Pattern Description: I am Pearl, a blouse that you can create in 36 different versions. I was designed to offer multiple style options while remaining easy to adapt to your preferences.

Main features:

Necklines: choose between a simple flat collar, a flat collar with ruffles, or a pussybow

Sleeves: I have three types of gathered sleeves at the sleeve head:

long simple sleeve with a high cuff; the same long sleeve with 4 pleats above the elbow

; 3/4 puffed sleeve finished with a small cuff band

Buttoning: I can be sewn with visible or hidden buttons

Length: wear me as a classic blouse or a crop top, with a small waist band to structure the silhouette

Each option allows you to customize your blouse according to your style and project. Whether you prefer a simple, classic version or a more detailed design, I adapt to all your ideas.

Pattern Sizing: 34 to 52. I made a size 36 at the shoulders/chest grading up to a 38 at the hip.

Were the instructions easy to follow? For the most part. The placket/tie neck diagram was a bit confusing but I figured it out after awhile. I think there might be an error in the pattern because the instructions call for interfacing but they never tell you where to interface. I added interfacing to the buttonbands and the attached portion of the necktie.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love all of the options you get in this pattern. It's possible to use the same basic design and get many different looks. i really like the shorter tie--it feels more modern to me.

I was not a fan of the extra long cuff because it highlights how short my arms are, so i changed it to an elastic gathered cuff instead.

Fabric Used: Minerva Exclusive Whiskered Walk EcoVero Viscose Challis POD Fabric Pewter. I really loved working with this fabric. It was pretty stable for viscose and a nice weight--not too thin but it still has a lovely drape. It did shrink a bit after washing, even though I pre-washed the fabric, as the sleeves are a bit shorter than they were before washing. I adore the grey leopard print. It suits my cool-toned coloring much better than a traditional leopard print.

Changes/alterations: I did a 1" SBA and ended up with teeny darts. I sewed them this time but next time I would close up the darts. I graded up to a size 38 at the upper back for my broad back. I added length to the 3/4 sleeve because I wanted bracelet length elastic gathered sleeves instead of the original band. However, I should have added more length (I lengthened 3.5") because the sleeves shrunk a bit in the wash. I am happy with the original body length. It stays tucked in and doesn't add too much bulk. I definitely needed to grade out for the hips as the top is very straight and would've been too tight in that area if I hadn't.

Would you sew it again? Yes, I definitely plan to sew it again. I really like the version with pleated sleeves and I might even try the ruffle collar view.

Conclusion: I absolutely love my new blouse. I got the fit pretty spot-on (except for the too-short sleeves) and the print will go so well in my wardrobe. I can't wait to sew another version of this top.

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