French Cottage Blouse - Grainline Scout #31002

Pattern: Grainline Studio Scout Woven Tee #31002, c. 2011

Pattern Description: Woven t-shirt with capped sleeves, scoop neck, and a loose shape below the bust.

Pattern Sizing: (0-18) I cut the neck and shoulders to underarm area in size 8, rest in size 10.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes, with modifications.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very much.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the adaptability of this pattern. I can see creating different versions easily by changing fit, altering pattern details, and using different fabric weights and types.

Fabric Used: Denyse Schmidt Posie print in turquoise from the original "Flea Market Fancy" collection for Free Spirit, purchased in 2006. This is a smooth and soft quilting cotton.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made the top a size smaller this time and extended the sleeve pattern to bracelet length, without any tapering, because I wanted enough at the bottom to either band or gather.

  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will make this again. It's a very versatile and flattering pattern. Again the delicate 1/4" binding and hems bring a lot to the looks of this finished garment.

Conclusion: I wanted to make this top/blouse after seeing this free blouse pattern in the French magazine Advantages. Unfortunately, the sleeves of that pattern were extremely narrow and constricting. When I saw Shivani's Scout variations and then this yellow top above from Ruche, I knew I had to make my own using this pattern and this beloved cotton print that was just gathering dust in my stash.

Images: Advantages magazine, Pins & Needles blog, and Ruche. All other images are my own.