McCalls 5388 blouses

I finally got around to making a couple of peasant tops last week. When Allison posted her gorgeous version, I decided maybe it wasn't too late to post mine as well. I had actually made the tank top version last summer (click HERE) and wasn't too thrilled with how HUGE it came out. While I was at a church activity, an older woman had even asked me if I was pregnant, lol. Needless to say, I wasn't too excited to try the pattern again. But after seeing all the cute examples shown here, I decided to give view D a try and use some of your suggestions. Taking in the yoke piece especially helped a lot as did going down two sizes.

The white and blue top was my first attempt. I should have done a little more fitting as I made it though because then I would have known to raise the shoulders and widen that area a little (cause I don't like how it's just a little too wide in the shoulders and little too low - so I feel a need to wear an shirt underneath so my bra straps don't show and I don't have to keep shifting the blouse). However, it still came out way better than my tank top and I do like it.

Then I did a second version (never took the photo though) where I made those adjustments but then I decided to go down one more size. That was just one size too many and even though that top fits, it's tight across my chest and back. Sheesh.

Attempt #3 is the black and white blouse. I only went down two sizes this time and not three, I raised the shoulders (basically sewed an additional 1/4" past the normal 5/8" seam allowance), took 1 1/4" out of the middle of the yoke, widened the yoke piece an extra 1/4" on each side near the shoulders, and took about about 1/2" from the front middle piece. I also added a double row of top stitching on the yoke piece (top and bottom) for extra detailing. If you click on the second black & white pic, you can kind of see that.

And now it finally fits just right and is comfy but not too big looking! I'm very happy with it now and I plan on making one or two more this summer. I like that it's a quick project (well, once you adjust the pattern) and is cuter than just wearing a plain t-shirt with jeans.