The Rhapsody Blouse Sewing Pattern With TomKat Stitchery

[@barbaramckenzie326]

I think I would be inclined to bind the V part of the neckline before attaching the back at the shoulder seam. Then the piece would be flat to work with and not have to fight the back!

[@michonestewart8072]

Great idea!

[@LoveNotions]

Sounds interesting Barbara! ~K

[@suzyhattaway9860]

That's a great idea.....

[@kathecampomanes1154]

Thanks for the tip Barbara! I am just about to make the blouse version today. I had made the dress version about a year ago and it's kind of a blur.

[@kookykreek]

Great suggestion! I’m a beginner so any tip helps. I’ll be sewing this some day very soon.

[@manonrouleau1898]

Thank you for getting instructions . You convinced me to do bias tape with the same fabric.

[@LoveNotions]

Wonderful! Happy Sewing! ~K

[@patriciaoswalt6464]

No pinning or pressing on that V, you have mad skills! Love all your tops.

[@LoveNotions]

Thanks Patricia! ~K

[@juliefox77]

Thank you for showing the process in more “real time” opposed to sped up! I’m really loving the style as details of this top!

[@LoveNotions]

Glad it was helpful! ~K

[@kimbailey1754]

I’m so excited to pick this pattern up! I’ve already selected my fabric for my first one online and just need to order it this afternoon. Side note: I use a delicates bag to wash anything that can’t go into the dryer. That way when I’m moving things to the dryer, the things I need to lay out to dry are easy to spot so I don’t accidentally toss them in the dryer. I’ve learned the hard way 😂

[@lynnries7729]

Me too...learned the hard way!

[@LoveNotions]

Haha! Haven't we all learned the hard way lol Thanks for stopping by Kim! ~K

[@melodygardner6169]

Thanks for a great Rhapsody neckline tute!!! I have to tell you that I just finished watching the Style Arc Monty sew alongs, which were also very instructive. However, the one thing I was amazed is that you and I sew alike!! What I mean is that we all have our procedures how we handle fabric, and the machine. Karina from Lifting Pins and Needles uses lots of pins and hand sewing, and she sews gorgeous garments. I have been in a garment sewing group for about 15 years, and we all do things a little differently. (Don't you wish you still lived in KC, and could have lunch with us once a week!! We are called the KC Pinheads, and we don't bowl.) Sew, I am amazed that both of us do the same things while we are sewing. Your tutes are really fun to watch!!

[@LoveNotions]

Aww that's so cool Melody! Thanks so much for stopping by! So happy you enjoyed Whitney's video! ~K

[@annie7768]

I LOVED seeing the different things you made and your hacks. It was so good to see how it looked in the different fabrics and styles on one body. Lovenotions does a great job showing lots of options but it was nice seeing the different looks on one body and the movement and flow. Great video, thank you!

[@kookykreek]

Thanks for the video! As a beginner I need this. If you ever happen to do one with the ties that hang, please video that. I really want mine to have that but not sure if I’d do it without watching it done first. 🙂

[@patsystuddard3709]

I love your sense of humor….such an infectious laugh. I’ve not sewn this without the ties yet. I might try it now. I noticed this blue fabric seemed to have a bit of structure and the top of the “v” seemed to lay down nicely. With lighter weight fabrics, I’m wondering if those would lay flat as easily as a more structured fabric. Have you ever added a light weight pellon to help with this? I would appreciate knowing. Thanks again for the tutorial.

[@lenorebaker8147]

I love your channel! I would like to see a video on how to use shearing on the yoke pieces of the Rhapsody and it would also apply to the Ballad. I know how to set up my serger and sewing machine but it’s unclear how much or how little so it still fits the yoke and doesn’t change the sizing.

[@LoveNotions]

Hi Lenore, the Ballad pattern has a video link specifically for the shirring. If you want to do shirring on a different pattern, I recommend cutting the pattern piece twice the length as shirring usually sill shrink up to about half the original size after steaming. ~K

[@jomoresi3111]

I purchased this pattern today & I just came across this video. I follow you & I know you like this pattern & I live all your blouses. Great video to show how to do the v. I use bias binding lots but I am so glad I saw how you do this. Thanks for all your teaching & inspiration!

