Love Notion’s Rhapsody Top for Rachelle

Well, hello everyone!

I’m back with something new that I made for Rachelle. This round, it’s a take on Love Notion’s very popular Rhapody Blouse and Dress.

This pattern has been very popular with home sewers for a few years. It was even voted Pattern Review’s favorite pattern in 2018. It seems that I am a bit late to the game!

We found this beautiful cotton lawn last year at Kansas City’s Legacy Fabric’s grand opening of their brick and mortar store, and I’m just getting around to making it up.

When I saw this print, the Rhapsody just popped into my head. It took Rachelle some time to actually make up her mind about what she wanted, but the Rhapsody eventually won out.

It was in the heat of late August when I made it, and the light cotton lawn was perfect for what she wanted. The blouse style offers some good coverage from the sun, but at the same time, the fabric is light and airy.

The Pattern

Designed for wovens, this style can become many personalities. Ties or no ties? What kind of sleeves? Do you want a top or a dress? The bottom line is that it is a fun pattern. It’s so easy to imagine having more than one Rhapsody in the closet.

The design itself has a back center pleat and a yoke. The shoulder seams (self-contained in the yoke) are off-center to the front, with the front bodice gathered onto the yoke front. This style lends itself to a soft look, and I think fabric with drape works really well.

As far as fit, I feel that it is a loose fit, but not overly slouchy. There’s always a question on Pattern Review about the fit, and I had a hard time deciding what to check for this one. It is nice and fits in the shoulders, but loose in the body.

Another plus for the Rhapsody is the two different front bodices to choose from. The second choice has a full bust adjustment. That will save me some time when I make this for myself.

More Changes

Even with all the variations that the Rhapsody has, it still wasn’t enough for us. Using the pattern options, we went for the trumpet sleeves and chose the no-tie option.

There was a maker-tax, and that was that I got to wear it to my book club. With this view, you can see the front and back lengths, along with the side slit.

After discussions, I added a few inches and turned it into a tunic length with the back longer than the front. Also, I thought slits at the side seams would look good.

Both Rachelle and I like rolling up our sleeves. We decided to have sleeve straps to accomplish this, and it does add a different look to the top.

I think how the front placket is sewn is lovely. It makes for such a neat finish.

As far as seams, as usual, this one has French seams. I guess at this point, everyone would be surprised if I didn’t do French seams.

Closing Thoughts

This is a very flattering pattern, which is why I think sewers keep making it. If you are a beginner, the directions are very clear. The only advanced technique from my point of view is the placket for the front opening.

I will admit that I inserted the sleeves my way and not according to the directions.

At the time of publishing this, I have already made a Rhapsody for me, and it will be the subject of my next post.

This was a fun collaboration with Rachelle. I had a good time talking over all the little details with her.

I think that is about it. Sew, until next time…

Terri

Just a little extra from the pattern showing the variety of sleeve patterns that come with the Rhapsody.