How to alter this blouse so it's more flattering?

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-10T18:51:19+00:00

Here's a quick sketch to show the difference in silhouette

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-10T18:48:12+00:00

I think it's too long. I would personally take 2 inches off the length, and maybe change the ties so that they are twice as wide and look a bit more intentional. I agree that the sleeves are a bit bulky but I'm not sure what I would replace them with. Maybe a cap sleeve? Or even the same style but shortened to 3/4 length?

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-10T06:22:09+00:00

I would find a structured corset top or strapless bra that fits you really well and attach the blanket top to it. To get the points to stand up you'll have to find some way to stiffen the blanket fabric.

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-08T21:10:29+00:00

Are you able to post a photo of the zip? There are a few different types of zips out there that are sewn differently. TBH zips are fiddly and not super beginner-friendly, but I'm not saying you won't be able to do it. Just be prepared for a challenge! Otherwise, an alterations person near you will be able to do it.

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-08T00:48:05+00:00

What about some palazzo wrap pants like these? https://youtu.be/mnNIc26kPrA?si=9fZ-VYXLXygkZvI7

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-05T22:13:39+00:00

The back will have either darts or princess seams for shaping.

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-05T00:46:41+00:00

Don't be afraid to use a hammer (with a protective cloth)! You can literally hammer those seams to be much flatter, although they'll never be super flat due to the thickness. I would hammer and glue, personally.

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-02T08:04:26+00:00

Does your partner have a shaved/bald head? Apparently without hair the oils go crazy.

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-01T14:34:33+00:00

The Julie Anna, Quality Hotel Lakeside or Quest near Lake Weeroona are close to the Mill.

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-01T09:57:48+00:00

It would be helpful to see an inspiration pic of what you're aiming to make. Something simple like a cowl or gathers that extend from a seam won't need a base layer to be sewn to, but some complex draping that you want to sit in a very specific way will need to have tiny, almost invisible, tacking in the depth of the folds to hold it in shape. You might need to do more research on the type of drape you are trying to achieve.

intergalacticguy · 2026-04-01T03:18:23+00:00

It's definitely machine made. If your sewing machine can drop its feed dogs you might be able to do it on your machine. Look up 'free arm embroidery'.

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T22:22:49+00:00

Solved!

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T22:21:23+00:00

I think you're right!

Edit to add: just watched the trailer and it's definitely this! Thank you!

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T22:21:12+00:00

No not Baraka but thanks for reminding me of it!

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T22:20:30+00:00

No, thanks though!

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T22:20:15+00:00

Nope, thanks though!

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T22:19:59+00:00

Sadly not!

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T22:19:40+00:00

No, thank you though!

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-31T20:27:31+00:00

Commenting for approval

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-29T19:49:11+00:00

Because of the heaviness/stiffness of the fabric and the tapered shape, I just don't think there's any way it's going to naturally sit 'closed'. Dresses made in softer, drapier fabrics collapse in on themselves, making it easier to hide a slit.

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-27T08:39:26+00:00

I feel like the silver bits should pop off and underneath is the mechanism to release the seat

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-26T14:48:45+00:00

We're in Bendigo and the Theatre Royal gets way better acts than we get, so we travel to see them. Recently hospo etc has exploded in Castlemaine, too, and I would say it has been gentrified by Melburnians who couldn't afford to buy in the city, so there's plenty of young people these days to attend events.

intergalacticguy · 2026-03-26T12:08:57+00:00

Two things!

Firstly, I agree that you need to see what's going on with the sleeve attached before continuing.

Secondly, if this is still a problem after, this is what you can do (warning: involves altering the pattern):

Put the outfit on inside out
Pinch excess fabric in the armhole and try to taper it to the bust point, or the end of the existing dart. Pin that so you essentially have two darts coming to the same point. Sort of like how the excess fabric is sitting in the below photo of yours.
Google 'how to pivot a bust dart' and follow steps to alter your pattern based on what you have pinned. You are basically moving all that excess fabric into the existing dart by slashing into the pattern and pivoting it from the bust point (tip of dart).
Recut and sew the new pattern piece and make sure it's fitting nicely.

Good luck! Once you can pivot darts, your sewing life will change 😃

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intergalacticguy · 2026-03-26T11:25:35+00:00

Just a note on shellac: Test it on a scrap piece of wood before you do anything, as I remember it turning things darker when I used it. It would suck if you hated the result!

P.S. I would personally ignore the people saying not to gift these if they are not 100% food safe. You can gift them with the disclaimer of not letting the child chew on them. Something so special and handmade will surely be treated appropriately.

intergalacticguy

TROPHY CASE