The Honey Blouse
Earlier this week, I finished sewing The Honey Blouse, a pattern by Make It Perfect. I won this pattern as part of Celebrate Color last fall!
As part of my prize, I got to pick out two patterns, so you might remember when I made Make It Perfect’s Shearwater Kaftan back in January. Between the two patterns, I’m really loving the shape of the Honey Blouse a bit more. It is so easy to wear, and as the pattern says, you really could dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
For my fabric, I used Amy Butler’s Martini in Grey. I love to quilt with brights, but tend to stick with neutral clothing, so this print has the perfect level of wearability for me. The rust colored dots pop just enough to add some fun, and I love the grey!
I really like Make It Perfect patterns, once I got used to the format. Basically, these patterns work best if you trace the design onto freezer paper, then iron directly onto your fabric. I did not follow the cutting directions for fabric, but instead arranged my pieces in order to save yardage. There are a few strips of fabric you’ll cut from measurements instead of pattern pieces (the neckline, sleeve linings, waistband and shirt ties).
The tricky part about this pattern is the twisted neckline, which really isn’t so bad once you get the hang of it. But I did rip out my stitching once and reattempt the neck lining. So much better the second time around! You’ll have plenty of practice attaching this style of band, because the sleeves are attached the same way.
For my next version of this shirt (yes, I will definitely sew this pattern again!), I’m going with shorter sleeves and will probably do without the waist tie. As a happy accident, I also timed this project perfectly with the Made By Rae Spring Top Sewalong. It runs through April 22 if you’re game!
