It was love at first site for me for both this pattern and this fabric. The pattern is the Megan Nielsen Sudley Blouse and the fabric is a viscose poplin from Blackbird Fabrics. Neither are winter appropriate and I really should be focusing on my holiday sewing but, as I said, it was love at first site so I had to make it any way!
Let me get right to it – the collar on this pattern, made in this fabric, is perfection. It is drafted very sensibly and the instructions, while fiddley at times, result in a gorgeous peter pan collar that is the best I have seen. The Blackbird Fabrics viscose poplin is lovely to work with. I used the lightest stretch interfacing I could find in order to preserve the drape of the fabric, pressed it with steam, and the results show for themselves.
This pattern does not have darts and is the same front and back making it reversible. I had my concerns about how it would fit but am quite pleased with it, though I will only ever wear it with the hole in the back. It comes with multiple sleeve lengths, with and without the collar and can also be made into a dress.
Now for the big whoops on my part. I trimmed the seam allowance too much along the curves of the collar and the seam gave way in two places after its first wash. I am so sad. At least I have some more of the lovely viscose and have plans to remove the collar and put a new one on to save this make. I think I will also make another version of this top before the spring because I can already see it will be one of my favourite things to wear to work with both pants and skirts.
This is a lovely pattern though and the fabric is a delight as well. I love that both Megan Nielsen Patterns and Blackbird Fabrics are small independent businesses as well and I plan to continue to support both. I am going to try the Megan Nielsen Rowan next I think. If you try the Sudley, and I recommend you do, don’t make my mistake. Be careful trimming the seam allowance around those curves and you’ll end up with a lovely make!
~ Lindsay