Why you should sew the Avid Seamstress Blouse Pattern

The Avid Seamstress blouse should definitely be part of your wardrobe, a simple yet stylish blouse that will get plenty of wear. 

Let’s start with it’s versatility, it can be worn as work wear or casual and it can be dressed up for a night out, and because of the loose fit style it makes the blouse very easy and comfortable to wear.  

The pattern comes in a beautiful card envelope along with the instructions in a booklet format, with a high quality finish, it can be used again and again and can be nicely stored in the card envelope. The pattern only has 4 pieces, that is a winner in itself, as it means you have a small number of pieces to pattern place and sew together. The pattern is made without darts, it has a button placket and don’t worry, the instructions are super clear for you to feel at ease when completing the placket. In addition it has a lovely collar stand which gives the blouse a really sophisticated minimalist finish and also has the elasticated cuffs, with the process to create them easy to follow. 

The fabric options are great, mostly cottons, such as cotton lawns, cotton poplin and other lightweight fabrics that are soft, which includes rayons, viscose, crepe and silk for added luxury.

I used a Cloud9 fabric called Dabble by Rayons, it has a silky soft finish, and made from a lovely light material, it has an amazing drape across the body. I found it easy to sew with but if you are yet to work with rayons, viscose and silk fabrics, then cottons are your go to as they are easier to handle. Browse our cotton dressmaking fabrics collection to see choices available.

I have recently sewn this pattern and found the process of sewing it quite straightforward and I have already found my next fabric to use to make another one. This pattern has minimal changes you need to make for a good fit, but just like any other pattern I would recommend measuring the following to ensure optimum fit:

Shoulder length - Between the bottom of your neck (collarbone) and shoulder joint, then check the pattern shoulder seam.

Sleeve length - You may prefer it shorter or longer

Garment length 

Don’t forget to make all these changes prior to cutting the pattern pieces. 

For me the main change I made was to the shoulder seam, I added about 1.5cm to the pattern as I have wide shoulders and it gave me more ease when wearing it.   

Do read the pattern a couple of times especially if you are not too familiar with button plackets, collar stands and inserting a sleeve, there are great tips and tricks included which helps your confidence as you know what to prepare for. In terms of sewing the pattern I chose to serge (overlock) the seams as I wanted to have a nice neat finish inside but remember it isn’t a must, especially if you don’t have an overlocker machine. You could always use your standard sewing machine and pick the zig zag stitch to finish the seams or you could use the french seam method which will give it a high end finish but this works best with light weight fabrics.

Beyond making your first blouse, you will find the potential this pattern has to use as a base to create various versions by adjusting the sleeves, to give it puffed sleeves, or to lengthen it and make shirt dress. 

I hope my personal insight into using this pattern will encourage you to get your own copy, get the sewing machine and create a beautiful blouse that will last you for years to come. 

Happy Sewing xx

Oyin

Lush Cloth