Hi fellow sewers

My latest make is very different for me. And one that is completely out of my comfort zone.

I have always thought embroidery anglaise was incredibly pretty. I was lucky enough to get 2 metres of this pretty floral fabric, in blue. As part of the Minerva ambassador program. I didn’t have a pattern in mind, at the time. I just thought 2 metres would make a beautiful blouse.

Although I’m not a girly girl, I do love a ruffle. New Look 6560 caught my eye and I thought how pretty the pattern was. I have always shied away from a wrap over design. As I’m not very busty. And I didn’t think this particular style would suit my body shape. So here I am trying something which is way out of my comfort zone.

For this blouse I chose option A. The long sleeved version with the ruffle.

My measurements put me at a size 16. However after some research, I decided to size down to a size 14.

Looking at the embroidery anglaise fabric, the embroidery doesn’t go right up to the sides of the fabric. In places it’s quite a few cm’s away from the edge. So it might be worth factoring that in. Due to this I had to cut the arm pieces shorter. As I didn’t have enough fabric, with enough embroidery coverage left. I cut the sleeve 12 cm shorter than the pattern piece.

I watched a Minerva video on working with embroidery anglaise before I got started. And played around with a test piece. I did find the machine struggled a bit going over the more heightened sections of embroidery. And the only way around this was to slow my sewing down. Or the sewing went a bit wobbly.

After sewing the blouse up and making sure it fit, I decided to unpick the sides and replace them with French seams. As I thought doing this would give longevity to my make. Plus the finish looked so much nicer. I didn’t do this around the sleeve opening. I’m sure you could. I overlocked those edges. I found 4 lots of similar thread to use in the overlocker. So basically the overlocking blended into the fabric and almost became invisible.

As I’m used to Indie patterns I found the instructions at times a bit sparse. Overall though making the blouse was not complicated. It was just a bit more tricky, because of the fabric choice. Like making a small hem for the outside of the ruffle was a bit tricky. As the lumps and bumps of the fabric made it a bit harder. I was considering trying to do a rolled hem on the overlocker. I haven’t done that before. I decided against it this time. I’ll build up to trying it one day.

I found some ribbon for the side tie which was virtually the same shade of blue. And a button, for the opposite side. All in my stash. The buttonhole went in perfectly.

I did add a pop stud at the bust cross over, so the top doesn’t gape.

I’m really pleased I shortened the sleeves. I much prefer a 3/4 length. And I feel it’ll work much better for me. I wore the top today for the first time with my rami trousers. Made from my trouser block.

I made the tie closure. Which really you don’t need. The top looks lovely without it. It’s secure. The tie is really an added design feature. It’s nice to have a different look.

Verdict:

I absolutely love my blouse. The embroidery anglaise is so very pretty. And I feel great in it. It’s such a pretty blouse. And so very comfortable. I love the fitted style. It’s very flattering. I love the back darts. Giving great shaping.

Would I make it again?

Yes. I’d like to make option B next. The same ruffle blouse, with short flutter sleeves. I think I’ll lengthen the blouse by a few cm’s next time.

Would you use embroidery anglaise again?

Yes. I would just remember to factor in a longer length fabric. As the embroidery doesn’t go right to the sides. This particular pattern comes in three different colours. The other two are white and pink.

The fabric is 85 gsm. So perfect for a warmer day. I wore a cami top underneath. My preference.

It’s 100% cotton. So lovely and cool against your skin.

It’s 142 cm wide. Just make sure you take into account that some of the width isn’t useable as it’s not embroidered.

I’m so pleased I tried something new. I’m going to really enjoy wearing my new blouse. I can see it will be coming out an awful lot over the next few months.

I’d highly recommend both this beautiful floral embroidery anglaise and this New Look pattern.

This is also my entry into Sew April blouse on Instagram.

#MinervaMaker #MinervaMakers #minervabrandambassador #sewnshownseated #SewAprilBlouse25