Simplicity 4077

I started using this pattern 4 years ago. It is Simplicity 4077 but I couldn’t find a link to it on the Simplicity website, but I don’t think it is out of print…. yet. Could be wrong. See this previous blog post from 2008 about this same pattern.

I’ve made it twice with the mandarin collar but I just don’t love how it fits on my body. The collar sits way to high, nearly up to my chin don’t you think, unlike the pattern photos?  And I’m too lazy (so far) to alter the collar. Ok, really, I don’t know how to alter the collar. It would entail cutting the front and back pieces lower and then lengthening the collar I guess to fit the now-wider neckline? Dunno.

So then I made the regular collar but look how wide it is? The collar looks like wings reaching nearly to my arms! But I love this blouse and wear it because, well, I love dots.

So today I decided to make it again. This time I cut the collar a bit narrower. In fact, I cut off a good one inch from the -pattern. My newly-traced collar sits on top of the original.

Two and a half hours later I had another new blouse.  And I completely love the smaller collar. It’s been 3 years since I’ve used this pattern but I’m determined to make more this summer. (I’m determined to sew a lot more clothing this summer actually. I’m burnt out on just sewing for my etsy shop.)

Can you believe I found this fabric at Walmart? Could it be more Cynthia? Lime green with dots? Loooove it. I need to go back and get more to make tops for the girls. (No, not so we can match you cheesy person you.) I figured since it was $5 a yard that meant it would be a better quality than their usually crappy cottons that are $2.

 

This is one of the few woven shirt patterns that I own that is fitted but still allows lots of movement throughout my arms and upper back. The only other change I make is I don’t cut open the front darts. Lame. You’ll know what I mean if you buy the pattern.

I don’t look happy, but I am! Here’s to more cotton woven shirts and less sloppy t-shirts that cling to my body and show my love of chocolate cake too much. You know what I’m talkin’ about ladies.