Finished: BWOF 04-06-126 and 03-06-131C

Hayes Sewing has "Color of the Week" sales. Fabrics with a selected color are 20% off. On a recent visit, white was the color of the week and I bought a nice piece of white linen for a blouse along with a blue and white stripe for pants. I didn't want the blouse to be plain white so I considered adding blue touches to the white linen. This outfit is the result.

Blouse: BWOF 04-06-126

Pattern Description:
Short sleeved, button front blouse.

Pattern Sizing:
European plus size range: 44 - 52

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The copy from the issue says: "A lovely little lightweight blouse …… it’s not only pleasant to wear but also quick and easy to make!" Ha! It took three tries before it became “quick and easy to make”. The first time I made this blouse, beginner’s luck got me through the instructions. The second time, there was no beginner’s luck and the blouse ended up a wadder – big time. On the third try, I was able to struggle through the instructions and successfully finished the blouse. This time, I barely needed the instructions. (She can be taught!) In addition to BWOF’s strangely shaped band, the collar has inside corners on the lapel. The procedure would have been infinitely easier if the instructions were illustrated

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It was love at first sight! I’ve loved this blouse since 2006 when it first appeared. The style is classic and I love the way the vertical darts shape the silhouette.

Fabric Used:
Linen is one of my favorite fabrics to sew. It doesn’t move around during cutting and sewing. I love the way it looks when it’s freshly pressed, even thought it looks freshly pressed for only seven minutes. When people see me wrinkled and rumpled, they know I’m wearing 100% linen. I wear my wrinkled linen with pride.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
After hemming in the normal fashion, I used a decorative cover stitch around the sleeve hem to add color and make the blouse coordinate with the pants. Coupled with the blue buttons, it gives the blouse a retro look.

I used Pivot and Slide to lengthen this blouse by 1 inch.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
After three successful blouses, this blouse qualifies as a TNT. I would certainly make it again.


Conclusion:
This blouse is deceptive. The design is simple, but it’s a three-dot pattern. BWOF describes a three-dot pattern as “intermediate difficult – more advanced”. I’m happy that I mastered it.

Pants: BWOF 03-06-131C

Pattern Description:

Pattern Sizing:Plus size range 44 – 52

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I must be indulging my inner masochist; this is another three-dot pattern. The hip pockets have piping strips that insert into darts. This requires very careful marking, cutting and sewing. The pocket piece is sewn on in two phases. The first phase includes the piping and the second phase includes the dart. Even though I knew what to do, I had difficulty reconciling my experience with the printed instructions. It was another case of BWOF's famous awkward German to English translation.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I chose this pattern because it matched the outfit in my head. The fabric in the fashion photo looked like my fabric.

Fabric Used:
I’m not sure what the fabric is! It looks like seersucker without the puckers and it’s a little heavier than seersucker.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I’ve made these pants once before. I like the classic look, but the hip pockets were really a pain. Once I was well into the construction, I was almost sorry I’d taken it on. But, like the 04-20006-126 blouse, now that I’m familiar with the process, it will be easier the next time.

Conclusion:
I'm very happy with this outfit! For some reason, maybe because the blouse looks a little retro, it makes me think of an old-fashioned Sunday School picnic.