I wanted to continue showing you the Charm Patterns items that I’ve made over the years. This is actually the very first one I ever made. It’s the Rita Blouse and technically this was a very wearable muslin. I kept planning to make another, but I kept getting distracted by the other amazing patterns Gertie came out with on her Patreon.
I believe this may have been the first Charm Patterns pattern that was released actually. The version I have is paper. I very much prefer PDF patterns these days because I can re-print if I need to and I don’t have to worry about messing up my one and only copy or go through the hassle of tracing.
Overall, it’s a very easy pattern. The hardest part might be the zipper. It uses an invisible zipper on the side. But the instructions are clear and if you have an invisible zipper foot, it’s quite easy. I’ve also seen a number of hacks of this top into a dress and they look so lovely and pastoral. And if you’re on Patreon, they have an expansion that adds full bishop sleeves to it. I’d like to try making that version out of some gauze. It would be perfect for ren faire style events.
Given that it was the first one I made and that it was technically a muslin, there are few changes I plan to make to the next one. After these photos, I actually wore this to my workshop with Gertie and mentioned to her how I felt it pulled up so that the bust line was slightly over the bottom of my breasts and that I felt like I was constantly pulling it down. She said an easy fix for that is just to increase the length of the elastic around the neckline! Have I done this yet? 5 years later? Of course not. But I will. Someday. Maybe. Hopefully. Most likely I will just make an other one, but I do love these polka dots. The fabric was actually a rayon remnant from Joann’s and it’s quite soft and comfortable though it does show sweat which is annoying.
The other change I would make is to make a size smaller. I believe I made this one in the size I measured which was a 6 B/C. It’s a little loose around the waist compared to the way Gertie wears them and the way most of my other Charm Patterns fit. So I’d take it in a little.
The back is also slightly gathered, but the princess seams make it super flattering. Also, you can kinda see the zipper on my left side.
Not much more to say. It’s a solid pattern that has an adorable retro look so I highly recommend giving it a go if you’re looking for this style.
And here’s a bonus photo of me with one of the handsomest fellas I’ve ever met. I doubt I could wear anything to outshine him.
