Busy hands | Disquiet mind

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 toile )

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

( Finished blouse )