I spotted this fabric from Emma One Sock with its fun scissors and just couldn't resist. After all, someone who sews and smocks needs a scissor blouse! The fabric is a stretch cotton sateen, and the pattern is Butterick 6026 by Katherine Tilton.
I LOVE this pattern! The heirloom details make it just perfect. The tucks radiate out from the shoulder, waist and from the 3/4 sleeves as well. I wish all patterns had fun details like these. It is one of the reasons I sew - you just don't see this type of detail on ready to wear!
On a practical level, the pattern directions are very clear and straight forward. I didn't make any changes to the sizing, although if I make it again, I will add an inch to the length. The one problem I did have was when making the tucks, I marked them on the wrong side of the fabric, and then sewed them - so far so good! However, my marking lines were now enclosed in the tucks - the air couldn't get to the marks and water didn't dissolve the chalk that was now so neatly surrounded by fabric! I used yellow chalk, and repeated washing eventually did the trick! So, although it is not normally done, if you are making this blouse, I advise marking your tucks on the right side of the fabric, using a method you know you can remove!
I also added a few fun details to this blouse with the red striped collar stand and red thread x's to anchor the mother of pearl buttons. This isn't a fast sewing project of course, but the time invested is well worth it - I highly recommend this pattern! What patterns have you made that have fun details?