Project! The Maiden Blouse Test Sew by Stitch Witch Patterns

Pattern: The Maiden Blouse by Stitch Witch Patterns. This is part of The Maiden Set, which also includes a skirt, but I didn't test the skirt due to lack of time and fabric. The blouse pattern is VERSATILE - two necklines, a sleeveless option, and two different back hem options. 

Materials: This fabric is a midcentury curtain I thrifted about 20 years ago. I think it kiiiinda looks like Michael Banks' coat in Mary Poppins. Or a stick of that Fruit Stripe Gum, the one with the zebra on it. (You can still buy that gum! I had to google it.) I had two of these curtains to start and made a dress and a skirt sometime in the early/mid 2000's, which I no longer have. I'm pretty sad I parted with them at some point, but what are you gonna do? 

Cost: I received this pattern for free in exchange for testing, and this fabric, my muslin fabric (which I will finish soon) and all notions were from my stash, including the boning. So $0, other than the cost of lugging around a stash of fabric and notions for over 15 years.

Timeline: I was on a deadline, so this only took me a few days, like February 5th-8th, or so. 

Sizing, mods, changes and notes on fitting: Since I was testing this pattern for fit and feedback, some of the changes I made may have been reflected in the final pattern. I will say - there are two cup size ranges for this pattern (awesome!) and I attempted to use the C-D cup, even though I am a DD cup... I should have just done an FBA. I tried to grade between sizes for the bust to get an extra inch, instead of doing a proper FBA and because of that, the fit is a little off in the bust and the whole bodice could use more length. Live and learn. 

Feelings about this project: I LOVE the delightful circus look of the finished product! I have no clue where I will wear this, but I'm excited for the looks I will get on that day! I used a gingham apron to make the muslin and I will cut a new front bodice and finish that as a sleeveless version (or maybe add little floaty sleeves?) because I love the shape of this top, overall. The sleeves are epic, but they use a lottttt of fabric, so the sleeveless version is great for adding just a *touch* of Ren Faire to your wardrobe with a small amount of fabric.

Feelings about myself: Pretty good! I think I look great in structured tops like this, so I'm very happy with it. I would also love one in linen for a softer version, like a few of the other testers made. 

Feelings about the world: Wow, there's a lot going on, right? I write this blog post right after news of Russia invading Ukraine and it's all I can think about. I'm sending love to all my Ukrainian and Russian friends. 

Extra Pickle Portrait for love. 

Project! Poisonettes Top by Poison Grrls

Pattern: Poisonettes Top by Poison Grrls - this was a test knit in the summer of 2021.

Materials: Paragon Sport from Knit Picks in Black and Turmeric. This yarn is lovely, but unfortunately it's no longer available in most colors. 

  

Sizing, mods, changes and notes on fitting: So, I'll be honest: it's been so long since I knit this that I've forgotten a lot about it, but I still wanted to share some photos for posterity! I tested this pattern and I LOVED the design at first sight. It's super cute and wearable, and the stitch pattern is fun to knit, but it took me a few tries to get it to fit comfortably. I definitely remember adding rows before and after the sleeve join, to get more length, but I don't remember my other mods. I love that the top band has elastic in it, so it does sit very well on my shoulders. Overall, it's a very cute, unique design!