My Latest Make April 2021

This week I can finally reveal my Spring blouse of dreams! I have an all time favourite ready to wear blouse I've worn on the vlog a few times and received so many questions about which pattern it was I decided to recreate it and this is the result. It isn't an identical replica, but has lots of the key features - a V neck, yoke, balloon sleeves and a stand up collar. I had to hack the pattern to add a ruffle on the collar and across the back yoke, which I also added and there is a detailed tutorial I produced to show you exactly how to do this and I have included a link to the tutorial below. You could do it on any blouse pattern with a stand up collar. I also used the burrito method to line the yoke and encase all of the seams and have included a link to this tutorial too. This was such a fun make and I am absolutely in love with the fabric, it is a linen, viscose mix and the colour palette is perfect for bringing a bucket load of vibrancy to your Spring handmade wardrobe. Every time I pull it out of my handmade wardrobe I smile and my spirits are lifted. I've linked all the products I talked about below.
► Sew Essential www.sewessenti...
► Instagram / sewessentialuk
► Butterick 6801 www.sewessenti...
► Linen viscose floral fabric www.sewessenti...
► 1/4" elastic www.sewessenti...
► Collar and yoke ruffle tutorial • How to Sew Collar and ...
► Burrito method yoke lining tutorial • How to Sew Collar and ...

[@mysambamusic]

I like it better than the ready to wear blouse! Beautiful!

[@salliecook4202]

Love that bouse!!!!!

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much

[@katehampshire8410]

Really lovely blouse.

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much

[@wolfgangshuman]

Gorgeous !!!

[@SewEssential]

Thank you!!

[@lindashepheard9091]

I'm 62, been sewing since I was 12 but every day is a school day, I love your video's x

[@SewEssential]

Linda that's amazing, thanks so much, it honestly means so much to me to hear things like that!

[@alicon280]

Perfect blouse. Fab

[@elainelouw371]

Thank you Margaret Helliwell for answering my question on the Butterick B6801

[@christinesmith3582]

Love the top 😊

[@susanniker9697]

The blouse looks lovely! I can tell you're genuinely pleased with your new creation, and the colours look great with denim.

[@heatherr9201]

For length, fyi, be sure and measure the length and make notes of it so next time you know that exactly the length you like for wovens.... also you could unpick the hem and then cut a band or use hem tape to give it a little more length depending on how much you folded under for the hem, also could add a hem band... but it’s beautiful and looks great on you.

[@SewEssential]

Thanks so much Heather, you're so right I need to measure and make a note of my perfect length, great idea!

[@vickichisholm931]

I have bought the pattern and I'm going to make it in a retro rayon - Australia!

[@sewagnes6706]

What a beautiful blouse with beautiful detail - definitely a blouse of dreams. The fabric is lush. Thanks for sharing all of that and great tips on looking further into the big 4 patterns and not bypassing them😻

[@SewEssential]

You are so welcome! I really love the big 4 and mostly sew with them so I'm glad to see it is helping other people to see the possibilities.

[@tammymasson2343]

One of your most beautiful makes yet! I love everything you make! You are a wonderful sewist and teacher in your tutorial videos!

[@SewEssential]

Ah thanks so much Tammy that's the loveliest thing to say and I really appreciate it so much x

[@theyarngoeson]

This is a gorgeous fabric and pattern combination! This looks great with jeans but I can imagine wearing this with a nice skirt too! That’s what I love about sewing - being able to create something classic that can be worn for many years.

[@meriberisha1071]

I like your blouse

[@annettecowburn1096]

Really like your blouse and there are just enough ruffles for my taste. Great fabric choice too!

[@SewEssential]

Ah thanks Annette i know what you mean on the just the right amount front!

[@cherylp.3347]

At first glance I thought it was the Sewing Revival Heron shirt. Very similar and simply gorgeous. That sort of neckline and sleeve is everywhere and very populat atm. It’s great to see these romantic and feminine tops in style. Your top is very pretty, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it for many years to come. Contemplating getting some of that gorgeous fabric to make another Heron top!

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Cheryl I totally agree I LOVE this romantic style, especially seeing as it goes so well with easy to wear jeans. You can feel just the right side of dressed up for every day and it is such a good feeling after months of boring lounge wear.

[@debbyomalley7976]

That top looks fantastic on you. Thanks for the inspiration on your alterations with this pattern. Hello from Whidbey Island, WA USA. So happy I found your Channel. I appreciate you sharing your sewing knowledge. I'm getting back to garment sewing after several years off.

