I needed to take a break from the dress I've been making my sister, so I made myself an blouse using the Sewaholic Alma pattern.

Materials:

• Cotton bedsheet
• Zipper
• Interfacing
• Bias Tape

I already had all of the materials, so I did not have to spend and money. I love this cotton bedsheet, which you might recognize from my Burdastyle Ute wearable muslin. This shirt is also technically a wearable muslin. I wanted to use this cheaper material before cutting into some Libery Tana Lawn that I purchased (more Alma's to come!).

I love this cute fabric!

Pattern

Sewaholic Alma 1204


Alterations

I first made a size 8, which was a size just below my measurements. But, this seemed too big - I was able to remove the shirt without having to use the zipper. Luckily, I had only cut out the back and front pieces, so I didn't spend too much time on it. I then made a size 6, which fits perfectly without alterations. I don't think I've ever had a blouse that fit so well!

I knew that the Sewaholic patterns would probably fit my top proportions well. I have a 35" bust and 30" waist, which is close to the pattern proportions. And much closer than other pattern companies.

Since I will be making more Almas, I decided to have a little fun with this one. I created my own neckline.


I also decided to play with the sleeves. I thought I would make them even poofier! I did a slash and spread on the sleeve pattern piece hem edge. This added more fabric that I gathered to match the orginal sleeve end width. I used bias tape to finish the hem.


What I Learned

It was really fun and easy to alter this pattern. I also appreciated that I did not have to do much fitting - this gave me more confidence to play around a bit.