31 Flavors of Marfy 0692

Just a quick note to rave about my favorite TNT

Sometimes there is just that one pattern that is so versatile, classic and simple that you can't get enough of it.  I thought for sure that the basic shell with the gathered neckline would go out of style a long time ago, but it keeps reinventing itself.

My favorite by far is the one shown here.  I got this Just Cavalli fabric at High's in Houston for way too much money (if you ever see it, I got it on sale!) with a bonus from work a few quarters ago.  Sometimes the perfect fabric in the perfect color with the perfect design just needs to be taken home and sewn.
This was my 5th copy of this pattern so I had figured out a few things. 
First of all, cut it on the bias.  I know its a pain and uses more fabric, but you just like it better that way! 

If you are going to take the time to make it, take the time to LOVE it!

Second of all, put sleeves on it.  It doesn't have to be bold or properly structured, just a little cap.  Having a sleeve broadens the line of the shoulder, narrows the hips and helps stabilize the shirt under jackets.

Its a free pattern from way back in 2008 that I first made because Yorkshirelass reviewed it on PR here.  The picture in the book doesn't even show the whole shirt, its hidden under a flowy jacket seen here:

The first one pictured below is another one of my favorites.  Its white silk charmeuse with an organza ruffle folded to the inside, and a beautiful rayon Venice lace trim.  The downside is that white silk has such a short life span, it already needs to be replaced.
The second pictured is the very first one that I made to match a jacket.  It isn't on the bias so it kind of binds and doesn't get worn often.
The blue I didn't like the satin band around the neckline so I sewed a self-fabric ruffle over it.  The last one was made from a skirt.  It is a couple of inches short which isn't as flattering, but I still get compliments on it.

My next version is a knock of of the Elie Tahari.  I love the different colors used, but it would be more flattering bias cut and that center front seam doesn't really have to extend to the hem.  One interesting thing to notice it that the back neckline has the ruffle edge stitched to the neckline so that it sits up almost like a collar.  I think this will make it sit better and be less fussy under a jacket.  This is pretty easy to do if you don't put too much fullness in the outer edge of the ruffle.

I have both the shirt and the ruffles cut so I should be able to post pictures of this and the jacket later in the weekend.

I know I have a lot of work left to do to this weekend, but it seems pretty doable.