Simplicity Blouse 3684: 1st Problem to Solve

Good evening. I'm pushing forward with this blouse. I was able to run to two stores this morning in order to find my lace for the project. Both Hancock's and Joann's didn't carry the heart stuff I was looking for, but they did have a lace that would work just fine. Before I went to the store, I had something with scallops in mind if I couldn't find hearts. Well, the scallops available didn't go at all, but they were the frilly girly lace look that I wanted - just the wrong size and color. The lace that I did bring home is going to dress the blouse down, but I'm going to go with it.

Here, I started to hand baste the lace to the SHIRT FRONT (just capitalizing the pattern pieces). After I saw this photo, I decided that I actually do like how the lace reflects the points of the flower in the crinkle voile. The circle in each point on the lace mimics the round flowers in the fashion fabric also. So it works well enough for me.

In the next photo, I finished with hand basting the lace trim to the YOKE. My machine has a basting option, but it's really sloppy. Either that, or I haven't figured out how to use it yet. Haha.. I get perfection with hand basting anyways. Since I am a beginner, I'd like to get some of the handwork under my belt. Sure it takes longer, but I'm "Thirtysomething", I have time. :D

Simplicity Threads gave the direction to clip along the curve of the SHIRT FRONT before attaching the lace, so that's what I did. (Have I ever mentioned that I'm a chronic nail biter??? Yup, since I was a wee one. I can't remember NOT biting my nails. I try to stop myself by painting them. I apologize for not having model fingers or artificial nails for visual appeal. Haha...)

The YOKE is pinned to the SHIRT FRONT and now it's time to sew them together.

I picked up my walking foot from my ma's today on the way home. I love this foot. I love sewing regular ANYTHING with this foot. I love the little clicking noise it makes and the ease in sewing it brings. :) If you don't have one, buy one tomorrow! (I got mine for $30 at Hancock', but they can get mucho! expensive. I'm so happy my old one fits the new Kenmore.) I wanted to mention here that I'm using a Microtex Sharp Needle 70/10 with this Crinkle Voile. I don't know if the thread is poly or cotton or mixed - the sticker fell off. The color is "Baguette" though. :P

The trim is sewn on!

I finished the seam allowance with a three thread wide on the serger. I didn't want little threads tickling my chest. Knowing me, I'd freak out like I had a bug down my shirt and I'd have my nose down my blouse! LOL

I also finished the shoulder seams with the overlock, but I needed to draw a seam line for myself, since I'm still new at using the serger.

In this photo, the majority of the blouse is constructed and I get a better feel for the fit. Well BOO! Bad fit! Big problem. It's my first issue with this blouse - EVEN THOUGH I MEASURED AND MEASURED AND MEASURED. Well, I should know that I was going to have this issue. It's the same issue that I have with just about every shirt pattern and one piece dress I make. The DARN waist sits too low. DID I MENTION THAT I EVEN MEASURED THIS TIME?! LOL One option that came to mind to fix this issue it to move the darts up in the back. The bulk of the fabric is pulled out right where I need more room - MY HIPPERS! I'll try ripping out the darts and replacing them. I'll post that journey, of course.

Well, I better get to bed soon. Okay, okay... it's time for frozen yogurt and candy sprinkles, I CONFESS! Until next time... Happy Clever Sewing!