Hello! I had the privilege to test the new extended size and cup range of the Fringe Blouse and Dress pattern by Chalk & Notch Patterns. I say privilege because Gabriela has the most detailed, well written patterns. I have made several Waterfall Raglans and a LOT of girls Waterfall Raglans but hadn't tried any of her woven patterns. When I was offered the opportunity to test I jumped on it. The testing took place right after Quiltcon so it was nice to get back to sewing immediately once I got home.
I have a rather large stash of fabrics so I dug deep and found this light blue floral polyester blend that has been in my stash for at least 10 years. I washed it, hung it to dry and was able to cut the blouse out of 2 yards of 58" wide fabric.
I have a rather large stash of fabrics so I dug deep and found this light blue floral polyester blend that has been in my stash for at least 10 years. I washed it, hung it to dry and was able to cut the blouse out of 2 yards of 58" wide fabric.
One of the things I love about Chalk & Notch Patterns are the attention to details in the directions. They really walk you step by step and you never question what to do at any point, which is really nice when sewing up a style you haven't tried before. I was afraid this fabric was going to be fussy to work with since it is really slippery but I never had a problem.
I chose to make View A as I liked the sleeve option and the front having the crossover button detail. I cut out a size 18 C/D at the top and graded out to a size 20 in the waist. I cut the bottom "skirt" out as a size 20. The top portion fit perfectly but the waist was still a bit snug right at the seam line so I ended up letting out the four waistline darts just a tad (2 in the back and 2 in the front.) Now the fit is more comfortable. Since I'm 5' even and the pattern is drafted for a taller gal, I shortened the upper bodice by 1" and think I could go a little more next time. The length was perfect as is. Other than that I changed nothing else with the pattern.
I am thrilled with the back of this garment, no pulling, it looks nice and feminine. This blouse will be in constant rotation this spring for sure.
I chose to make View A as I liked the sleeve option and the front having the crossover button detail. I cut out a size 18 C/D at the top and graded out to a size 20 in the waist. I cut the bottom "skirt" out as a size 20. The top portion fit perfectly but the waist was still a bit snug right at the seam line so I ended up letting out the four waistline darts just a tad (2 in the back and 2 in the front.) Now the fit is more comfortable. Since I'm 5' even and the pattern is drafted for a taller gal, I shortened the upper bodice by 1" and think I could go a little more next time. The length was perfect as is. Other than that I changed nothing else with the pattern.
I am thrilled with the back of this garment, no pulling, it looks nice and feminine. This blouse will be in constant rotation this spring for sure.
The updated Women's Fringe pattern is available now and on sale for a limited time. Head over to Chalk & Notch Patterns where you can find the PDF to purchase. I highly recommend the pattern and can honestly say it is very flattering on a variety of figures and sizes. Gabriela wrote a very extensive blog post on all the updates and sizing information so if you have any questions you can find all that information HERE.
I feel like a clothing blog post can't be complete unless I have an out take. I don't know if you guys remember the show, "My Name is Earl" but the main character on the show could not take a photograph without his eyes being closed and for some reason as an adult the same applies to me. This photo shoot was taken by my husband and he took about 75 photos and SO MANY my eyes were closed and of course it is always the photo I love the most. HAHA oh well, so here it is.
I feel like a clothing blog post can't be complete unless I have an out take. I don't know if you guys remember the show, "My Name is Earl" but the main character on the show could not take a photograph without his eyes being closed and for some reason as an adult the same applies to me. This photo shoot was taken by my husband and he took about 75 photos and SO MANY my eyes were closed and of course it is always the photo I love the most. HAHA oh well, so here it is.
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