Designing Your Mathilde Blouse

One of the best things about sewing is that you can dream up a garment in your head and then make it, exactly as you like it. I’m really excited to see how you make the Mathilde Blouse your own. It’s a versatile design that will look lovely in lots of different fabrics, plus the style has plenty of room for adaptation.

What to think about when choosing your fabric:

* The pattern works well in lightweight, drapey fabrics. It can look very elegant in silk or polyester crêpe de chine, habotai, charmeuse… or that mystery fabric you scored for £2 from the man outside Sainsburys at Walthamstow Market.

* If you find sewing with slippery fabrics tricky, try a cotton, such as lawn, voile or chambray. Keep it lightweight and drapey so the blouse doesn’t end up looking too stiff.

* Patterned fabric is lovely, but plain fabric will let the tuck lines shine.

And some design ideas:

* The buttons down the back are one of the stand out features of the design. Experiment with contrast, self-covered, novelty, rainbow, tonal or ombre colour buttons. So many options!

* How about making the yoke and cuffs in a contrast colour to the bodice and sleeves?

* Loving Mr Selfridge as much as I am? Try channeling that Edwardian chic into a cream cotton and lace version.

* Add a strip of piping, ricrac or other trimming between the yoke and front bodice.

* Lengthen and widen the hemline to make a smock-style dress. (Just be careful where you place the buttons so you can sit comfortably!)

* Instead of sewing tucks, try gathering the excess fabric on the front bodice into the yoke.

* How about attaching mini bows to the cuff bands?

* Hand stitch an embroidery design to the yoke, or use the fancy topstitches on your machine.

* Check out the Maker Gallery for more design ideas.

What ideas do you have for making the Mathilde Blouse your own? I’d love to hear! Leave a comment below or if you write a post, please leave the link so I can see. Oh my goodness, I’m sooooooo excited to see your Mathilde Blouses!!!

PS. If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably witnessed my gushing, but I really am so touched by all the warm and supportive comments and messages you've left me about the Mathilde Blouse Sewing Pattern. Thank you!!!