The Sew and Tell Project

Love Notions Patterns has done it again with the release of the Rhapsody Blouse. This flowy blouse is sure to become a favorite summer staple! The pattern is on sale for $8 through Monday, and you can take advantage of tiered pricing with as few as 2 patterns.

Rhapsody features a relaxed fit with some shaping at the sides, a curved hem, and a yoke with gathered shoulders and a pleat in the back. It’s meant for drapy, flowy wovens such as chiffon, voile, challis, rayon, charmeuse, or lawn. You could also use a knit, but might want to size down. The pattern is sized from XS to XXXL, and a full bust piece is included. For us well-endowed ladies, this is great news, as we won’t have to make an FBA–full bust adjustment. Woot! There are also EIGHT sleeve styles–tank, cap, short, flutter, 3/4 with cuff or flare, bishop, or long.

As a tester, I make a lot of things. I try to never sign on for pattern tests that myself (or another family member) wouldn’t wear, and I knew I was going to love this one. I actually made multiple versions during testing, which is very rare for me.

For my first shirt, I used a crinkly, sheer chiffon that I’ve hoarded for ages. I love and am so happy to finally have found the perfect garment to make with it! This top uses the bishop sleeve. It is so comfortable, but looks so elegant.

For my second top, I used a charmeuse for the body and a pretty lace for the outer layer of the yoke. This is the cap sleeve feature. This pattern is rated for intermediate sewers, and I’ll tell you why in two simple words…bias tape.

The neckline is finished with self made, 1/2″ double fold bias tape. That means that you take a bias cut strip 1″ wide, starch the heck out of it, and then iron it furiously as you pull it through a bias tape maker. The pattern actually suggests using a 1 1/4″ strip, and that would have made it much easier, I think. All I can say is that it’s worth it because the finish is really pretty. Go slow, and use plenty of spray starch. These are a couple of products that I actually used in making my tops that might  help you, too.

I hope you enjoy the Rhapsody as much as I am!