This is a delightful pattern; from cutting the fabric to hemming the blouse, this is achievable in not much more than an hour. For this reason, I think I have found the ultimate palette cleanser.
The Adrienne blouse is a wardrobe staple – for me, separates are a whole new ball game as I tend to wear (and make) dresses most days. Sewing is encouraging me to branch out and wear things I just wouldn’t have worn had I bought them in shops as I can get the fit just right. Ready to wear tops are never right for me, especially lengthwise; if they’re regular fit, they’re too long, if they’re petite, they’re too short. I’m 5 ft 1 (and a bit) and I love where the Adrienne blouse sits on me and won’t need to make any adjustments next time I make it – and there will be many times.
The pattern is made up of three pieces: the front / back, arms and neckband. Cutting time is minimal!
The neckband is so easy to attach which isn’t always the case with jersey patterns. And with the elasticated shoulders, this top can be worn on or off the shoulder – the neckline is super neat, too.
The instructions are so easy to follow – there are minimal steps. All you need to remember is to use the right needle for sewing with jersey (90/14 ballpoint is perfect) and the right stitch – most machines now come with a stretch stitch but a zig zag stitch works perfectly. I deal with stretch fabrics more in depth in an previous post. Oh, and just be careful with the pattern pieces – the arms are so substantial that they could easily be mistaken for bodice pieces!
I followed the pattern suggestion and used bra elastic for the shoulders and sleeves and it’s super comfy!
About those sleeves! They’re so billowy and beautiful; reminiscent of both the 1930s Hollywood film stars and 1960s fashion.
Another positive of this pattern is that it comes with instructions for a full bust adjustment which is generally overlooked in stretch patterns – I didn’t need to use it but I may well need the technique in the future.
I used this beautiful mustard shade soft ribbed viscose jersey (which is sadly out of stock at Sew Creative Studios but they do have a lovely grey shade in stock. Viscose jersey is very underrated – it drapes beautifully, which is so crucial for the sleeves in this pattern – and holds its shape well, too!
I’ve already ordered a couple more knit fabrics to create more of these blouses for the autumn / winter wardrobe.
Last thing – as I was cutting the paper pattern (I prefer PDF as I’m too lazy to suffer tracing if it can be avoided) I noticed adorable little messages such as the one below… Couldn’t help but smile.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced sewist, this pattern is must have!
1 comments on “Adrienne Blouse by Friday Pattern Co.”