A new work wardrobe staple - Style Arc Dotty blouse

Have you ever tried something on mid-make and thought that it wasn't going to work?  Well that was me with this top.  I tried it on before I attached the sleeves and thought it was pretty meh.  Even when it was finished I was undecided about whether I liked it or not.

Fortunately I packed it in my bag to take to a work conference and I fell in love with it.  This top feels feminine and classy.  I'm turning into a real Style Arc fan girl, their patterns are so good!

This is the Style Arc Dotty blouse in a straight size 14.  No adjustments or changes, I didn't even add extra length which is so unusual for me!  I've used a poly crepe from Darn Cheap Fabrics which has a great handle and feels really nice.

The pattern suggests adding a press stud to the cross over at the front but I've left that off, I'm happy wearing a cami underneath.  I did think that I could get away without a cami but when the wind blows you see everything - so maybe not!  It does need a silky cami though, I'm wearing one of those seamless microfiber ones and you can see that the fabric grabs at the top, particularly over the bust.

There's really not a lot to say about this pattern.  It's a pretty quick sew, goes together beautifully and I really like the gentle gathers at the back and on the sleeve hems.  The back neckline and yoke are finished using the burrito method which provides a lovely clean finish.  It's just a really great top, I've already worn it twice in two weeks so I know it's a winner for me.

July has been a massive month for our family - our oldest daughter turned 18 and we hosted two parties at our place for her, we've had house guests and we've had really crappy health news for my Dad and my brother-in-law so there wasn't much sewing time and there wasn't a lot of desire to sew either.

August is looking much better and I have plans to spend Friday sewing all day long, I can't wait to sew up that Vogue blouse I listed in my July plans post.