[@LoveNotions]

You are so welcome! ~K

[@janedrolet2807]

I love the sound of your Juki motor. Kind of like the Harley Davidson of sewing machines.

[@LoveNotions]

haha! Thanks Jane! ~K

[@lenorebaker8147]

Great demonstration!!! I already have the pattern and am anxious to see it up!

[@LoveNotions]

Wonderful! Have fun sewing! ~K

[@nancynewman6592]

It is great to see the necessary 'fussing' with the material, in real time. This helps us to understand that to get it right means to almost walk it through, not whiz it down the sewing line Thanks :)

[@sosewmad]

Fabulous collection Whitney! I immediately purchased this on Friday, it's such a lovely pattern, can't wait to make it. Thanks for the tips on the bias front. Hope you're keeping well

[@LoveNotions]

Have fun! Happy Sewing! ~K

[@rubyjenkins1738]

Hmmmm...I think I will make a couple of the dresses in a substantial knit (not too thick) for our Florida winters. I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted. Your dresses are pretty close. Thanks

[@LoveNotions]

Sounds great! ~K

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Always love a Rhapsody!!! great tutorial as ever Whitney xxxxxxxx

[@LoveNotions]

Thank you so much for stopping by Alexandra!! ~K

[@dancetoday542]

Fabulous video. Thank you. I would be nervous without pinning or basting!

[@LoveNotions]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching! ~J

[@traceyotten2618]

Just bought the pattern! Thank you for the tutorial!

[@LoveNotions]

Wonderful! Happy Sewing! ~K

[@rubyjenkins1738]

Thanks for the neckline turorial. I see a white summer set using this top in my future. *I, too, would probably do the front binding before sewing the shoulder seams.

[@LoveNotions]

A white summer set sounds perfect! ~K

[@bernadettepierre7935]

My favorite of all time...already made five!! Will be make more

[@LoveNotions]

Wowzer! Amazing to hear! ~K

[@clareyoung4164]

😍 I bought this pattern a couple of years ago when I first started following you on KZbin. My favourite is still the one you made in a green viscose batik fabric x

[@LoveNotions]

Yay, thank you! ~K

[@cami7328]

I like the way you did that!

[@LoveNotions]

Yay! Thanks!

[@brendadouglas9833]

It was very much helpful, Thank you.

[@LoveNotions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@julieoleary9328]

Very cute and good directions, thank you

[@LoveNotions]

Glad you like them! ~K

[@libbybennett3067]

I love this top and l also love your blue dress. Definitely good for all year round. You make sewing the binding onto the v bit of the neck, so easy Whitney.

[@LoveNotions]

Yay! Thank you! ~K

[@cherylp.3347]

Great makes. I’m the opposite, I haven’t made one without ties yet. I’m keep to try it with a light linen after seeing yours. To date I’ve used mostly crepes.

[@LoveNotions]

Thanks for watching Cheryl! Yes please try the linen.. you'll love it! ~K

[@debbiebridges8807]

These or so or, I just no this pattern and I love that I can make do versions of this pattern.

[@dianemontavon5670]

Thanks Whitney, great video.

[@LoveNotions]

Thanks for watching Diane! ~K

[@ZeldaSews]

Find Whitney, I Am in the process of cutting out my rhapsody blouse. I'm watching your video, and I'm hoping you did a sew along for this.😅

[@LoveNotions]

I'm not sure if she has a video herself, but we do have a sew along on our website! www.lovenotions.com/sewalong-landing Let us know if you have questions, though, we're happy to help! ~J

[@carolecushman3354]

I love your fabric. Was it from your 'stash'? Your videos rock!

[@brigittev9917]

Thanks Whitney, great tuto

[@LoveNotions]

Glad it was helpful! ~K

[@Allycat3270]

Great video Whitney, a Rhapsody blouse is on my list to sew up!

[@LoveNotions]

Yay! Go for it! ~K

[@zazmau]

I think I like a facing on the neckline of the Rhapsody, easier too.

[@722dabba]

that was really interesting. ty for the tutorial

[@LoveNotions]

Glad you enjoyed it! ~K

[@fionajohnson5842]

Hello Whitney. Your video is very clear so thank you for sharing your technique. I recently bought the pattern because your green viscose Rhapsody is so beautiful and just the style of cool casual top I like to wear in summer. We're heading into winter here in Australia so there's no rush but I'm still impatient to make my first version.

