The Adrienne blouse from the Friday Pattern Company has been quite visible on Instagram, and I have to confess that I was doing my best to ignore it until my friend Hélène (https://www.instagram.com/hportemanteau/) motivated me to make it.
I used some fabric that I had found in the op shop – 4 metres for $2, but I could not tell what the fibre content is. I did a burn test which showed some polyester-like fibres, but it burned quite fiercely so I didn’t think it was cotton. Then I saw that curious_fi on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curious__fi/) had some of the same fabric so I asked her. She did some investigating (aren’t people wonderful?) and came back with the composition of 80% polyester, 17% rayon and 3% spandex. I am so surprised as it doesn’t burn like a lot of polyester – no hard ball of plastic, but the rayon content probably explains the fierce burning. Anyway, I now know the answer~
I made a lot of mistakes with this one, the first being that I thought it would be fun to add a pocket. I took several in progress shots and then managed to delete them, so I can only show you the final pocket.
To make this pocket I drew a circle, cut it at about the 2/3rd 1/3rd mark, and added a straight piece of 2cms on each side. I interfaced the straight piece and tucked it under, topstitching it down. I then sewed each side, butted up together, on the front, reverse coverstitching the edge down. Then I didn’t like it, but I had already discovered that this fabric did not enjoy being unpicked. At all. So I left it, but it’s pretty useless.
I made my size but this fabric is quite firm so the top is rather fitted. I wouldn’t mind this so much if it weren’t for that darned pocket.
When I was making this top I looked at the elastic requirements and it stated 19cm for the shoulders and 27cm for the sleeves. I had one of those moments! My wrists are 17.5cm and 27cm seemed really excessive, so I decided that the pattern was wrong and the numbers were transposed. I put the long pieces of elastic in the shoulders and the short pieces in the sleeve cuffs. May I just say that it didn’t end well?! I couldn’t even get the sleeves on over my hands! Luckily the unpicking on the shoulders wasn’t too bad and I was able to reduce the length of the elastic easily thereby reversing my stupidity. However, I found it impossible to unpick the sleeves, so I simply cut the bottoms off, added a 6cm band to each sleeve and threaded through the correct length of elastic. This worked out pretty well as it made the sleeves a little longer which I like.
I think that the fit is good, and love the neckline and the sleeves.
My next problem was what to wear with this top. It would look great tucked in with a belt, but that pocket is a problem. Anyway, it looks fine with my self drafted denim skirt and I know I will get a lot of wear from this as the weather cools down, although I’m not sure if it will find its way into my suitcase for our holiday.
…and here I am stretching that pocket out! I have to say here that I really like this top – it’s different from the run of the mill tops and I am keen to make another one, perhaps from some silk jersey.
I was rather thrilled that this outfit looks ok with my old Missoni platforms as (a) they are yellow; and (b) I don’t wear them enough!
Hi Sue,
I love the fit and shape of this blouse. It looks gorgeous on you! It is really fabulous!
Thank you Rachel, I am enjoying wearing this one!
I like the look of this top and that colour is very flattering on you. I agree with your comments about the pocket too. I think the next version will be perfect. Well done.
Yes, the pocket was the result of a sudden rush of blood to the head! I am looking forward to making another one!
I love the end result Sue! It was worth the odd hassle with elastic and pocket and really suits you paired with your denim skirt.
I have to say that I am enjoying wearing this Diane, I just need the weather to cool down slightly!
Thank you for sharing the ups and downs of making this. I think the fabric and silhouette are great.
This is the second time you’ve enabled/inspired me. Years ago a Bronte top of yours lead to an embarrassing number (let’s just say double digits) of long/3/4/short sleeved tees, and now I’ve just bought this pattern too. Now all I need is fabric….
How lovely is that?! I remember the Bronte top, I haven’t made one in years! This one is a real winner. Let me know if you need anything!
This top is beautiful, Sue, don’t be bothered by the pocket!
Thank you SaSa, it is a terrific pattern!
One of the first things I noticed were your super cute shoes Sue!!! Perfect with this pretty top and skirt. The pocket adds an interesting detail to the front and I like the overall results too. 🙂
thank you Lisa, I should wear those shoes more often, but they don’t go with very many of my clothes. I am looking forward to making another of these tops!
The top is lovely and I have one cut out….now I know not to transpose the elastic! 😉 It is a lovely top, but I can see it is tricky for travelling as it won´t layer so well. And your shoes! What can I say? I love them…you should definitely bring them when you come to spain, but you should also guard them like a hawk! xxxx
No, it won’t do for travelling and hasn’t made the cut, which is a shame. If I can fit them in I shall bring the shoes when I come to Spain, but I’ll be checking that they come back with me 😀
This design is so original and feminine with those dramatic sleeves paired with a fitted bodice. The neckline is fantastic too. I love your version in blue, though I agree a pocket might not be necessary on that one. Of course, I’m planning to make one soonish. Your experience will come handy – I’ve taken notes! BTW, your collection of shoes keeps impressing me!
No, the pocket was a mistake. Yours will be in perfect time for spring and I can’t wait to see it. Haha, re the shoes. You actually have no idea! I have a scary shoe collection. If I buy a new pair I have to get rid of two pairs, (it used to be three!), but the shoes are still out of control.
Too bad I have bigger feet. You could send some my way!
hehe!
This pattern wasn’t on my radar, but as usual your presentation of it has made me curious. It’s a great outfit! Hopefully I can carve out some sewing time soon.
I hope you can find time to sew too. This is a really fast make (if you don’t transpose the elastics, that is!), and it’s just a bit different.
I love the blue of this outfit! It looks great on you. I didn’t notice the pocket until you pointed it out. Backtracking isn’t always easy, I know. Sometimes I’m just stuck with a feature I don’t care for too 🤷🏼♀️