This is my wearable muslin of the Deer and Doe Melilot blouse pattern!
I wanted to make a practice shirt before cutting into the Cotton and Steel rayon challis I purchased with my winnings from last year's International Anna party giveaway...
My fabric is something I stole from my mom's stash. It's probably older, or at least as old as I am. White cotton with kelly green printed pindots. The buttons are lovely little shiny green guys I bought here in Bangkok at Chatuchak Market. The fabric is perhaps a bit stiff for this pattern. I'm looking forward to making the blouse in a fabric with more drape.
The largest size in Deer and Doe patterns tends to fit me pretty well in the bust, but is a little small at the hip. I graded out by adding 1/2" to the side seams of the front and back pattern pieces at the hip (for a total of an extra 2" in circumference), curving the line down from the waist.
I also decreased the seam allowances at the underarm and cuff seams to 1/4" to give my arms more room.
Since the pockets cover the bust dart, I was sure to pin them on using my tailor's ham to make sure they lay smoothly over the curve. the pockets are quite 3D since they are lined/double-layered.
The hem on the Melilot is so curved that I was having a lot of trouble doing a double-turned hem. I ended up using bias tape to face the hem, which worked out well.
That hem: curvy and long in the back! I haven't decided if it's too long or just long enough:
I decided to turn the cuffs up once and stitch them down in a couple of places because I found they were poking out a bit at the shoulders.
I'm pretty happy with the Melilot blouse! A cute basic. Plus no set-in sleeves? Yes, please. I'm definitely looking forward to making it again in a fabric with some more drape.
Gorgeous! This is a great "muslin"!! I love this fabric, and the matching buttons! I like the little differences this pattern has (sleeves, curved hem) . Am I right in thinking there is only a paper pattern available for this shirt??
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rebecca! I agree- the pattern has some cute features that I haven't seen on other button-downs. Yeah, unfortunately Deer and Doe patterns (besides the Plantain tee) are all paper only...
DeleteI like the back length, I think it sits well. Such cute fabric and buttons too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria!!
DeleteSuch a gorgeous top! I cannot wait to see it in the rayon challis. It's going to be amazing. I think the hem is a perfect length. Looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andie! I like the top, but think it'll be even better in rayon challis... and more comfy!
DeleteI love wearable muslins!!! And I say, just long enough :)
ReplyDeleteMe, too! The people have spoken: keep the length.
DeleteThose green buttons are awesome with this fabric! I love it, and I think the length is perfect. If you wound up wearing it with a skirt, it would stay all nicely tucked it. I can't wait to see your next version!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! I am always trying to find uses for all the colorful buttons I've picked up here in Bangkok!
DeleteI think the length in the back is perfect. I love the shape of the blouse.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Masha! I am liking it, too!
DeleteI love it! I have been seriously eyeing this pattern. You continue to be the Great Pattern Enabler, Meg!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Inder. Guilty as charged... pattern addict and enabler extraordinaire!
DeleteIt looks great on you! I think the length is perfect. I really love those green buttons!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teri!!
DeleteDo you think it would be easy to lengthen the sleeves? Maybe to right above the elbow? I want to make something from D&D, but my FBA feels like too much grading for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheralee, I think it would be pretty simple to lengthen the short sleeves. There is also a long-sleeved version included with the pattern.
DeleteIt is a gorgeous blouse. Love the sleeves this way! Nice job :) Looking forward to the real thing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenya! I feel like the turned up cuffs has sort of a vintage feel, but still in a modern way. Does that make sense?
DeleteGorgeous make
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nique!
DeleteGorgeous make
ReplyDeleteMeg this looks so good! Nice work on that hem too. Look forward to version 2!
ReplyDeletethis is a really lovely shirt! And it's nice to see it on someone who isn't a size 36-38, gives me a better idea how it might look on me...
ReplyDelete