Matcha Blouse, Part I

In the last few weeks, I've been following along as several bloggers - including Doubleknit Podcast bloggers Erin and Jessica - have been working through Colette Patterns's Wardrobe Architect series. Although I haven't decided if I want to take the full plunge, it's definitely been fueling my desire to cultivate a more thoughtful wardrobe - and to finally make some of the projects that have been burning a hole in my stash for a while.

First up: the Sencha Blouse, which I'm calling Matcha after the fabric of the final blouse: a beautiful silk/cotton charmeuse with the luminous yellow-green color of matcha powder.

   

I cut a size 6 to begin with, and ended up making some changes. The size 6 was too big in the bust and waist, so I kept the shoulder & sleeve as a size 6, but blended the side seams down to a 2. (I like my garments very fitted, so this wasn't too surprising.) The final muslin has some ease in the bust with a figure-skimming fit through the waist and hip, which gives it a nice blouson shape. I can definitely see the 40s inspiration - I have a rayon dress from that era with a very similar silhouette in the bodice.

I'm already thinking of working this blouse up in multiple versions and fabrics, maybe in some Liberty of London Tana Lawn or silk crepe de chine. Once I've found the right fit, the possibilities are endless!

My measurements, for reference:

Full bust - 36.5 inches
Underbust - 29.5 inches
Usual bra size - 30DD/E
Waist - 28.5 inches