chebe | Charm Patterns Rita Blouse

Gertie combined kickstarter with sewing patterns. I was instantly hooked. I backed the Rita Blouse. An elasticised gathered neckline, almost boho style, on top of a six panelled princess seamed bodice with invisible zipper opening. It even comes with B/C/D/DD cup sizes. And Gertie ran a sew-along on her blog.

I made mine up in a black crepe, which is a tad too translucent, but at least gives me an excuse to make a suitable slip.

I had many fit problems with this pattern. Which I hadn't come across in any of Gertie's previous patterns. I think it mostly has to do with this not really being the right shape/style for me. For one it has a very fitted underbust and midriff. Which is not what my untamed middle likes to do. But I also had to make extensive changes to the back and sleeves.

Fitting Rita, pinching out excess fabric in sleeves
Photo by chebe

Fitting Rita, view of excess fabric in back
Photo by chebe

I'd made up a toile beforehand, and the back piece ballooned out unflatteringly and the sleeves were too loose/long. Seems this was a not-uncommon experience for us more petite lasses. I ended up taking 2" out of the Upper Back, 2" out of each of the Sleeves, and 12" total off the neckline elastic (even adjusting for the 6" of fabric I removed that's still 6" of excess elastic). Ahh, the joys of sewing wovens.

Finished Rita, front view
Photo by chebe