We are up today on the very D&H Fabrics blog tour!! Hop on over to Tammy’s blog to read all about the beautiful fabric that I (Katie) used to make this outfit! (There’s a coupon code too 🙂 ). And for more info and thoughts on the Rhapsody Blouse (aff link) pattern I used for my top, read on!
I was looking for a blouse to wear to the office during the colder months, and this pattern from Love Notions (aff link) fit the bill perfectly! It is beautiful, comfortable and easy to wear. An added perk is that is went together much faster than I expected! I plan to make more of these (maybe trying out a few different sleeve options) to round out my work blouse wardrobe, which has been feeling quite sad lately.
Pattern Review
Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse
Pattern Description
The Rhapsody Blouse (aff link) is a flowy, loose-fitting, 70s-inspired blouse. it has a back yoke and features slight gathers at the shoulders. It also has a slit neckline with optional ties. The pattern includes 8 sleeve options for a variety of looks.
My Body Measurements
As I’ve discussed previously, I’ve gained about 2″ in my upper bust since I started lifting weights about a year ago. That makes me an A sewing cup (see HERE for a description of what sewing cup size is and what it means). My upper bust measurement is 35″, my full bust is 36″ and my waist is 29.” This blouse is loose through the hips, so my full hip measurement of 39″ is less important.
Pattern Sizing
I made a M based on my high bust measurement of 35″. The finished bust measurement on the Rhapsody is 44″ and it fits very comfortably. The pattern instructs users to choose a size based on high bust measurement.
Pattern Alterations or Design Changes
None, I made this pattern exactly as drafted. I chose the bishop sleeves and left off the optional neck ties.
Instructions
The instructions on this pattern are good. They include lots of information on altering the pattern to fit your body, including length adjustments. It does not include instructions for an FBA, which Love Notions patterns often do. However, the pattern is loose through the bust, and includes a separate FBA piece for those with a D-DD sewing cup.
Pattern Highlights
The sleeves! This pattern includes a LOT of woven sleeve options. Pretty much every sleeve I could ask for really. I could easily copy this pattern’s armscye onto another pattern and change up the sleeve at will.
The included FBA bodice piece is nice as well. I don’t personally need it as an A cup, but I know it is a huge attraction for those in larger cup sizes. The size range is good too. The XXXL size is drafted for a 47″ full bust, accommodating a full bust as large as 52″.
Constructive Criticism
I didn’t particularly care for the construction on the slit collar. It was fiddly and didn’t turn out quite as well as I would have liked. I’d actually love to scoop out the front neckline and make it a simple scoop-neck blouse with a bias-finished neckline. I think that would be beautiful.
Fabric
This fabric has to be the highlight of this garment! It is from D&H Fabrics and it is beautiful! I wrote all about the fabric over on the D&H Fabrics blog today for their first blog tour! Go check it out HERE! And while you’re there, use the 20% off code for the tour to pick up some pretties of your own!
Final Thoughts
I am very pleased with this blouse and would love to make more! It’s easy to wear, looks beautiful, and was surprisingly easy to sew. If I subbed out the slash neck for a simple scoop neck, it would be even faster!
– Katie
