Customer Reviews
RESULTS/DESIGN
I'm so glad I made garden blouse (round neck-no sleeve version)! The pin tucks look so delicate and the ties help the top not to be too boxy while still having a relaxed look. To me it's the perfect summer top and depending on your fabric choice it can also be a great summer work-appropriate piece.
I liked that the construction methods are solid while not requiring a serger.
As of alterations, I have just removed a few centimeters from the shoulder seam so it sits more nicely on my shoulders. If I were to make it again, I would also probably enlarge the underarm part for personal preference but it's comfortable as is.
PROCESS
I would describe my sewing level as "confident beginner" : it was my second time making an actually finished garment. Since the explanations were so clear, I could tackle this project with little to no experience in sewing pin tucks, biais collar, ties, french seams...
It took me quite some time to finish but with the attractive design and the instructions being so well detailed (it helps a lot, because you don't have to stop to cross-reference/find additionnal tutorials) I could stay motivated!
I recommend watching From Carly B and Rosery Apparel sewing vlogs :)
I have made the sleeveless crew neck blouse in three different colours; each using Liberty cotton lawn, and so pleased with the results. It does require patience and attention to detail, but the instructions are so detailed I managed to make all three without needing to unpick a stitch! Heat erasing pen is an absolute godsend. Thinking of making the dress version next.
I made the long-sleeved blouse version with v neck and omitted the side ties. Between the pleats, the trapeze shape, and how the shoulders fall, it’s a truly lovely garment. I especially love the long sleeves, which have a nice amount of volume. The hardest part of the pattern was the patience required to mark the fabric. Since I used a heat-erasable pen, portions of my marks would disappear when I pressed, which was maddening.
While my bust matched a size 2, after sewing the toile I opted for size 4 because I wanted more ease in the underarms. I highly recommend sewing the toile; the pattern includes a toile version where you don’t do the front and back pleats. In fact, I may make the blouse again using the toile pattern and adding the side ties this time.
Setting the sleeves was tricky because a lot of bulk builds up at the shoulder seams between the French seams and the pleats. I had to hand stitch that portion.
I would not make this blouse sleeveless because I think the shoulders are a touch too wide, giving it a “muscle” tank effect.
Overall, I’m quite happy with the garment.
The attention to detail in the pattern writing and illustration was incredible. You need patience for sure, but it's oh so worth it!!
Delighted with this pattern. Instructions are very detailed and easy to follow. Project is not finished yet will be finished for Xmas .