Ten Great Blouses - Pattern Review

[@susanstewart1402]

Blouses are my favourite make. Very satisfying and not a huge commitment of time and fabric. Thanks for the great selection of patterns. Your designer eye is spot on.

[@elizlegge9504]

You do make these blouses come alive. Thank you.

[@ritaadler-everett5392]

Hi. Thank you for brining us unique and sophisticated patterns. Each blouse is beautiful in its own right. It's such a variety as well and none of them have, what I call, little girl details like bows, frills, or peplums. I feel like those dominated so many indy patterns in 2024. This is my first visit to your channel and I will be back. Thank you!

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Rita, thank you. Yes I can't do those little girl details! I like clean and pared down pieces!

[@anitacollingwood4224]

Ditto!

[@angeliaharron]

Ditto

[@stacypickett2501]

Another fantastic vlog. Thank you. The screwdriver blouse looks amazing on. A great selection of blouses to look at.

[@jodikasper7995]

So glad to see someone highlighting Trend Patterns. Her designs are fab and I’ve made several of them. She has a coat pattern that is similar to a Prada coat from a couple of seasons ago. She always does fashion forward patterns.

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Jodi, I really like trend patterns, they have a distinctive hand writing and really stand apart from other indie patterns, their drop shoulder coat is a favourite of mine, Ihave made it multiple times and there are more to come!

[@catinthehat1486]

I absolutely agree that Trend patterns stand out from most indie designers. Unfortunately in New Zealand it’s costly to buy the patterns. I recently purchased the ruffle shirt in pdf and by the time l had it printed off and posted to me it cost me equivalent to £35 without the nice packaging. Such is life living in the colonies!

[@gemimalondon]

@ gosh that’s quite expensive! I’m sure the end result was worth it!

[@jodikasper7995]

@ I made a Silk Organza trench from another indie pattern company after being inspired by hers. I met her at the Knit and Stitch show and she graciously answered all my questions about construction etc even though I wasn’t using her pattern. Very generous…I’m a loyal fan.

[@alfiesflower8218]

Hello, I loved all 10 blouses that you picked. 💞💞💞

[@sherryvanrijn5453]

Great roundup, thank you!

[@janfranklin2114]

The vintage patterns you chose give me a real Claire McCardell vibe, you referenced Dior’sNew Look but I immediately thought of McCardell. I always put my PDF patterns on proper pattern paper. I find the tape together is a mess and not as accurate as I would like. I have not made any of these, but they are all beautiful and inspiring.

[@susanjenningsjones]

The wrap blouse looks fab. I really want to make this now.

[@ceceliaharris5660]

I really love that first pattern. Thanks for introducing us to such classy blouses.

[@suebrown5500]

So interesting and fabulous to see new and exciting creations! Your black one is stunning on you xxx ❤

[@marcelatre]

I absolutely LOVE all the patterns you showed. I have difficulty liking pattern recommendations here in KZbin, somehow they seem to be mostly oversized tshirts, but these blouses are all fabulous! First time seeing your videos, following now! Thanks for sharing

[@gemimalondon]

thank you!

[@funkyneeniestuff]

I have the vintage Simplicity blouse, but have yet to make it. It's back on my radar now, though!

[@thenorthernsewist]

Really great Rachael. Thankyou so much. Never made any of those, but would love to have a try of quite a few of those.thankyou so much! Do love your vlogs, they are so inspiring. 🥰

[@gemimalondon]

Thanks Lynne!

[@Kilosanative]

OMG! This is fantastic- I just bought the simplicity and vogue patterns and they are on sale right now. They were less than 12 dollars for all three paper patterns.

[@ellec236]

Thank you! I was unaware of the sale and I am ordering S8452 and V1863 too!

[@melissagraham4569]

Thank you for this. I too love blouse patterns and always looking for something a bit different. There is a really nice mix in this video😊

[@bonbonsews9327]

Love the Jenna and the Tilly blouse

[@gayprendergast7102]

Loved your list..thank you

[@gillstraker1994]

Thank you so much! I’d love to learn how to make stylish cocoon linen/cotton fabric. I live in a hot climate in an informal city. These days those beautiful blouses wouldn’t get a day out.❤

[@KathyDicker-c7p]

I’ve just purchased the makers atelier tie blouse and it’s printed… maybe it should be on my next to make list..

