattern, it was quite quick and painless to put together. Now that I’ve made it this once, I know it needs alterations, therefore not a straight out of the package pattern :dreamin:

Pattern Description:

This pattern is for a blouse with front and back darts, a back tie, with or without a fold-over (not collar stand) collar, and with sleeve variations

Pattern Sizing/Sizing Used:

The pattern itself comes in a range of Misses sizes 8 – 18 in one package. The size range is one thing I love about New Look patterns. I have a tendency to flex my weight, and in the last few years it has been a 40 lb flex. I put the 40 lbs on, get frustrated, take the 40 lbs off, back and forth I go. Been doing these 40 lbs now since my 30’s and giving birth to my second daughter! I should maintain a size range of clothing from size 6 to size 12 in RTW! On this particular pattern I decided to sew a size 18 straight through based on the finished bust measurement given on the envelope. As you might notice that was a mistake.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Although the pattern website shows a photo with the pattern the actual pattern does not have a photo, only pencil style draws all colored in. I resembles the drawings though!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were straightforward although I noticed they left some item out of the instructions. Although I’ve been sewing for a long time, I was still surprised that nowhere in the instructions did it say when to do the button, buttonholes, etc. I also don’t know why I didn’t understand what they wanted me to do with the back neck-facing piece, the written instructions were sparse on this, and the picture was slim. In the end, I skipped the back neckpiece because I’ve made other shirt similar, on those shirts the collar was folded down, hem folded up, and then stitched in the ditch from the right side to close up the collar. I stitched in the ditch on the shoulder seams also to hold down the facing to be tacked. I don’t like to hand sew anything!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the ease of the pattern. I don’t like the fit at this moment. Using a size 18, the armholes were too deep, the shoulder seams are too long, and the overall fit is just too big. I think I need to start with a 16 then see if I need a full-bust adjustment. I also noticed the shoulder seams don’t fit me right, I’m not sure what the deal is with that, I could dig out my fitting books The shoulder seam next to the shoulder socket is in the right location, but by my neck it is 1 inch to far forward. It is almost as if they tried to do a forward shoulder adjustment in the pattern, but is too much of an adjustment for me. You notice that it is even too full in waist for me, although I like my tops fuller in the waist since I’ve had three kiddos. I did adjust the darts for the right location!

Fabric & Notions Used:

A 100% cotton shirting, but looser weave purchased through a coop several years ago.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

Absolutely no design changes or alterations made, this is kind of my muslin! I like to have wearable muslins if possible. Now I’m trying to decide if I want this one again, just making my noted alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I’m not sure if I want to try again on this or try a similar one, New Look 6952 . In the end I’ll probably do both because these are the type of tops I love to wear, sleeveless, short-sleeve, and long-sleeve. I want several to wear with skirts.

Tips:

I really don’t have any tips except skipping the back neck facing. I have looked at my RTW blouses like this, none have a back neck facing! I completed my neckline similar to those I found in my RTW shirts.

Conclusion:

I’ll probably wear this shirt even if it is a little big. Too big can still be worn, too small cannot Next time I’ll try a size 16 with alterations.