Tops, blouses and shirts

McCall’s 8008

Hello everyone! It’s a lovely crisp Autumn day here and I’m actually getting ready for a housewarming party!! We moved in January but have only just been able to arrange it. I’m excited to see everyone, show them the house and eat some good food.

Almond rock makes McCall's 8008 in Explosion bloom lady mcelroy viscose lawn fabric with Bishop sleeves pintucks and half collar

Onto sewing related news and I finally finished my M8008 blouse. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen I ran out of buttons but Vicky of Sewstainability came to my rescue and posted me more.

Almond Rock makes McCall's 4916 vintage blouse pattern from 1970s in floral cotton

This blouse features Bishop sleeves with pintucks, sleeve head ruffles, a half stand collar, half button placket and back yoke. There’s also the option to add lace trim inserts to the front.

Almond rock makes McCall's 8008 in Explosion bloom lady mcelroy viscose lawn fabric with Bishop sleeves pintucks and half collar

I used the most beautiful Lady McElroy fabric called Bloom Explosion. It was sent to me for free in exchange for a blog post and I was paid with additional fabric. You can get hold of some at Sherwood Fabrics.

It’s the softest viscose challis in brilliant colours. The pops of fuchsia and chartreuse are my favourite. And it washed and pressed nicely during construction.

Almond rock makes McCall's 8008 in Explosion bloom lady mcelroy viscose lawn fabric with Bishop sleeves pintucks and half collar

Viscose is notoriously shifty so my giant cutting table was very handy. I used sharp pins and a fine needle to construct. I’m very pleased with the bottom of the placket given the floaty movement of the fabric.

Almond rock makes McCall's 8008 in Explosion bloom lady mcelroy viscose lawn fabric with Bishop sleeves pintucks and half collar

The pintucks on my sleeves are beautiful but could be straighter though. The grain must have shifted as I marked the stitch lines. I also recommend hand basting everything you need to hold steady before you sew it. Eg the collar facing, the cuffs, etc.

Almond rock makes McCall's 8008 in Explosion bloom lady mcelroy viscose lawn fabric with Bishop sleeves pintucks and half collar

I changed the cuffs to be half their depth. And let out the side seams a little. Other than that this is the size 12 with no alterations. It’s bold, romantic and a bit outside of my comfort zone. And I’m so pleased I made it!

Almond Rock makes McCall's 4916 vintage blouse pattern from 1970s in floral cotton

(3) Comments

  1. Annie B says:

    Lovely make! That fabric is something special, and it shines in this blouse. Such fun colors!

  2. Carol Thomas says:

    Fabulous material choice, it looks stunning. I think the placket should have been extended to the hemline but other than that a great blouse. Perfect for a lovely night on the town or a housewarming!

  3. Just started cutting this pattern and remembered you’d made it. Love yours. Hope mine turns out ok. Playing a bit a pattern Tetris so might have to lose the sleeve tucks.

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