High-Drama Sleeves With The Adrienne Blouse
Here I am in my best gypsy pose in my dramatic Adrienne Blouse (#adrienneblouse on Instagram) designed by Friday Pattern Company (@fridaypatterncompany #fridaypatterncompany)
The best thing about this pattern is that you can make a big bold statement with relative ease. It consists of only 4 pieces: 1 each for back and front bodice, 1 for the sleeves and the last for the neckband. Meant for knit fabrics, the simple but brilliant design means that with a small investment in time and effort, this beautiful blouse can be a quick addition to your handmade wardrobe.
The shape is flattering for most, with its wide neckline and billowy three-quarter length sleeves. The hemline ends prettily on the hip. If you’re petite, and you’re afraid that the full sleeves will swallow you up, then have no fear. Because the ample volume in the sleeves is balanced out by a slim-fitting bodice. I paired this up with a self-drafted tiered gathered skirt for some boho-chic. However, this top will always exude a romantic air paired up with any bottoms – jeans, smart trousers, shorts, pencil skirt, etc. And it also looks ultra cute with dungarees!
Sizes for the pattern come in XS-4X, and I made a size XS for me. I used a rather stable knit in charcoal grey that has more stretch in the crossgrain compared to the grain-line. The instructions recommend knit fabrics that have at least 25% stretch. It is rated suitable for beginners to attempt. Just remember to use a stretch or jersey needle and a walking foot always helps me when I’m working with knits on my machine. This pattern can potentially be a great scrap buster as well. I managed to fit all my pattern pieces within a metre of 150cm wide fabric.
As you’re working on the blouse, it’s best to mark all pattern pieces on the back side of the fabric because they all look somewhat alike. After the blouse is done, I marked the back of the blouse with a tiny contrasting stitch so that I can tell the front from the back. this problem can be easily solved if you already have your own clothing labels to sew on. I have to get some for myself soon.
The cleverest detail in the blouse is how the sleeves are attached to the top of the bodice by elastic. This creates the fullness at the shoulders, and more volume is created by the use of elastic at the end of the sleeve. I used half-inch wide bra-strap elastic as suggested since it is stronger and more durable. However, the pattern also states that the standard elastic is sufficient.
You can also change it up by wearing the sleeves off-the-shoulder for a flirtier look. I prefer mine on the shoulder, and even though the neckline is wide, the shoulder-line of the sleeves are strategically positioned to keep your bra-strap hidden.
I have a denim-coloured jersey knit waiting in my stash to be transformed into another Adrienne. And I’m always on the lookout for more knits to make many more copies of this blouse.
