Well, you deserve a medal just for reading that title.  Hot Patterns have such long names to their patterns.

I’d seen lots of women my age and older in off the shoulder blouses and dresses, so decided that it was worth a try and not necessarily to be left to the teen. This pattern appealed to me because of the way that the band was flat at the front and just elasticised at the back (a bit like the Style Arc Cara top). It also has some darts and sleeve interest.

The sleeves have ties at the bottom and are narrow hemmed. They are cut in halves, so it’s not as difficult to get around that curve at the top of the tie to turn the hem before sewing the sleeve halves together.  Tunic length is one of my favourite lengths for tops, and this has a nice curved hemline with the back slightly longer than the front.

The darts at the front mean that you don’t have a whole lot of blousing over the boobs. They run from the neckline downwards, and the blouse sits smoothly. I did need to try it on to adjust the elastic to the right length to stay on me comfortably.

Hot Patterns describe the Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouse as follows: When you’re in the mood to wear something pretty with a cool-girl vibe, reach for one of these beauties, perfect for light to medium weight crisp or fluid fabrics, like crepe, voile, chambray, ahirting, gauze, charmeuse or rayon; these also work gorgeously in knits like silk(y) jersey, rayon, linen or modal. Loose-fit, pull-on, off-the-shoulder blouses have a neckband that’s fitted at the front and elasticated through the sides and back; the bodice has a gentle A-line cut with bust darts. Choose your favorite raglan sleeve length; 3/4 with a tied cuff, or just above the elbow with a deep elasticated cuff. Blouses finish with a narrow shirt-tail hem at the upper thigh. Chest patch pockets are optional; we’ve also included an optional internal stretchy shelf bra as well as halter straps for easy wearing.  You’ll be amazed at how wearable these stunning blouses really are…tuck them into a high-waist tailored skirt or pant, wear them untucked over a skinny, flared or palazzo pant, or try them runway-style worn loose over a matching midi-length A-line skirt.

I chose to leave off the pockets, and sewed the view with the ties rather than the elasticated cuff.  You really do need wide elastic to make the gathering look good – it’s worth following the instructions!  I also didn’t bother with the halter straps or internal shelf bra – I just wear a strapless bra with this blouse.

The fabric is a printed viscose woven from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table. You have seen it before – I sewed my Mum a top from it. It’s nice to work with and the right weight and drape for this blouse. I think that I sewed size 10 (would need to pull the pattern out and check) although I measure around a size 14 in Hot Patterns. That seems to be how their sizing works for me. I made this in around November I think, and have worn it a couple of times. I rather like it on me, and feel on trend when wearing it paired with skinny pants and heeled sandals or wedges. It does have the slight annoyance factor of requiring a strapless bra, and you definitely need to remember to put plenty of sunscreen on those shoulders!