It’s the first day of winter in Australia, and it’s spurred me to catch-up on sharing some of my summer makes over the next couple of weeks.  Oh yes, I’ve gotten a little behind on my blogging.  Thankfully, I jotted down some notes on this pattern so I can fill you in on all the details.  Oh yes, my memory isn’t quite what it used to be!  Can you relate?

Pattern:  The Gypsy Dress and Blouse by The Makers Atelier

Fabric:  A light-weight cotton from The Cloth Shop from July 2018 (sold out long ago!).  I loved both the colours and the abstract images of buildings.

Pattern Notes:

• Size S (a size down from my measurements) with bracelet length sleeves
• 1 cm forward shoulder adjustment
• Lengthened the blouse pattern by 1″ (2.5cm) and used bias binding on the hem… gaining a further 3/4″ (2cm) in length

My Thoughts:

Overall I’m a little disappointed with how this top worked out, and as a result, I have already re-homed it.

What went wrong you ask?  I think the proportions aren’t working on me.  I have a slightly long torso and this length is a little too short for me to feel comfortable.  Trust me, nobody needs to see a flash of my tummy!

I also think the decision to go with bracelet length sleeves wasn’t the right one.  When the sleeves aren’t rolled up, they are exactly the same length as the top and look a bit weird.  In hindsight, full length sleeves folded up twice would have been best.

Next time, and trust me, I haven’t given up on this pattern yet, I would:

• Size up to the medium (as per my measurements) as I think the neckline needs more gathers
• Add 4″ (10cm) to the length… that’s really just an inch (2.5cm) longer than this version as I would reinstate the hem allowance
• Cut out the longer sleeve length and finish them with elastic
• Make it from linen, viscose or silk
• Make a rouleau cord in self fabric for the tie… I’ve gained some serious rouleau making skills in the last month!

Pattern:  The Gypsy Dress and Blouse by The Makers Atelier
Size:  S with bracelet length sleeves
Fabric:  Light-weight cotton and green cord from The Cloth Shop
Alterations:  3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment and I lengthened the top by 1 3/4″ (4.5cm)
Outfit:  Jeans from Witchery, Sonia Rykiel bangle and boots by Obus (last season).
Photo Location:  Eastern suburbs, Melbourne