Thanks Elisabeth and Angie. I somehow missed these replies before today.
I am certainly going to be on the watch for this fit problem from now on. With the recent preference for fitted blouses, it has become trickier for me. I'll keep the tailoring solutions in mind for garments that are worth the investment, and aim for blouses with unfitted waists as much as possible, to help them hang better on me. I just have a thick middle, and I'm going to have to learn to adjust my style around that. And the thickness is not just fat, which can be dealt with. It's bones and muscles too. I am not complaining here, just taking note of the fact that I can't ever aim for an elfin or a willowy look and expect to succeed. I can, on the other hand, succeed with other things. :o)