Between billowing silhouettes and loud prints, statement sleeves have been one of this year’s biggest trends. Designers have been using lightweight fabrics and transforming them into everything from capes and bishop sleeves, to flounces and poet sleeves. And while they’re all absolutely stunning, sometimes it’s hard to translate them into an everyday look. The Thalia Blouse is a lovely medium – a basic tee featuring a slightly gathered addition for the lower section of the sleeve, so your daily wardrobe can be on its way to high fashion ready-to-wear!
Fabrics & materials used:
- 1 yard Mood Exclusive Blue Pressed Flower Perfection Stretch Cotton Sateen
- 1/2 yard Mood Exclusive Blue Pressed Flower Perfection Cotton Voile
- 2 yards Victorian Rose Hand-Dyed Silk Ribbon
- 1 pkg Schmetz Microtex Sharp Machine Needles
- Slate 500m Gutermann Sew All Thread
- MDF061 – The Thalia Blouse Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
This blouse wears a little more fitted at the bodice and drapes just slightly more open toward the bottom. The front is a single, basic panel without darts so a fabric with a slight stretch or give is recommended.
The back of the shirt is two panels, with a small keyhole opening toward the top. Begin construction of your shirt by rolling the top 4″ of your center back edges and sew. Clip just below where you sewed, as you can see in the middle image above, and then finish up the remainder of the shirt back with a French seam.
Since the front of the shirt doesn’t need to be put together or sewn, it can be attached to the back of your shirt next. Sew along the shoulders and sides, wrongs sides together first, followed by faces together to create French seams.
Next, form each of your upper sleeves and attach them to their respective armholes, lining up each of the notches. Double fold the bottom of each sleeve inward, pin, and set aside for the time being.
Take each of your lower sleeve panels and fold them in half so you have a wide tube. Sew up the side and then finish off each end with a small, rolled hem
Next, you’ll want to gather each of your lower sleeve panels. Sew about 1.5″ from the top, with your widest stitch setting. Grab on of the threads and pull, bunching up your fabric in the process. Evenly distribute the gathers and pin the stitched part along the folded bit at the bottom of your sleeve on the shirt. Stitch into place, and then remove the wide stitching left from gathering.
Lastly, stitch half of your ribbon to the inside seam of your gathered sleeve so it can be tied around the arm during wear. Finish up your neckline and hem with a simple rolled edge, and add a snap or hook & eye at the top of your keyhole opening.
