children's clothing, kids clothing, sewing, tween

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse

This top has been an unqualified success.  It’s the Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse.

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse in knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

The website describes it as follows: Do the twist! This top is simple but packs a fun surprise. The dolman sleeved blouse is a flattering top meant for light weight drapey knits that are the same on front and back. The neckline features a gradual v-neck that is a breeze to sew. The back of the blouse can feature a special fabric such as stretch lace or a really cool scrap of knit you’ve been hoarding for years. The surprise in this blouse is the twist at the front. The shirt-tail hem really makes this top a great choice for just about any pants or skirt style. Available in girl’s sizes 2T-16 as well as ladies XS-XXXL.

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This style definitely benefits from a fabric that is pretty much the same on both sides, because half of the front shows the reverse of the fabric.  I had loads of this slinky coral poly/spandex from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table in stash, and as it so happens it was perfect for this pattern.

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse in knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

Coincidentally I had a small remnant of embroidered stretch mesh in stash (also from Darn Cheap Fabrics) that was a perfect colour match for the knit, so I used it for the feature insert in the back. I think it’s just lovely!

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse in knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

The centre front seam allows for the drape at the front, and for a nicely finished V neckline. The instructions for this top are excellent, and it was very fast to sew. I used the sewing machine for most of the construction, and finished all hem edges by turning once then zig-zagging. It is actually very similar in construction to the Style Arc Ginger top.  That reminds me, I must sew myself another one of those!

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse in knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics

Size wise, it’s loose through the body but more fitted through the hips and across Clare’s bottom. I sewed size 10. You know, sizing can be a bit of a guess. I usually have a read of what the pattern says it should be for the person’s measurements, check the finished garment measurements and work out how much ease I want, then pick a number. Experience helps.  I love this top on Clare, and she loves it too. It goes up to a girls size 16, so I suspect that it will be reprinted and remade a few times as Clare grows. Easy and effective.

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse in knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics