Pattern Musings: Simplicity 2211

This is a bit belated on the musings front, seeing as I'm almost finished with the project already, but on my sewing table right now is the Market Blouse from Simplicity Lisette 2211. This is one of those patterns that's been begging for me to make it, ever since I saw the envelope. I live for delicate little shirts, perfect for dressing up under a cardigan or just throwing on with a denim skirt. The puffed sleeves and button placket of this shirt fit that bill perfectly. I could immediately imagine it in pretty floral lawns and silk blends.

For my first iteration, I'm going basic: the main bodice made up in white cotton Swiss dot (from Gorgeous Fabrics), with the sleeve bands, collar, and placket made from a black cotton Swiss dot (from Hancock Fabrics). Black & white combinations are a big favorite of mine, stemming from a Rear Window viewing at too impressionable an age. Grace Kelly's divine B&W dress from that role stuck with me - it's one of my favorite color schemes for garments, party planning, and outrageously expensive shoes I cannot afford.

As for pattern changes, I did an FBA, which was incredibly easy due to the lack of extra design frills. That's it for changes this time around, but I am contemplating turning the placket from faux-button down to real closures next time. It's a very cute effect as it is right now, but I'm not much for fake details. If it looks like a button-down, it should actually button! The pattern pieces would be relatively easy to convert, so there's no point not giving in to my fashion neuroses and trying it out.