Freia Blouse

This is the Freia Blouse by Sew Over It.

There are so many peasant style blouses in the shops I was keen to make up a couple for my wardrobe.

Inspired by vlogger Cara of So Sew Mad (which i love) I bought the Freia Blouse.

but I also purchased the Seamwork Emmie Blouse for an alternative.

From the pattern description, ‘ Full of romance, the Freia Blouse is a gorgeously floaty lightweight top, with on-trend ruffles at the neckline and sleeve hems. The blouse gathers around the neckline into a pretty ruffle collar and is finished with a rouleau tie, while the set-in sleeves gather with elastic.’

My fabric was purchased from Dewsbury market. Its a very reasonably priced poly blend something, a little thicker than the recommended georgette and chiffon but it worked perfectly for this pattern without the need for the bodice being lined.

I wanted something fairly casual that I could wear working from home. Something comfy, but pleasant to look at and roomy enough to wear a cami underneath. My fabric choice means it doesn’t need ironing! I just hang it up wet, on a hanger and voila, ready to wear.

I learnt a new skill – a rolled hem using the overlocker. This was remarkably successful! So much so I used it not only around the neck but also on the cuffs and bottom hem. I used this tutorial from You Tube.

I made up a size 12, a full size up from my measurements. I find sizing up on Sew Over It solves my broad back, rounded shoulder issues which generally puts me off the more fitted SOI patterns.

Also, when doing my research I thought that some examples of this blouse looked a little mean on the shoulders, with the top of the sleeve head creeping onto the shoulder top.

It was a lovely lovely sew. Lots of ruffles to pull around the neckline. It was fiddly, there were lots of stages and and you really had to pay attention to how much you pulled the ruffle in to fit the neckline beautifully.

I didn’t actually find the instructions that straight forward. I felt I knew what she was trying to say, but it wasn’t clear and would possibly fox an inexperienced sewer.

Going up a size and using a slightly thicker fabric has made it quite voluminous but I would always wear this one tucked in.

I had 2 attempts at the rouleau tie. At the specified 5mm width, my fabric just wouldn’t turn. So I pieced together another one, slightly wider.

It’s definitely one I would make again.

I’m looking forward to making the Emmie Blouse too.

Love, Lucie xx