Replies

1. 
   SAAM | Mar 03, 2008 08:25am | #1

   Hi Purduemom. I was browsing the Butterick website and saw this pattern. It seems quite similar to what you are describing:

   http://www.butterick.com/item/B4986.htm?tab=tops&page=2

   This is Butterick 4986. This shirt has the twist front and the collar you mentioned, plus the fabric recommendations include wovens. One issue might be the open front. It looks like the shirt is held closed by the twist. I'm sure you could adapt it if you wanted more closures. Also, this pattern has short sleeves. If you want a long sleeved shirt, you could adapt a sleeve from another pattern with little trouble.

   If this pattern doesn't work for you I'm sure you'll find another that will. I've seen a lot of patterns with the twist front, both dresses and blouses. I just happened to see this one a short while ago. Good luck!

   Sherry

1. 
   purduemom | Mar 04, 2008 08:53pm | #3

   Thank you, Sherry,...I posted the request after checking out the online catalogs of all of the big 4 and obviously missed that one. So much for late night pattern searching! That pattern is the perfect starting point for the blouse I want to copy.

1. 
   SAAM | Mar 05, 2008 02:03am | #4

   I'm glad I could help. Good luck making your blouse. As a side note, I was browsing in Ann Taylor yesterday and saw a dress constructed a lot like the blouse you described. This dress had the placket with the button-down front. Additional layers of fabric covered each side of the bodice and extended to twist around each other in front of the button placket to be anchored in the side seams. The dress also had a side zipper. The construction was interesting. If you have an Ann Taylor store nearby, you may want to check it out.Sherry

2. 
   Aless | Mar 06, 2008 04:43am | #6

   Just to let you know that I've made up that top twice. I just love it. I am a plus size(22 Big4) and made the mid length version-very flattering.

   However, the best part was the speed of construction-one of the fastest things I've ever made. Just read the part about the right front section very carefully. Of course, I didn't the first time and spent quite a while unpicking......

3. 
   kbalinski | Mar 06, 2008 04:37pm | #7

   I've also made this blouse twice, both times in chiffon with the no collar option and the regular length.  I have to agree with the other ladies, it's easy, it's fast.  The instructions do a great job of getting you through the twisting process with finishing the edge.  If you encounter any trouble or have questions, let me know.

   The chiffon was nice because it reduced the bulk in the twist, and worn with a tank underneath made for a great spring wardbrobe piece.  I did both in prints that allowed me to wear them with different solid bottoms.  Now that I think of it, I have a funny story to share about when I wore one to a party.  A lady complimented me on the top, and asked where I bought it.  She was shocked when I told her I made it, and very, very complimentary.  Later I found out, she asked our mutual friend if my family was experiencing financial hardship since I had resorted to making my own clothes!  My friend laughed and told her no, that I actually sew for fun, because I enjoy it.  I laughed and laughed when she told me about the conversation.

   Good luck,

   Kristine

1. 
   rodezzy | Mar 06, 2008 06:55pm | #8

   Wow, that story about the lady thinking you are having money problems because you sew your own clothes is rich.  Since she doesn't sew she doesn't know that sewing your own doesn't necessarily cut cost.  It's not cheaper to sew.  It's affords you better made and better fitting clothes for the price.  Lots of people buy clothes and then have to pay for alterations on top of that.  So you get all in one when you make your own.  How wonderful is that!  You get a bundle, fit, color, style, choice of multiple designs, choice of fabric, and the WOW factor all in one.  What a gift!

1. 
   kbalinski | Mar 07, 2008 02:57am | #9

   Here is the twist front blouse that I was speaking of.  I can't wait for the weather to warm so I can wear it again!

    

   Edited 3/6/2008 6:57 pm ET by kbalinski

   
2. 
   purduemom | Mar 07, 2008 06:15am | #10

   Thank you for posting the picture of your blouse - love it!.  I can't wait until I finish the current projects so I can try this one. It will be a perfect addition to my Spring Break wardrobe.

3. 
   VKStitcher | Mar 08, 2008 05:14am | #14

   This is a lovely blouse!  I love polka dots, and the red and white is perfect for summer.  :-)

4. 
   solosmocker | Mar 08, 2008 05:26am | #15

   Very pretty blouse, KB!solo

5. 
   rodezzy | Mar 10, 2008 07:52pm | #16

   Very pretty.  Great job.

    

2. 
   jjgg | Mar 03, 2008 09:44am | #2

   I've made a few different twist tops, all 3 patterns "twisted" in a different way! one of them, twisted in a way that the pattern piece had the center front neck edge going down lets say the right hand side of the pattern, but the center front below the twist was on the other side of the same pattern piece!

3. 
   rekha | Mar 05, 2008 02:51pm | #5

   You will find such patterns in the Japanese book Pattern Magic ISBN 978-4-579-11071-1.

   The schematics are self-explanatory but if you need help you can go to http://tamyu.net/vanilla/ and http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,2612.msg41871.html#msg41871

   
1. 
   zuwena | Mar 07, 2008 08:47am | #11

   This blouse is fabulous--a bit more chic than the Butterick although clearly along the same lines.  Where would I obtain the book/catalogue of patterns? And, could I really follow the schematics enough to manage it?  

   Thanks.  Zuwena

1. 
   rekha | Mar 07, 2008 09:39am | #12

   Zuwena, the japanese patterns are refreshingly eclectic. Yes you can follow the patterns from the schematics with a little bit of help for the key to the tables which you can find in the links I provided

   I bought some from

   Noriko KOGA Japan Centre Bookshop 213 Piccadilly London W1J 9HQ  Tel 02074398035  [email protected] http://www.japancentre.com  ( the webpage doesn't have them listed but you could write to Noriko to get them for you)

    

   and some from http://search.stores.ebay.com/Simply-Pretty-Japanese-Beads-Books_pattern-magic_W0QQfciZQ2d1QQfclZ4QQfsnZSimplyQ20PrettyQ20JapaneseQ20BeadsQ20BooksQQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQsaselZ120245863QQsofpZ0

    

   Edited 3/7/2008 1:42 am ET by rekha

1. 
   zuwena | Mar 07, 2008 09:47am | #13

   thanks.   I will try to locate that pattern.  Z

2. 
   purduemom | Mar 13, 2008 04:43am | #17

   I just received a copy of this book in the mail today.  Amazing!! Thank you for introducing me.  I have also ordered and am anxiously waiting the delivery of the second book.  Have you created any of the designs? 

1. 
   rekha | Mar 13, 2008 09:18am | #18

   Good god I wish I could create such designs, I am trying to make mainly pants for myself and the tops/dresses for my daughter.

   Glad you enjoyed the book