Aqua Linen Blouse

I made this week's featured garment a few years ago when I ended up with a surplus of aqua linen that I had ordered from Fashion Fabrics Club in pursuit of the perfect fabric for my baby's nursery.  Originally thinking I would use it for curtains, I ordered a very large amount.  In the end it became liners for various baskets in the room, and I was left with a lot of fabric for another purpose.

The pattern for this top was created with Pattern Master Boutique pattern drafting software by Wild Ginger.  The design features include a center front button closure, shoulder princess seaming, curved hemline and collar with stand.  I followed directions written by Belinda Davies for creating a collared v-neckline, a style that was very popular several years ago. 

Before cutting the body of the garment, I created pintucks in the linen fabric and then cut the center front princess panels from that fabric.  The top is lined with a lightweight cotton voile, making it cool and comfortable to wear in the summer.  I finished the look with square shell buttons.

I really love this little blouse because it is so quintessentially ME.  I love wearing and working with linen and am particularly fond of soft, feminine shades like this aqua.  The pintucked details harken to my love of heirloom sewing and add (I think) just the right touch of uniqueness while maintaining the traditional look that I like.  The fit is just right, and I feel pretty wearing it.  Which garments in your closet are truly YOU?

Dawn Anderson Rococo Blouse

This week’s garment is the Rococo Blouse from Dawn Anderson Designs.  I first met Dawn at a local ASG event (she is a member of my local Chapter) and have watched her business grow from the early days.    Dawn’s lovely designs reflect her background in theater and costuming , her love of historical garments and her forward-looking modern approach.  You can read more about her background and see her pattern collection on her website.

The Rococo Blouse features a low square neckline with princess seams, is fully lined, buttons up the front or the back, and includes interchangeable sleeve ruffle options:   gathered sleeve ruffles with a detachable eyelet ruffle or triple circular ruffles.  The pattern is sized 4 through 26.

This blouse is very flattering, comfortable and fun to wear.   I’ve made it twice.  The first time, I was testing the pattern for Dawn and I made View A from a blue and white striped embroidered cotton.  I made no alterations to the pattern and it fit perfectly. Dawn has written extensive directions for altering this pattern based on your own measurements so if you do need to alter, she will walk you through it. 

I liked this blouse so much that I decided to make View B which the pattern describes as being for an advanced skill level. I used a large floral print silk crepe lined with China silk.  I lined the circular ruffles with two different silks, a striped charmeuse and a damask-like georgette.  The pattern allows for the ruffles to be tacked up for a drapery effect but I didn't do that on my blouse.   I matched the fabric’s pattern along the center back closure and used self fabric covered buttons.

Dawn's instructions are some of the best of the independent pattern companies. They are very thorough and walk you through each and every step of the process. I like this blouse pattern so much that I would love to make it again.  Here I am wearing it during a photo shoot I did with my family in 2009.

photo by Sally Brewer Photography