[@LoveNotions]

Glad it was helpful! Pretty sure we've seen some wintery flannel versions in our fb group too so you may be able to make it work through winter! ~K

[@Maridith2]

That was super helpful! Thanks a bunch!

[@LoveNotions]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for stopping by! ~K

[@LuzMartinez-if1dw]

Thank you so much , your a God sent 🙏🏼🌺🌸🌷💖

[@LoveNotions]

You are so welcome! ~K

[@kathiethompson6719]

Love this tutorial. I have not made this top/dress yet and I'm wondering about the back neckline and how much below the neck bone it lies. I find tops or dresses that I like and then the back neck is too low for my upper rounded back at the neckline. My thinking is to re-draw the back neck, raise it up to what I need. Any other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

[@LoveNotions]

I think it will fit differently on different body types for sure. Maybe make a mockup from some inexpensive fabric to test out the fit? Or compare it to a top that has the perfect neckline for you and see if you need to make any changes. ~K

[@myinnermagpie]

I have the same problem. I raise the back neckline by a half inch.

[@kathiethompson6719]

@@myinnermagpie Thank you for your reply. I wish I only needed 1/2 inch total. That works for my high round, but I need to add 4 inches total from the neckline to my back waist line. I have kyphosis and it has given me some challenges in sewing garments. I have shrunk 4" in height and when I sew, there it is in my back now! Arghhh.

[@lilianafiorino8257]

Love this blouse. Was looking for the coupon code to order this blouse but couldn’t find it!

[@lindanuss7710]

No coupon is needed! Just go to lovenotions.com and add the pattern to your cart, the price is already reduced to $5 today.

[@cathyabbott5742]

Hi Whitney, Do you happen to have a tutorial on how to make bias tape?

[@LoveNotions]

Hi Cathy. We have one on our blog: www.lovenotions.com/how-to-make-your-own-bias-binding-with-oakley-vest ~K

[@katrinamusgrave1167]

Love all of your Rhapsodys! I made the top a few years ago and now I'm getting ready to make the dress for a wedding next weekend. I will be using a crepe fabric and I feel like it's just see through enough that it will need lined. Do you suggest I sew in lining or wear a full slip underneath? If you suggest lining, how do I line it? Do I just treat the lining and fabric as a single piece throughout all of the construction?

[@LoveNotions]

You could line it by doubling the skirt and bodice pieces - but I would personally just wear a Luna Loungewear nighty underneath as a slip!

[@katrinamusgrave1167]

@@LoveNotions thank you!

[@IBoz0017]

Did you make your shorts? If so, would you please share the pattern info?

[@LoveNotions]

I'm not sure if Whitney did, but you can find lots of shorts sewing patterns in our store: Allegros, Summer Caye, Glissando, and there's even a new one coming out!

[@marlenede-abel1336]

Thank you for this - it was very helpful. I have made this a few times and have had issues with this part. When you sewed the v binding what was the seam allowance - was it three eights of inch?

[@LoveNotions]

Yes 3/8" seam allowance but make sure to keep a smaller seam allowance right at the V so there is less fabric bulk when the V is finished. ~K

[@deniseroot7105]

What is the difference between a crepe faille and a choche? And I have no idea how to spell cloche. Maybe one day you can explain like those and crepe de chine. I guess I could order samples. Thanks!

[@LoveNotions]

I will try to find out (I don't know myself, ha!) ~J

[@TomKatStitchery]

A faille is a weave that is diagonal, kind of like a twill. However, it’s a bit more raised. It’s a silk that has quite a bit of body and is great for structured garments like dresses, skirts and jackets. A cloque has a raised designed that has quite a bit of texture (similar to a cotton seersucker). It’s had more drape than a faille and is lovely for blouses and dresses. A crepe de chine is a crepe so it had that pebbled texture, but it’s pretty flat. It’s fabulous for blouses, tops and drapey dresses. I hope this helps!

[@deniseroot7105]

@TomKatStitchery thanks girls! I made most of my clothes out of quilting cotton so have lots to learn! I can't wait.

