Miss Ivy Gets All Buttoned Up: Colette Sorbetto

Friends, you did not read that title incorrectly. This really is a Sorbetto top. It's not from the main branch of the family, mind you, since it's missing that lovely center pleat, but it's definitely a distant cousin. I suppose one could call this the Scarsdale Sorbetto. You know, like those relatives who show up for family reunions, but to whom no one can quite remember how they're related? I don't actually possess any of those relatives, but if I did I'm sure they would be from Scarsdale.

Anyway, the Scarsbetto. She has pintucks. She has buttons. Her buttons actually function. You can see why the main branch of the family looks askance at her during afternoon croquet. After all, the whole point of the Sorbetto pattern is that it is an easy, no-fuss, no-closure blouse. The original is truly lovely, but for my second iteration, I couldn't resist a little overzealous experimentation.

Let's talk process, shall we? How does such a creature come to exist? Well, it all started with the buttons. You may recall the buttons on my last Sorbetto - little fabric-covered crimson ones. They were adorable with the blouse, really, but...they didn't work. Buttons are always delightful, but if they don't actually button, they're just sad little notions serving no purpose. How dreadful for them, don't you think? (And, yes, I was that child who anthropomorphized my M&Ms. Little Mary just knew those damn red M&Ms were always ganging up on the tan ones. The poor dears.) So, I resolved to fix that with my second iteration. This Sorbetto was going to button.

And so it does. Getting there was a bit of an ordeal, however. My plan was rather straightforward - I'd measured for the plackets and button spacings and everything. Unfortunately, I neglected to factor that ever-irritating button issue- they tend to gape on large busts. My original Sorbetto FBA was perfect for a no-closure blouse, but buttons need a bit more room. When fitting it mid-sew, I realized my error. Enter the pintucks. To add a bit more width, I decided to add two extra panels to the middle of the blouse, then hide the seams with pintucks. It added a bit more work time, but I love the look. I couldn't get a proper picture of the fit, but it is practically perfect. Hooray!

As a finishing touch, the Scarsbetto has white bias-tape binding on the neckline, sleeves, and hem. It sets off very well against the white-and-seafoam striped shirting I bought from Fabric Mart. With wide-leg white pants and espadrilles, it's divinely reminiscent of the 1930's. Well, it would if I looked a bit more like Katherine Hepburn, anyway. Today, I did the unthinkable and just wore it with jeans. I love it either way. The buttons add the perfect bit of interest and are definitely a concept I'll be revisiting soon. I can't help thinking this would be a lovely little September dress... Perhaps with a fitted waistband and gathered skirt?

[Note: To enlarge any picture, simply click it!]