two blouses

Remember this blouse that I made as a little present to me for Jack's birthday?  Well, the words of Tyra Banks keep ringing in my head each time I wear it: "Dress for your proportions"... so I decided to shorten the hem by about an inch and a half.  I liked the longer length (hides more "baby junk", and even some "junk" I probably can't blame the baby for as well) but I wondered if I shortened the blouse a bit if it would be a bit dressier, and a bit more flattering.  And I'm pretty happy with it this way.  It's a great layering piece (shown here over one of my favorite dresses from Old Navy a few years ago and black leggings) and something I can probably wear year-round here in Southern California.  I think if when I make it again I'll use a bias trim on the "V" part, instead of the facing I used, so you can see it from the front, too.  I actually planned on doing it that way originally, when I drew up the pattern, and then forgot whilst in the middle of sewing the facing on, so I'll definitely try the binding next time.  And it might make the neckline just perfect that way, too. 

As promised, here's a shot of one of the Ruffler Blouses on a real person.  I could not, for the life of me, decide on the sleeves, so I made one of each.  Crazy, huh?  On the left is the three quarter length bell sleeve, much like the child's pattern.  For me here are the potential pros and cons to this type of sleeve with this blouse:

PROS:

• Ease of movement (important if wrangling animals or small children)
• Simple and chic
• An understated element to contrast the bold neckline

CONS

• The blouse is already roomy and a bit oversized by design, perhaps the oversized sleeve is too wide?
• Doesn't look as "finished" as other options

So I decided to gather the other sleeve and finish with a bias bound cuff.  I really, really like this type of sleeve, it's one of my favorites on most of the shirts I wear, and think it's universally flattering.  I love the little extra detail of the cuff, and think it would even look cute with a button.  The only problem I have with this sleeve, is that when I look at it in conjunction with the whole blouse, does it look too clownish?  You know, gathered neckline, gathered sleeves?  I know it is almost Halloween, but I would hate for anyone to mistake this for my costume.

Tell me your thoughts!  What sleeve do you prefer?  If I gather and bind the other sleeve will people start whispering "go back to the Big Top!" behind my back?  Let me know!  And pictures of the sleeveless version coming soon!

(And I didn't forget about the pillowcases I mentioned yesterday. My camera died before I got a chance to take a photo... so tomorrow for sure!)

Comments

[Serena]

I like the bias-bound gathered sleeve. I think it looks a bit more refined, which is in keeping with the overall look of the blouse.

gypsy sweet on Flickr

[mum/toddler/babe]

I prefer the bias bound sleeve. Looks more finished as you said.

[Kate]

I like the gathered sleeve x

[Varenia]

Thank you for your input ladies!!! I love the gathered sleeve too, and glad to know it's not clown-like :)

[Liz]

Varenia, I love the gathered sleeved! Loved your commentary regarding this sleeve:)

[Laurie]

Cute, all of it! You look so chic! CUTE BOOTS! ANTHRO? ;)