Simplicity 2836- The High School Musical Shirt

I spent most of this past weekend making this little blouse for the Princess to make up for the stupid tunic that turned out too small. Please excuse the crappy photos. The sun was going down and the Princess wasn't feeling much like modeling.

This is View D, the girl's short sleeve version with sleeve band ties and applied trim.

I really like the way this pattern has you apply the trim right onto the front pieces. It looks like a yoke, but it's not. You simply mark your placement lines, pin (or baste, or use Wash Away Wonder Tape) and stitch it down. There are no angled seams to worry about, and you don't have to worry about matching the fabric like you would have to do if it was a separate yoke.

I pinned my lace and then stitched along the header. I hand basted the rick rack (for better control) and then used a zig zag stitch to sew it down. It was easy!

You can also see in the photo above that I added mini piping along the front bands. The pattern doesn't call for this, but I thought it added a little extra pop.

Here is a shot of the sleeve band. The sleeve is gathered onto the band, and the band extends on both ends to form the ties. It took a little extra time to make them, but they weren't difficult and they are cute.

Here is the back. This pattern is for boys and girls. I made the boy's version a couple of years ago and was very pleased with it. The boy's and girl's versions use the same main pieces, you simply omit the darts (two in front and two in back) for the boy's.

This time I went with my gut and sewed the size 10. I'm glad I did. The pattern includes sizes 8 through 16. I have another copy of this one, so I'm thinking about making a larger one for my son.

I'm pleased with the finished blouse and the Princess is, too. I've already prepped some fabric for View E (cap sleeves, shoulder yokes, and front pockets) so hopefully you'll be seeing that one soon.

Happy Sewing!