Coming up to periscope depth – yes, I’m still here! I’ve been in such a slump. After almost 2 1/2 years of lockdown, forced and then chosen, I’m hoping to regain my footing. I know lots of you can relate. My son and I were talking yesterday, sitting on the front porch, watching the world go by, and he asked if I am ready to return to in-person church services. And I think I am, especially since he’ll go with me. All good…
And so much for that! Check out this beautiful little blouse, the Norma from Fibre Mood.
I love the neckline and puffed sleeve. It’s much like the Anna Allen Anthea blouse , but has a much softer neckline.
I began my photo session outside, but, wow, so hot, over 90 degrees – I quickly retreated to the porch.
Sewing Notes – it may seem like a lot, but I made a lot of the drafting decisions before I drew my tissue:
- I drafted size 8, extending the seam allowance to 1/2″. I don’t do 3/8″ SAs on woven fabrics!
- Raised the neckline by 1″.
- Lengthened the bodice 1 1/4″.
- Redrew the sides to forgo the shaping and to add width to the bodice below the armscye. The result is somewhat A-lined, with a finished bottom width of 41″ and a straight hemline.
- Used a 1 1/4″ hem allowance to add structure to the base of the blouse, rather than use the double-fold narrow hem of the pattern.
- Neckline facings are included, but I added 1/4″ to the width to match the width of the hem allowance when topstitched.
- Shortened the sleeve by 1 1/2″. The original is pretty long.
- Added 1/4″ to the unfinished width of the cuff pattern. I like the wider cuff, it doesn’t get lost under the sleeve gathers.
- I also spread out the sleeve cap gathering to avoid the bunching at the top and the funky forward sleeve drape that it would cause (the Anthea blouse has the same bunched up sleeve head, I just think it’s too much). I learned this the hard way and had to remove and re-insert the first sleeve.
Great pattern, fun and easy to sew. I have white Brussels washer linen ready to be cut for a second version:-)
Ciao! Coco
Coco's Loft 
Hi… new to your blog, but I read a bit and can certainly relate, so here I am. I too have endured a 2 1/2 year slump… I won’t bore with details, but hubby had to fight cancer during the pandemic and I had to fight and support him too. We’re both OK now, but the general malaise is slow in leaving. I’m getting back into sewing, but without “occasions” to inspire me yet. Love this blouse. It may fit in with our current Florida life style, which precludes anything dressy, but I’m so sick of the comfy sloppy tees and knits. Yes, its hot and humid, so loose and easy is necessary, but maybe some slightly crumpled linens and flowy pants? Yes. I think so. Thanks for the inspiration.
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I hope you and your husband continue the battle successfully. I love this blouse! and am sewing one now in a poly/cotton woven. It’s light and should work well here in Florida. I’ve thought of sewing it in challis, I know it would be drapey, but, oh so comfy!
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I truly understand the slump. I keep trying to get over it and finally made a top that was a real disappointment. I am gathering some fabric from the stash to attempt to sew something again!
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Really enjoy your posts! I’m getting into experimenting with linen trousers and find ur info really helpful! I feel your pain, we too have been isolated forever. Just got the okay from hubby’s doc for 2nd booster and attempting to slowly rejoin the world, scary as it is! It’s been a long 2-1/2 years!
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The blouse looks lovely on you. It does take an effort to get back into social activities. I attended a literary festival for years, and loved it. It was cancelled for 2 years, due to the pandemic, but I really had to push myself to attend this year. I’m still nervous about catching Covid, but it was more than that – a general lack of confidence, I suppose. The good news is that it was worth the effort, and I’m sure it will be for you too. Best wishes
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That is a great pattern and your changes make it even better.
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Just love your posts. You are so generous with all the detailed adjustments and even visuals. This really helps me. So glad you are going to try returning to church. Our social life is so necessary. They imposed masks again in my county, Alameda, and I reacted with a real bout of depressed feelings and frustration. Enough already.
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