Maybe it’s just me but on January 2, I was craving an oversized shirt to hide my holiday indulgences…. and when I’m in an unattractive state of mind, the fabric I like to turn to is silk.
This Famous Designer Black and Off-White Animal Print Crepe de Chine was the perfect antidote for my post holiday doldrums.
I feel better already!
My pattern of choice was Simplicity 2447, but it wasn’t just oversized, it was supersized!
Before cutting into the silk I made a full muslin which required one alteration after another. The photo below shows the muslin after the excess is pinned out of the princess seams and (the photo left) armscye.
It’s not easy being short 
Check out the bunching of fabric in the back after I removed two inches of length from the bodice……..
To eliminate the excess from the muslin I followed Lynda Maynard’s directions from her Craftsy Class, Sew the Perfect Fit by horizontally slicing the back pattern piece at the waist to the edge of the paper. By creating a wedge I eliminated the bulk from the middle of the back without affecting the length. Fortunately, my new roll of Pattern Paper from Mood Fabrics served me well as I transferred my alterations to a new pattern piece.
It helped re-draw the pattern on grain and assisted in keeping my alterations precise as I drafted a new pattern piece from the alterations. For those making constant pattern alterations, I believe the huge roll of paper is worth the $30 investment Check it out HERE.
After eliminating the bulk from the back, I left the back length longer than the front.
My one regret was not ordering an extra ½ yard of the silk. I did not have enough fabric for a full collar and settled on the collar stand featured in View D.
I cut all pattern pieces with a new rotary blade and used pattern weights (along with a very few pins) to prevent slipping. All of the careful measuring, pinning and fitting were worth the time, as I believe oversized garments should fit just as well as fitted ones.
Sewing a casual style in silk crepe de chine was true luxury for me. Whether worn with an old pair or cords or my new Marcy Tilton leggings, the combination of style and fabric yields a top that is the epitome of comfort and a great wardrobe extender.
Hubby hasn’t seen it yet but I know what his reaction will be……..
“ It’s pretty, but I like fitted clothes and shirts that tuck in better.”
Presto!
Gotta love the versatility of a silk blouse !
Until soon 