This review was originally featured in Threads #185 (June/July 2016).

In-House Patterns: Belle IH3005

Revisit classic femininity with this 1940s-inspired blouse. Two views offer a choice of a traditional rolled collar or a classic bias-cut, bow-style collar. The pattern is specifically for a D-cup bust, though our editors thought that the style would flatter B and C cups, too, without alteration. The blouse has a one-piece, self-lined yoke with front shoulder gathers and an extended shoulder line that forms caplike sleeves. Front and back waist darts release into tucks above the waist. These tucks skim the waist and make the blouse smoother for tucking into skirts and pants. The pattern goes together well; all notches and points line up, and matching seams are the same length. This blouse can be made in lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse, seersucker, lawn, challis, gingham, cotton sateen, and Liberty of London cottons. Our tester can picture mixing fabrics, like a fun print fabric with a leather yoke for an edgy blouse, or using satin with a sequin yoke for a dressy version. The yoke offers an opportunity for embellishment, such as embroidery, crystals, trims, or topstitching.

(Sized 0-16 for busts 32-42 in.)

Sewing Tip: The seam allowances vary. Highlight them in the instructions so you don’t miss a change.

-Tested by Johanna Mramor, Surrey, British Columbia

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Launch Gallery