[@SewEssential]

It's a pleasure Debby I'm so glad you enjoyed it and to hear you are getting back to sewing again, how wonderful

[@michaelgracewatts2943]

What a lovely blouse, Lucy and such pretty fabric. Love the way you have adapted the pattern. Grace

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much I'm glad you like it

[@angienorman5974]

So pretty, current but different-love it!

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Angie that's a lovely thing to say.

[@bridgetwhite5547]

A lovely blouse Lucy. So so pretty. Thanks😊

[@maureencullen1008]

Loved everything about your blouse.

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much I'm glad you liked it, I was a bit worried I had bigged it up too much hahaha!

[@marilynwood6934]

Best blouse ever!

[@lorrainewhiting1267]

Gorgeous blouse loving the fabric.

[@thesewinggarden7311]

Such a beautiful blouse! Thank you for walking through all then sewing details and helpful hints. I fell in love with this fabric and bought some from you a few weeks ago and have been eagerly waiting to see your blouse before I start cutting the fabric. So excited to make a blouse and skirt from it!! You did a fabulous job as always!!

[@SewEssential]

What lovely, lovely comments, thank you, I'm so glad you got some fabric I'm sure you will love it.

[@seasidestitches615]

You look so free and happy in your fun and floral top. It’s beautiful on you Lucy. Was waiting for the frills you were talking about on a previous video!!! Thanks for your continued inspiration.

[@gingerellaj]

Oh what a fabulous blouse Lucy! You’re great at breathing life into those big four patterns. Thanks for sharing x

[@dianalieskovsky8729]

Thank you your wonderful to listen too. I love your blouse so pretty beautiful job. ☺️

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much you are very kind and that is so nice of you to say.

[@elainefarnworth7970]

Absolutely gorgeous, will definitely order it..x

[@SewEssential]

Thanks I'm glad you like it.

[@sharon_stewart]

It looks gorgeous! You did such a great job 👍🏻. Enjoy 🧵😊

[@elizabethrowe7262]

Just love that colour and style and that is the type of blouse I like to wear.! For me instead of the elastic in the sleeves I rather like a band and on the length to be a little longer then you made as I like to put a band with a tie to do up as I like to wear my blouses out. I am short waisted so anything tucked in not the go for me. Thanks for showing your beautiful blouse.😊

[@rosemaryhannah3467]

That looks really pretty and I don't usually like ruffles. I'm tempted to have a go.

[@stephaniemendes5287]

I absolutely LOVE your blouse! I just recently bought that same pattern, so now I'm all motivated to make it up in a pretty fabric as well. The modifications you made to it are perfect!

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much I'm really glad you like it, there are a lot of opportunities for some great versions with this pattern you just have to see past the styling.

[@kimwatts5750]

Blouse looks lovely Lucy🥰 love the material

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Kim, it is such a beautiful fabric, one of my faves ever I think.

[@pandoradesign2781]

Omg! Loooove your blouse 💖😍😍😍

[@SewEssential]

Thanks so much, I am a little bit in love too thank goodness after I made such a fuss about it!

[@lunasmum6869]

Lovely blouse! I'm glad the pattern is long as I am very long waisted and usually have to add quite a bit of length to blouses or the waist length on dresses. I haven't made a blouse for a long time. I think it is time I did!! I love the Threads magazine. I subscribe to it and think it is much better than the UK magazines plus I can look at every past issue!

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Maggie I' sure you'll enjoy it when you do. Agreed I think Threads is a brilliant magazine with such useful info

[@suepratt2536]

Absolutely stunning 😃. Congratulations 🤩💐

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much I was a bit scared to reveal it after such a big build up so it is nice to hear that people like it.

[@emmagriffin2802]

Pretty much the perfect blouse IMO 👏👏

[@maryt2887]

That is such a flattering and feminine style.

[@terrivanharen955]

Such a pretty blouse! I love your enthusiasm !!

[@janetwilliams7705]

That is lovely. I'm going to get that pattern!

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Your blouse is beautiful and I love your changes. It is stunning. As always you explained it all very clearly. I have just bought a blouse pattern with those sleeves so thinking how I could adapt it 🤗

[@SewEssential]

Ah thanks Ruth, sometimes I worry I might not get everything across so it is great to hear it made sense to someone.

[@joc5882]

Once again - great inspiration & advice! 😄

[@noeleengayjess8416]

Love what you have done, but fabric is a WOW factor. I live in Australia wish I could get to your shop.

