Good morning everyone! Firstly - who’s excited for the eclipse this afternoon? Secondly? Raise your hand if you’ve been singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” for the past week or so? No? Just me? 

Today I’m really excited to show you the blouse I made last week - a wrap blouse with peplum and ruffle elements. I did made some minor changes to the construction of the garment, so let me tell you all about it! 

Sewing Notes | McCalls 7602

I picked up the pattern during one of JoAnn Fabric’s 99 cent sales and I already had the polka dot fabric on hand. I used both the right and wrong sides of the print and I love how the subtle contrast enhances the design of this piece. I don’t know the kind or content it is but I’m guessing it’s a rayon. I was surprised it was so easy to sew! I lined it using a similar navy fabric I picked up elsewhere.

I cut a size 12 with the D cup option and used the tissue paper pattern as is for this piece. 

The first thing I changed was to convert the faux wrap into an actual wrap. I created long ties in the self fabric and attached them to the smaller side seams of each front bodice piece. I left a small opening on one side seam to allow the under side of the bodice and it’s corresponding tie a place to exit the blouse. I also omitted the back zipper, as the wrap allows for an easy way to get this piece on!

Another thing I did differently was to line the entire garment, including the peplum and ruffle. I did this because I didn’t want to fiddle with a narrow hem on so many curved pieces. It also gave the final garment a really polished look inside and out. Unfortunately it weighed down the ruffle a bit so I added some hooks and thread tacks to help it out a little. Also my chest is huge and adding the extra closure helped not show off too much cleavage. 

I would definitely sew this again - maybe in a pretty eyelet cotton for summer or another rayon that could layer with a turtleneck for fall and winter (very 70s school teacher, right??) If you’ve made this piece, I’d love to see your version!

To get a sneak peak of my next project, check out my instagram stories! I’m making a bit of a mini collection this season. I started with these jeans and now this top. All of the pieces sort of work back together and with what I have in my closet. I’m excited!“