The Roseacre Blouse - Minerva with McCalls Free Digital Pattern

Fabric: Minerva Core Range Viscose Poplin

The Roseacre Blouse is one of a collection of free PDF patterns created through a collaboration between Minerva and McCalls. When Minerva invited me to join the test team, the distinctive frilled collar immediately caught my eye. As someone who always seems to find room in the wardrobe for another blouse pattern, I was delighted to give it a try.

For my version, I chose Minerva’s Core Range Viscose Poplin in the Cornflower colourway. It was a pleasure to work with and feels soft and comfortable to wear. The fabric is also available in a wide range of colours.

The Roseacre is available in sizes 6–30W. As this was my first time sewing a pattern drafted to the McCalls size chart, I spent a little time deciding where to start. My measurements suggested either a 22 or 22W, while the finished garment measurements made me wonder whether a 20 might also work. In the end, I made a very rough toile in the 22W to assess the fit before cutting into my final fabric.

For the test version shown here, I shortened both the bodice and sleeves, made small forward shoulder and high round back adjustments, carried out a full bust adjustment removing the additional width at the waist, and made a full bicep adjustment. The finished blouse is comfortable and easy to wear without feeling oversized. If I make another version, I may either add a narrow shoulder adjustment or start with the size 20 and work from there.

I found the blouse enjoyable to sew. The collar is certainly the defining feature of the design, but I also appreciate the comfortable sleeves and good range of movement. The elasticated sleeve finish is practical too, especially for everyday wear.

If the design appeals to you, I would happily recommend giving it a try. If you’ve signed up to the Minerva website and newsletter, the pattern can be downloaded free of charge in both A4 and A0 formats for home or copy-shop printing.

While writing this post, I searched “MWM” on the Minerva website and discovered that Roseacre is one of eight free patterns currently available through the Minerva and McCalls collaboration. It’s a great resource if you’re looking to try a new pattern without stretching the sewing budget.

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