By Christina Dennis

I love easy, breezy bohemian-style blouses. They remind me of the last days of summer and they also hide some postpartum parts of my body that I don’t find so lovely. *wink!* Empire-waisted blouses with flowing hems are also fantastic maternity wear!

I found the perfect pattern by Simplicity for a pretty tunic blouse:

What I like about this pattern is the fluttery sleeves and the elastic/drawstring waist. Plus, it’s by a season 5 Project Runway designer – oh, how I love that show!

Supplies:

• Simplicity sewing pattern 1896: Misses’ & Plus Size Tops SUEDEsays Collection size A (XXS-XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL)
• 1 1/2 yards of semi-sheer fabric (I used an absolutely gorgeous cotton/silk voile I found at my local fabric store that had a divine crochet lace at one end!)
• sewing machine/serger & matching thread
• 1/4″ elastic

Directions:

1. Cut your pieces out from your fabric using the tunic pattern. I made some changes. I changed the direction the sleeve pattern piece was placed on the fabric because I wanted the crochet edging of my fabric to be on the edge of the sleeves. I also shortened the bottom of the blouse by a good 4″ (because I’m short and I didn’t want the tunic to be that long).
2. Sew the blouse per pattern directions. I found this pattern to be quite straight forward. The only issue I had was with the facing on the neckline – boy, was that hard for me! You have to sew the facing to the neckline, then turn it to the back, then fold a hem over and sew it. It took me a few times to get it looking “normal” and laying flat. I’d recommend lots of patient pinning and pressing when you get to this point! Also – rather than hemming the bottom of the tunic the traditional way (by turning it twice and stitching with a machine), I used my serger and made a rolled hem.
3. Press the blouse, slip it on, and enjoy your easy-breezy boho blouse!

I love my pretty blouse, and I’d definitely recommend this pattern to any intermediate seamstress. Take your time with the neckline, and try finding an interesting fabric with a lace or contrasting pattern on one salvege (turning the sleeve piece on the fabric – and buying more fabric! – to accommodate). You could also trim the sleeves with crocheted lace too!

Christina Dennis is the creator and designer behind Golly Gee Baby, a collection of unique and colourful baby clothing and accessories that are ethically manufactured.

Tags: blouse, bohemian, boho, cotton, fashion, pattern, silk, Simplicity, top, white