Oooooh, I am in love with this top I just made with the new Made by Rae Beatrix pattern!
I jumped on this new pattern right away, both because I love the simple style and fit of several of Rae's other patterns (see: Josephine and Washi) and because I adore blouses with super simple lines that allow the fabric to shine (see: Maya, etc.). Rae's patterns seem to work for my mom and sister, too, so I figure they're a good investment.
I meant to sew this as part of the #Beatrixalong, but got ahead of the sewalong and just finished it in just one day. It's a very quick sew.
I kept it simple for my first version of the Beatrix and went with a straightforward View A with 3/4 sleeves. This version has a curved hem and the button placket is folded over from the main bodice piece. I followed the pattern directions religiously. The instructions are great: lots of good tips and diagrams. I also like how the button placket overlaps with the hem and the neckline facing to make a clean finish.
My fabric is a watercolor floral cotton voile (I think) from one of my favorite fabric stores here in Bangkok, Hieng Yoo Huat. The voile is really lovely- it has almost a silky feel to it. The colors and print are really great, too. Green is my jam. I bought more of this fabric in another colorway (magenta/mauve flowers on a grey background) since I loved it so much.
The buttons are some shiny 3/4" kelly green shell buttons my mom got me several years ago, at Joann or Michaels, I think. I have them in 3 or 4 sizes, but this medium size seemed to make the most sense with the width of the button placket and the wide spacing:
I do think next time I make Beatrix I might put more buttons (maybe double the amount?) down the back to deal with the little bit of gaping I am seeing. I might even just sew the buttons straight through the placket, too, as I can pull the top over my head without unbuttoning it.
I am pretty chuffed with my Beatrix, though! I have a feeling this particular Beatrix will find its way into my regular rotation, and I think I will certainly make more Beatrixes (Beatri?) in the future! How about you- does Beatrix strike your fancy?
