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.

15 comments

  1. Very nice and the fabric looks great. Hope you'll make more of this!

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    1. Thanks Manju. There'll be at least one more, I have the fabric for it already.

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  2. So pretty! and I'm with you, I don't care for collars either. This looks great on you!

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  3. This is exactly what I love to wear for work. Love your fabric; it looks great with your jeans.

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    1. Thanks Lucie. Yes, I love the look of this fabric with jeans.

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  4. Ooh, I love it! I saw another version of this pattern recently. Very pretty and different! Love the style.

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  5. It's a great pattern Sam, and I loved seeing what Gillian Anderson was wearing. I like this print too - although it looks nice with jeans I think it will look super with a navy, dark red or neutral suit. Lovely work.

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    1. Thank you Kate. I didn't actually watch the TV programme that this pattern was inspired by! I'd love to make a plain one in a really nice fabric, this one is good, but the fabric was so cheap I'm not sure how long it will last.

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  6. Lovely! I always loved Scully's wardrobe on the Xfiles too, so chic and a bit "film noire " :)

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    1. Thanks Carolyn. Yes, Scully always looked good on the X-Files... I loved that show!

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  7. That is lovely! The fabric is amazing too. I wasn't familiar with the pattern so I went over to the pattern page. It says the bottom closes with a drawstring? How does that work for tucking the shirt in?

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    1. Thanks Gail. I left off the drawstring. The instructions tell you to overlap the front wrap and then basically sew a hem deep enough to thread a ribbon or something through. I just did a narrow hem, because I knew I'd only wear it tucked into something and didn't see the point of adding the drawstring. You'd definitely need the drawstring if you were not going to tuck the blouse into something.

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