Compagnie M Mara Blouse

I made this Compagnie M Mara blouse for the the Summer of Mara blog tour. Today I’m bringing it home to give the Mara my standard pattern review treatment. I have had my eye on the Compagnie M Mara blouse for quite a while. Marte’s call for sewists to make the Mara for her summer blog blitz was the perfect incentive to move Mara to the top of my must-sew list.

PATTERN: There are two printing options one with seam allowances, and one for people who hate themselves. Clearly I chose the one with, I just can't wrap my head around the real advantage of leaving them off. Like all Compagnie M designs (have you seen the Lotta Dress? Swoon!) the Mara blouse is full of great details. There are 3 sleeve options, flutter, butterfly (shown) and sleeveless. The placket, piping, and body fabric combinations are an endless source of customization. I love the traditional styleing of this blouse, but with separate pieces that allow me to switch things up.

FABRIC: Cotton Voile from India Beautiful Art. I heart this fabric, super lightweight, a tiny bit sheer, and with a sophisticated (I think) cream ground with black stamped pattern. Perfect for this blouse. I used Kaufman Cambridge Cotton in black for the homemade piping. The buttons are from PA Fabric Outlet in Fabric row, and are reminiscent of oil rubbed bronze (though I’m sure that’s not what you call it for buttons) finish, with an embossed pattern that goes really well with the fabric print.

FIT: The Mara fits like a glove, but there is little room to grow. L measured right on as a 4, and she is 4 so that is no surprise. I might make another identical one so she will get more wear out of it. Next time I’ll make a 5 (or maybe even a 6, it could be tunic-y right?). I would also shorten the button loops ¼”, and add an inch to the length.

I would also consider coming up with a bigger lining next time. The piping/placket seam is no joke, and I don’t love the serging showing where the opening starts. I bar tacked the neck opening closed and to the seam there so it wouldn’t hang out.

I guess I should point out that I got this pattern for free, but of course, the opinions are my own. I really want to thank Marte for including me in her blog tour, I love an extra push to challenge myself, and I will be making this  pattern again.

L is also wearing her Clover Shorts by Willow & Co. (blogged here).

Linking up with Simple Simon & Co.