[@karenokeefe2133]

Thank you, Rachel. Love all your choices. I have made The Makers' Atelier's Tie Blouse and love the look. I appreciate your suggestion of using crisp fabrics. I'll do that next time. I used flowy and satiny fabric for my two makes and really liked the effect. I made a size 10 muslin based on the pattern's measurement recommendation. I found that was too much fabric for me. I'm short with a full bustline. Size 8 was just right. One place I had trouble was with the sewing instructions on how to finish attaching the underside of the ties/yoke at the front. The instructions were not clear to me. I ad-libbed that part on both my blouses and was not satisfied. However, I found that the ties covered my efforts. I do want the inside and outside of my garments to be beautiful so I will be trying again this year. One change I made to the pattern was to eliminate the elastic closure of the sleeves and finished with a straight hem. The elastic closure fell along the same plain as the tie and that created too much attention to the bustline for my taste.

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Karen, thanks so much for sharing that. It just goes to show that it's worth making a toile, interesting to hear you experience with the pattern too!

[@robinhatton5602]

Great line up! Many of these will be getting added to my pattern library! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@NoonSkyWings]

What a nice collection of blouses!

[@joulsw3739]

Thank you for the summary. I’m intrigued by the Screwdriver 😍. Ps. Would you be able to put time stamps ? Thank you for the video 🙏

[@okirp3613]

Great list of recommendations.

[@julia-nc6ox]

Love your videos and am excited for your new weekday series!

[@traceyvincent2217]

Loved these, especially first and third.

[@lynne4870]

Thank you for some lovely picks x

[@rachelgarnsey7953]

The last one looks fab on you! ❤

[@veragiles981]

A great look at a variety of blouse patterns. Love the Viki Sews pattern, looks beautiful, and the vintage Simplicity is now on my radar. I hadn't realised that it was a jersey pattern. Now the possibilities are endless!😅 The Vogue vintage pattern also floats my boat......! Rachel; could you tell us more about the special pattern paper that you use, please? Idiots guide would be good!😅

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Vera, I use spot and cross pattern cutting paper. It's a standard pattern cutting paper that is used in fashion, the spots and crosses are 2cm apart which is really useful. It is also light weight. It is widely available, I buy it online form William Gee (UK) but I have also seen it on Amazon.

[@veragiles981]

Thanks, Rachel. I suppose I find tracing out a pattern a miserable job, and one that I avoid wherever possible. And yes, I'm a cheapskate so often use greaseproof paper. I can see how 'proper paper is going to help everything line up.

[@karenbensdon4643]

Like your taste. I have 3 of the patterns you mentioned but you introduced me to new patterns too.

[@janepiriou-mm7rc]

Ive just finished making the V1863 version B. Its not a pattern for beginers but it went together fairly easily. Ive made it in a really soft seersucker material which didnt help matters being unstable and stretchable. The neck shape and fit are good. It probably sizes on the big side but again that can be my choice of material. The only fiddly part is the cuff on the sleeve. Its not easy to see how it works from the instructions, its curved and overlaps with a button and I nearly had the cuff on the wrong way round so beware. All in all Im happy with the result. If I make it again Ill put smaller facings down the front or maybe no interfacing, and will definately not put interfacing in the sleeve cuffs so that they are softer. It could almost be an unlined jacket pattern in a more solid material. I ll be interested to see what you think when you make it. Best wishes

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Jane, thanks for sharing that with us, really useful to know for when I make it🙏

[@annalynn9325]

That blouse is stunning on you, I think I’d like to try it

[@sandrafuller2172]

Hi Rachel, great round up of blouses. The Screwdriver is very flattering on you. My favourite blouse last year was the Nepheline by Vivian Shao Chen, I used Liberty Tana Lawn. The Tie Front Blouse is one I have my eye on for this year. Thanks for your research, looking forward to the next one.

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Sandra, thanks! the Nepheline is really cute, especially that ruffle edge!

[@MichelleConnolly-x4n]

Love this, beautiful blouse ❤

[@gemimalondon]

Thank you!

