Simplicity 2154 Pussy Bow Blouse

I really like the Pussy Bow Blouse look. Strangely I've only made one bow blouse before - Gertie's bow tie blouse. I wear that blouse a bit but can sometimes find it restrictive around my neck so I liked the idea of trying out a pattern with a lower neckline. I bought Simplicity 2154 in a spotty sale, sold on the idea of getting a cardigan and a skirt in the same pattern envelope.

I cut the pattern in a size 12 from a stunning Black cotton voile from The Cloth Shop which has a pattern woven through it. I love the fabric, it's interesting while still being a solid colour. I really need more solid colour tops to wear with patterned skirts.

The instructions were reasonably easy to follow, but there were quite a few more steps than I expected and it ended up taking a couple of afternoons to sew up. The facings are bias tape which is sewn over, and under, the collar. The thickness around the neck does make the collar and bow sit a bit chunkily, despite trimming and clipping into the neck seam.

I used a normal, non-lapped invisible zip purely because I'm more comfortable with this style. I do aim to to sew some lapped zipper this year, though.

The instructions state to add a button and thread loop but no detail is provided on how to make the loop. I used a tutorial Tessuti recently posted to make the button loop; the video is fantastic! I will definitely be making more button loops in the future. Tiny hook and eyes at the back neckline can some times be a nuisance to open and close, and I often need a hand from Tim. 

Note that the bow is not a self-tie bow. It is gathered at the centre and then sewn on. I found it very difficult to gather up the bow and ended up doing this with a hand needle and thread. The thickness around the bow and neckline can be tricky to handle. 

The fit is slightly off, but not enough to bother me. There's room to go down a size all over next time, but I do like the comfort of the larger fit. I think the top looks good untucked with pants too.

This pattern has been made up a lot in the sewing blog world, and I'm not surprised. It's a fun, no-fuss blouse to wear. I will get heaps of wear out of this one and may make another in the future in a different colour. Perhaps white. I wore it work on Monday with my pocketless cord V1247. I would also like to make a few more of these skirts for myself before winter as they are great with tights.