Blouse J from Sound Women's Clothing (Japanese)

New chapter, new shirt. Well, sort of. Now that I am finally getting settled in to married life and the new home, I've finally made something. It even has a little bit of a soundtrack -- lately I've really been obsessed with Kacey Musgraves' album Golden Hour. It's not my usual thing, but I LOVE it, so, naturally, I listened to it on repeat the whole time I was working on this blouse. 

As part of the Pattern Review Stash Contest, I used some lilac linen that I used for another Japanese pattern from One Piece Is the Best. I love linen, wrinkles and all, so I know it's going to get lots of use. The blouse pattern comes from Sound Women's Clothing Pieces (not sure about the translation), which is another Japanese sewing book. 

Blouse J has flutter sleeves, neckline facing around its scoop neck, and a peplum. Not to brag or anything, but I did great with laying things out and getting the most of my fabric. Just had little bits and pieces left over after everything was cut! It was as much a scrap buster as it was a stash buster.

In typical Japanese fashion, things were small as far as sizing went, so I made a 13, which is near a US size 8. Instructions were in Japanese, so it was pictures only. No English translation. However, I would only recommend if you have a little experience with sewing because there are not that many pictures to rely on. I just went on experience when piecing things together. I made one change. I shortened the peplum and sewed 3 shorter strips together to make the peplum because economizing fabric was critical to even get it made.

A few things I liked in particular about this pattern: The flutter sleeves. The neckline fits perfectly, especially on the back, which I often have trouble with gaping on lots of other patterns. Also, the fit around the shoulders was also spot on.

P.S. Give a little round of applause for my husband (just married Oct 17, 2020!) taking the first of what is to be many finished project/sewing modeling pictures...not sure he knows what he has gotten himself into, lol. 😊

The original dress that I used this linen for.

And... in  case you need any more prodding, here's Golden Hour for you to enjoy. 💕

Golden Hour (Full Album)

Happy Sewing!