Navigator inside out

Hi everyone!

I’m very happy to be contributing my first post, here’s to many more!

For the March challenge, which really inspired me to contribute I made a vogue1247 blouse, aka the Navigator top by Rachel Comey. I really love the design, and there’s so many possibilities!  The whole blouse is constructed with French seams, and although I’ve done them before, I ‘ve never done a whole garment with them and with so many seams!

Although the pattern looks complex, it’s only a lot of straight lines, and if you don’t put your panels wrong side up (ask me how I know!) it doesn’t really take that long to make. I completed the blouse in about 8 hrs of sewing in 2 sessions, so not bad at all for all that french seaming! The hem is double turned and topstitched and the neckline is finished with self bias binding as facing. I ‘m pretty sure I’ve put the sleeve bands wrong, but I kinda like them as they are!

Fit wise, I was worried about all the looseness of it but after a quick paper fitting it looked pretty much ok. I did my normal swayback adjustment of 1″ about the waistline  as that was all I really needed. I cut a size 12 and overall it hangs nicely and the darts and pleats are in the right place 🙂

The fabric is navy viscose, super soft and drapy, but it marks like nothing on pressing even with cover cloths and inside out pressing. It also creases horribly, but well, that’s viscose!

Overall I’m super happy with it! I love the design and how it feels wearing it (at home, it’s still too cold in London 😦 ) and can’t wait for spring!! Highly recommended pattern if it’s your kind of style. I’ve already got plans for another one with contrast panels…but first, I’ve got some bird fabric to stitch!

There’s more on this and other stories on my blog .

Till soon friends! 🙂