Pattern Description: The Alma Blouse is a feminine, semi-fitted blouse with neckline and sleeve variations. Darts create a fitted silhouette without being too tight, with an optional tie belt to cinch the waistline. The Alma Blouse closes at the side with an invisible zipper.
Pattern Sizing: 0-16
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. More so before I made some alterations.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Sewaholic's instructions are clear and yield beautiful results.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm not usually drawn to blouses, as I tend to prefer my clothes to fit more snugly. However, after seeing a few versions of Alma pop up around the internet that I found appealing, I decided to try it. I love the cute notched neckline of version A, and I like that the shaping through the midriff and invisible side zip allow for a fitted blouse.
I'm not Sewaholic's target body shape (which is pear), so I have a hard time with sizing. I should probably make a 4 with a full bust adjustment, but I made a size 6 to accomodate my bust measurement instead. I found it too full through the stomach and hips, so I took in the sides quite a bit after the fact, losing the cool and flattering shaping at the hem.
Next time I will try a different fabric and the size 4+FBA and I think I'll be happier with the fit. All that being said, I do like my finished top, and the problems I have are not with the pattern, but with my own sizing and laziness in fitting it to my body.
Fabric Used: Stretch cotton shirting, I think it was 95% cotton, 5% spandex.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No design changes. As I mentioned above, I cut and sewed a size 6 based on my full bust measurement. I then removed a wedge at each side seam from the waistline notch down, narrowing the hem approximately 4" total. I would not do that again, as I think I lost the flattering effect of the flared hem providing some hint of waistline.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will absolutely sew it again, learning from my attempt this time around. I definitely recommend it to others, as I do all the Sewaholic patterns. They're great!
Conclusion: This is a nice basic blouse pattern with lots of opportunity for personalization. I think once I figure out my size, it will make a great starting point block for a fitted woven top.
Check out more pictures, including before and after I tapered the sides down, on my blog here: A little Alma tale.
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Pretty! Ignore my blouse question on the skirt review.
11/18/12 7:02 PM
Very cute top! I love your pretty plaid!
11/18/12 7:37 PM
This is really sweet-I love the plaid with this design.
11/18/12 8:05 PM
Perfect match of pattern and fabric. It looks great on you.
11/19/12 1:09 AM