Butterfly Blouse with Harts Fabric
This post is my honest opinion using fabric I received free of charge from Harts Fabric.
If you’re anything like me, January can be rooouugggh. The magic of Christmas is over but winter is only getting started, and things are just grey and gloomy. And as much as I love neutrals and dark hues, its about this time that I start itching for sunshine and brighter colors again.
This year I decided to take matters into my own hands and surround myself with warmer colors one garment at a time, starting with a pink butterfly blouse with fabric from one of my favorite shops, Harts Fabric.
I had been eyeing this Monarch Lawn from Rifle Paper Co for quite some time but was never really sure what to make with it. After digitally thumbing through my pattern files I decided I wanted to go with the Pussy Bow Blouse by Sew Over It. Its a classic, simple blouse with a feminine bow that I thought would suit the whimsical butterfly print.
I did makes some adjustments to the pattern:
I made a size 16 which I liked the fit of except for the sleeves, which were too tight. I ended up cutting new sleeves that were wider by a couple inches. Then I gathered the cap of sleeve so it still fit the original armscye but I also had the extra room around my bicep and the small gather on the cap complimented the vintage blouse style too.
The Pussy Bow Blouse normally has long sleeves gathered into a cuff with rouleaux button loops, but in an effort to be honest with myself about what I’ll actually wear, I chose to shorten the sleeves so I could more comfortably wear it under cardigans—a wardrobe item I hardly go a day without wearing.
I widened the neckline by 1” and lowered the neckline by 1” as well.
Finally, I shortened the bodice length by 5/8”
Though cotton lawn isn’t usually the first choice for a pattern like the pussy bow blouse, I really like how it turned out and the blouse is super comfortable to wear, especially after widening the sleeve. I’m so excited to have this cheerful top in my closet and can’t wait to show you what I paired it with next week!