[@marianaesterhuyse720]

You look so good in your makes. I need to dieet! May I ask what is you measurements and what size do you use. Thank you

[@LoveNotions]

Whitney is often in a medium :)

[@susanthibodaux9242]

Whitney, I’ve never made a love notions pattern before. I also have 35-36”high bust and a 40”full bust. Did you just cut out the front bodice piece for the full bust or both front and back pieces?

[@LoveNotions]

Hi Susan. The back pieces of our patterns are usually the same for both the standard and full bust. ~K

[@debrahanger5751]

Whitney, I made the raphsody for the first time and did not make the bias extended ties; however, my v shape does not lay flat at all. It flops open. I used the full bust option pattern. Would the problem be caused because I need to use the rgular size pattern? Thanks so much!

[@LoveNotions]

It could just be a fabric thing, it tends to flop open with most fabrics (part of the style for that type of shirt.) To keep it from doing that, you'd probably need to make it more of a notch vs a V and use a more stable fabric. I'll pass your comment on to Whitney, though, in case she has some other ideas! 😊 ~J

[@TomKatStitchery]

Mine lays against the body, but does pull open - as you can see in the video. It could have something to do with fabric. If you’re top is made in a lightweight fabric you need to use bias tape that’s also lightweight (making bias tape from the fabric you used is ideal). Too heavy bias tape could be pulling the area down. Another thing that can cause necklines to not hug the body is that the bias tape wasn’t pulled slightly when it was sewn. Bias tape will hug the body when you pull it slightly when you’re sewing the first pass of attaching bias to neckline. Those are the two that come to mind. The full bust vs standard bust won’t affect the neckline that way. I hope this helps!

[@debrahanger5751]

@@LoveNotions Thanks.....I would like to fix it by doing something - snap? Any ideas welcome.

[@LoveNotions]

If you want it to stay closed, I would just add a couple of hand stitches to keep it closed. A snap would also work! Or attaching the ties. Those lil bra hooks? Lots of options, just depends on the look you're going for. 😊 ~J

[@LoveNotions]

Thanks, lady!! Good info! ❤️~J

[@lynneprentice4278]

Brilliant tutorial Witney! Do you think it work drafting a facing for the woven top similar to the knit dresses you made? I’m not a fan of binding 😀

[@kellymartin1176]

I think Katrina at Lifting Pins and Needles might have a video post for making a facing.

[@lynneprentice4278]

@@kellymartin1176 thanks Kelly, I’ll check it out. I should have thought of Karina myself!😀👍

[@LoveNotions]

You absolutely can do a facing if you prefer! The joy of sewing is that we can do whatever we want and switch things up to our preferences right? ~K

[@janiseaster2091]

Would this pattern work in double gauze?

[@LoveNotions]

Absolutely! ~K

[@vickicollison8393]

What model is your sewing machine?

[@LoveNotions]

You can find it at TomKatStitchery here on KZbin :)

[@bernadettepierre7935]

And I bought the shirt pattern recently

[@LoveNotions]

Awesome! ~K

[@MiddleEastMilli]

Hello! In my pattern, I do not see the amount of fabric I need in 44" width. What would you suggest as I am ready to purchase some fabrics? Thank you very kindly!!!

[@LoveNotions]

I think the rule for a top pattern is to usually add about a yard extra when converting to 44". ~K

[@MiddleEastMilli]

@@LoveNotions Thank you Whitney!

[@suzyhattaway9860]

That's absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much, Whitney! I love the Rhapsody too but the neckline always gives me grief.... Feel much happier about it now. 👍

[@LoveNotions]

So happy to help Suzy! You can do it! ~K

[@claudiaunruh8955]

I ordered this blouse today and I have never ordered a pdf pattern. I found out that large format printing at pdf plotting will cost $10 to print and about $27 to ship to California. I am not happy with those prices!!!! Is this a realistic price? If so, I will not purchase a pdf pattern again. Btw, home printer is 83 pages long. Yikes!!!!!

[@LoveNotions]

I haven’t heard of shipping prices that high before from pdf plotting. Yikes indeed. Many people have great success with at-home printing and only print the pages, options, and sizes they actually need. Others love the projector sewing, and others swear by pdf plotting. I’ve heard that about $2 a sheet is typically but never have seen such a high ship cost, especially for within the US. I wonder if something is up with their shipping?