[@myrnarose5743]

I sewed a Vogue blouse with raglan sleeves & v-neck. I don't like the tie 3/4 sleeves which untie. I think I'll put in an elastic next time. The fit at the neck & shoulders looks good.

[@cavelleardiel]

Would you do a review on Tina Givens patterns?

[@sue_in_victoria]

My tried n true blouse patterns are Vogue 8972 and Vogue 1366. The latter is a really stunning sleeve and unique yoke configuration. I'm going to try that Jenna pattern from VikiSews this year.

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Sue! both great patterns, I think the Jenna blouse would be a great addition to any wardrobe too!

[@lizsheridan5357]

Great video thanks, have been eyeing up the Tempete blouse for a bit but also like that Makers Atelier one but might be time for me to delve into Trend patterns as she has so many great designs.

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Liz, yes Trend patterns have some great shapes!

[@janetlawrence4324]

You have great taste! I have several of those patterns .. not made yet!

[@gemimalondon]

Thank you Janet!

[@geraldinegorman9597]

Love your blouse selections especially the vintage ones. Love the blouse you are wearing. What is the fabric?

[@gemimalondon]

@@geraldinegorman9597 thank you, it’s 100% cotton poplin

[@ChloeLouiseTheRonnieRepublic]

The blouse you made is beautiful and I like it in black. Notice the yellow version of it in the picture...the neckline is wider. I ran into this with the Mood Caraway blouse. The actual pattern and the blouse, made according to the pattern, did not have the same neckline as the blouse in the picture. The pictured blouse has a wide, very attractive neckline. In the Caraway, It looks like they made a very large version of the pattern and then placed the sleeves at the shoulders, in order to make it fit. Just wondering why this happens.

[@gemimalondon]

Hi, I think I should have made a size smaller then the neckline would probably have looked more like the yellow version.

[@gretabrown8320]

I love the descriptions of blouses. Thank you so much please don’t be offended but I think you will benefit from a new hairstyle

[@ahazuda2010]

Another great video. Question? What fabric did you use for shirt you are wearing? Thanks.

[@gemimalondon]

Hi, thanks, I should have said! I made it in 100% cotton poplin, light weight but crisp enough to give the sleeves shape!

[@Lighthouse1852]

An idea for a very dressed-up version: the Rachel Comey V1704 balloon sleeve blouse in silk organza, worn over a color matched Ogden cami. White over white, silver/gray, black/black, metallic/black, yellow/yellow, magenta/magenta? If anyone knows a good source for nice quality silk organza (which has gotten much more expensive in the last two years, in the US anyway) I'd give it a go. Laundering is a dilemma, since hand washed organza tends to go limp in the wash. Dry clean only? Or can silk organza be starched?

[@gemimalondon]

Hi, that sounds amazing! I think dry clean only for the silk organza?

[@Lighthouse1852]

@@gemimalondon Probably so. A high quality cotton or ramie batiste might accomplish the same thing but be easier to maintain at home. I thought sheerness would be a way to reduce the horizontal bulk visually, while keeping those fantastic sleeves. With such a closely fitting bodice it's fine either way, but I'd prefer to see a bit of skin somewhere. A pencil skirt with heels? I find the head-to-toe coverage with trousers a bit overwhelming.

[@debbiev4455]

I am a D cup size bust. I know that most patterns are made for a B cup. Which of these patterns have a bust option or would be suitable for a FBA?

[@gemimalondon]

Hi Debbie, I know there are a few pattern companies that include patterns for different cup sizes, these include - Cashmerette, Chalk & Notch, Itch to Stitch, Jennifer Lauren Vintage and Untitled Thoughts as well as the custom cup ranges by McCalls, Butterick and Vogue Patterns. Regardless of this I think that making an initial toile in calico will always help sort any fit problems, hope that is useful, best wishes, Rachel

[@debbiev4455]

Thank you , I usually make a muslin in similar fabric . I was interested in some of the other pattern makers who have that option . Thank you !

[@marianapackman9511]

Brilliant collection. I bought a Vogue pattern V 1902 that was made up by Rachel @stitchedup. The blouse is simple but has an understated elegance.