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McCall's 7094 - Blue Silk Blouse

Figuring out how to dress for work (alluded to here) has led to some experimentation on my part. If I’m going to need new clothes, I might as well try some different things.  Awhile ago I included a couple pieces of silk crepe de chine in an order from Fabricmart. My experience with silk is pretty limited – both the sewing of it and the wearing of it, but I was curious if I’d like to do more with it. The pieces I bought were a good deal and good for experimenting.

  
I really liked McCall’s 7094 and thought it would be a good match for a drapey silk. I preferred view D, but didn’t have the yardage it required. The blue silk matched the blue in this wool, so I figured if the top turned out I could wear them together.


As other reviewers note, the top has a lot of ease through the bodice. I chose my size based on the width across the shoulder yoke. After basting the bodice together and trying it on, I took some width off the front at the side seams and recut the back. The pattern includes gathers in the back, but pleats in the front. I modified it to have two small pleats in the back and cut away all the extra. There is still plenty of ease and the loose fit is maintained, but it isn’t excessive.


I really like the placket and neckline detail. My finishing on the inside is a bit dodgy, but I was being more speedy than meticulous. I hand-stitched the placket closed to the point where it curves apart.


The sleeves end with a plain hem – no cuffs or other detail. They aren’t quite long enough for me, but I didn’t expect to ever wear them unrolled. However, the tabs are functional and can be undone for washing and ironing the shirt.


I enjoyed working with this silk. It isn’t as slippery and shifty as charmeuse. I finished the side and sleeve seams with French seams since it would show when the sleeves were rolled up, but I did use the serger for other finishing. 


I'd like to make this again, but in the longer length to wear with slim pants. This version is in the laundry as I type these very words, so we shall see how it fares. My daughter was upset and needed some hugs and snuggles while I was wearing it. You can see evidence of that here:

Niiiiice.

So, I enjoyed working with the silk and it feels wonderful to wear, but whether or not my life is suitable for it has yet to be determined…

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Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 30, 2015 at 2:57 PM

    It looks lovely and professional!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LisaMay 1, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    Very pretty blouse. The changes you made really make for a great fit. Looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AudreyMay 1, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    I really like your blouse. It has great fit, interesting style details and is made of a lovely fabric. Just perfect for your work environment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ReneeMay 3, 2015 at 2:01 PM

      Thank you, Audrey. I like it enough that I think I'll make it again, so the changes were worth the effort.

      Delete
  4. NursebennettMay 3, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    Looks very professional, yet comfortable and its a beautiful,color. Nice work

    ReplyDelete
  5. CherylMay 4, 2015 at 4:11 PM

    Beautiful blouse! Love the look of the collar and placket! Professional and chic! Funny...I too have never sewn with silk. I've been doing a bit of shopping and have aquired a bit of yardage ....now to get the nerve and actually sew it up! Eeeekkkk...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ReneeMay 4, 2015 at 5:55 PM

      Go for it, Cheryl! Silk is nice in the stash, but it's nicer in the closet! It's a pretty strong fabric and there is info on the web about using gelatin or starch to tame it if it's too slippery or shifty.

      Delete

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