Made by Me: Sew Over It Anderson Blouse

I'm working from home today so I thought I'd spend my lunch break telling you about my latest project, my Sew Over It Anderson blouse.

As soon as I saw this pattern had been released I knew I had to have it.  It's the kind of blouse I love, no collar, no fastenings, just stylish.  I've always disliked blouses or shirts with collars - ever since school - I find the collars rarely sit well on me, and often button front blouses or shirts gape between the buttons, or if they fit well across the bust are too big in the shoulders and waist.  I suppose all of these issues could be solved by sewing my own, and maybe one day I will, but for now I've gone the Anderson route.

Pattern Description:

Based on the iconic silk blouses worn by Gillian Anderson in hit series The Fall, the Anderson Blouse is a gorgeous, glamorous classic. The delicious wrap front is sexy and sophisticated, and its stunning drape gives the blouse an effortlessly feminine feel - though it definitely still means business!

Pattern Sizing:

UK sizes 8 - 20 (33 - 45 inch bust).  I made a size 10.

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?

 

Yes, I found the instructions very clear and easy to follow.  It was my first Sew Over It pattern, and based on this experience I'd happily use other patterns.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked the clear instructions and the photographs.  I love the design of the blouse, although thought it might be a little oversized for me.  I would normally be a UK size 12, but this had a finished bust measurement of 42 inches, which gave a bit more ease than I wanted.  I made a size 10 instead and am completely happy with the amount of ease.

Fabric Used:

Polyester satin with a twill weave, bought very cheaply from a market in Spain.  This version is actually a muslin, but is very wearable (as I'd hoped it would be).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 

No changes made.  The only thing I did differently was to omit the drawstring from the hem, as I would never wear the blouse loose.  I thought the drawstring might add (unneeded) bulk when the blouse was tucked into trousers.  

 

I'm going to add a small clear press-stud to the front overlap.  Lisa suggests a few stitches if you're worrying about it staying put, but I think I'd prefer a popper.

 

When I make it again I'll narrow the shoulders slightly, as they are a little too wide.  This is a common alteration for me as I have quite narrow shoulders in comparison to my bust.  The shoulders on this version are fine though.

 

 

 

 

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

Definitely and yes.  This style wouldn't suit everyone, but then I don't think there is any style that would suit absolutely everyone, but its a smart alternative to a jersey top for people that don't like traditional buttoned blouses.

Conclusion:

I'm very happy with how this turned out.  It's definitely the kind of top I need in my wardrobe so I can see there being a couple more joining this one.  I'm wondering if it would work in jersey, with a wide band at the hem for a more casual look to be worn over trousers rather than tucked in.