[@kimhandy1861]

Turned out so beautiful! I've had the same problem with a collar stand make with linen. Was very disappointing and I couldn't make it right. Happy that you had better luck! Enjoy wearing it 💕

[@sonialorenzo9223]

I love your version of the pattern and hope to find the pattern.

[@elisestewart5416]

That’s a fabulous Blouse. I was given that pattern and always thought it a bit “meh” but I love your version .

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Elise, I totally agree the packet is meh in my opinion, but it has some lovely details and with the right fabric it is brilliant.

[@marathorne6821]

Wow! Gorgeous 😍

[@shereenorth7261]

So pretty, inspirational too!

[@donnabrisbois7714]

Your blouse is gorgeous !! I fell in love with that fabric and purchased it immediately. You have some beautiful fabrics on your site… This was my first time purchasing from you. My only wish is that I didn’t have to open each fabric to see what the fabric content is or that there was a way to choose to shop by fabric content. I am often looking for rayon/viscose wovens. I probably would have purchased more except that I got weary of opening each item individually to see fabric content. So I ended up only purchasing this one for now. I can’t wait to receive it!

[@wannabsewing]

Gorgeous blouse Lucy

[@dawnwiltshaw5319]

Hi Lusy really enjoyed your video today your blouse your fabric are gorgeous, do you ever do a sewalong or a video were you show how to sew the whole garment thankyou Dawn😊

[@SewEssential]

I've often thought about it Dawn, it's just so labour intensive, but I may well give it a go at some point if enough people would like to see it.

[@sharonreynolds2055]

Did the fabric on that blouse wrinkle easy? Just wondering what blend it is. Thanks.

[@julieelliott5949]

Stunning x

[@sharonreynolds2055]

Love the blouse. You could in the future make the back longer and keep the front short like the one you made. That way it won't pop out when you sit down.

[@physioontheriver7325]

Really lovely! I’ve bought the pattern and fabric and I hope you don’t mind but I’m planning to copy it! Diana

[@SewEssential]

Not at all Diana you go for it! Thanks for the order.

[@ruthwilson6524]

I’m just making a fibremood Feliz dress with this fabric, I just had to get it from you, when I saw your blouse intentions on iInstagram. It’s a good price too!

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Ruth I bet your dress will be beautiful, it is such a gorgeous fabric.

[@Ms410410]

Beautiful blouse. Please help: when taking bust measurements for Big 4 patterns, do you measure high bust just under the armpits or the full bust?

[@SewEssential]

Thank you, it is best to measure the high bust to get a good fit round the neckline and armholes then adjust the bust if necessary with a full or small bust adjustment.

[@Ms410410]

Thanks!

[@HeyAllyHey]

SOOOooo beautiful 😻 You did a great job! Quick question: How/where did you place the drawstrings?

[@autumntop5765]

I cannot find the links you talk about anywhere. I have also looked on your Website for this material and can't find it. Can you please help me.

[@evanick823]

Beautiful blouse. Do you find that it creases much with it being made of linen?

[@SewEssential]

Not really thanks to the viscose mix and also the busy print means the creases don't show as much, although it does crease so if you really don't like them maybe it's not for you.

[@elizabethjohnson5965]

I just love the blouse! Do you ship to the US? I just love the material!♥️

[@SewEssential]

Thank you, we sure do, but it was flying off the shelves pretty quickly today so you need to be quick if you would like some.

[@pamelaf9892]

Is this fabric still for sale on your website?

[@SewEssential]

Not at the moment, it sold out in record time I'm afraid, but we have lots more on order due in around 4 weeks time.

[@gabistephens]

Is this fabric available? I don’t see it

[@SewEssential]

I'm really sorry we sold out so quickly even though I stocked right up. We have a lot more on order and it is due in in four weeks time so perhaps make a note on your calendar and check our site again then.

[@avrilbrown1408]

Well done! I thought this pattern was rather dowdy and old-fashioned (and I’m in my sixties!) when I first saw it, but you have transformed it.

[@BL-cp7eq]

Love the blouse and EVERY modification you made! I tried finding the fabric on your site and the url doesn't bring me to the exact fabric. What is the name of the fabric so I can order it?

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much, unfortunately it sold out in record time, but we do have more on order due in 3 - 4 weeks so keep your eye on the website

[@juliadroy1179]

Beautiful blouse love the fabric x

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Julia.