Summer Eyelet

Burda Style magazine featured this one-shoulder blouse in the June 2010 issue.

Because my fabric (I used white eyelet in two designs - the bigger cutouts for the ruffle) was substantial, I did not use two ruffles at the neckline. I only used one ruffle. In a silky fabric, I would have gone with two (or even three) ruffles. I used my serger to create a narrow two-thread hem at both edges of the neckline ruffle. Here is the serger in action. I used the serger knife to trim exactly where I wanted the ruffle to end.
Also at the neckline, to avoid bulk, I applied the neckline ruffle on top of the blouse at the neckline, instead of turning layer upon layer over into the neckline, as the instructions indicated. With my fabric being so substantial, I'd have ended up with a cardboard-y neckline otherwise.

I made a channel at the neckline, into which I inserted 1/4 inch elastic, so the garment would not gap. The elastic is just tight enough to be secure, but does not dig in.




I lengthened the top by 1 1/2 inches, as I wanted a blousy look.

Finally, I reversed the design, so that my right shoulder would be covered by the ruffle, not the left shoulder. This is to hide a scar I obtained back in early July. I fell pretty badly while riding my bike, and as a result, suffered a road abrasion on my right shoulder. It's healing wonderfully, but I want to continue to protect the scar and keep it out of the sun while it finishes healing.

Being able to make small changes like that reversal of shoulder covering is one of the primary reasons I sew.

Edit - August 16, 2010 -- Thanks, everyone for your comments. This top is fun to wear. So far, I've only worn it with denim, and am looking to expand its horizons. Gail, I got the fabric from Metro Textile (Kashi's) in NY.