Gemma’s Rosamund Blouse
Tartan check prints are always funny to work with, as you have to consider stripe matching with whatever you have decided to make.
I used to be that person who claimed I wasn’t fussed about stripes that didn’t line up, but after making a couple of garments lately that involved a lot of pattern matching (including a pair of trousers that not only did I match every side seam but the front pleats too!) It does make all the difference!
I wanted to try a new pattern this month, and one that was on my radar is the Rosamund blouse by Madswick. An oversized blouse with a button up front, it really is that sailor collar that sold it to me! Statement collars are a trend that isn’t going anywhere, and this is one that would be very easy to customise and make the look personalised.
I did try my hardest to match up the stripe pattern where possible when cutting out my pieces, particularly across the front. Described as an ‘oversized fit’, I made a size 8, which is indeed quite roomy and I could have sized down one.
There are a few variations to the pattern you could do: I obviously went for the sailor collar, which I decided to make even more statement by adding a contrast blue ric rac around the edge. You have the option to line your collar which I was doing, so I sewed the ric rac onto what would be my outside collar before construction. I also went for the button/button loops and the tie, which I think are great design features, and again, ideal if you want to mix and match fabrics for example. I had some dark blue buttons in my stash which worked perfectly against the bright colours.
You do need to be careful when sewing as to not mix up your pattern pieces, as it’s hard to tell the right and wrong side apart on this fabric, so using washi tape to indicate the right side is my handy tip. This fabric is so stable and easy to work with, as it also has a bit of give so makes easing your pieces and pressing a breeze.
This is my first time sewing a Madswick pattern and found the instructions and construction really good to follow. It isn’t a quick pattern, there are quite a few steps particularly when making the collar, and the pattern pieces have quite a few straight edges to be getting your machine around. I did find I spent more time with my iron than my machine to make sure everything looked crisp! It’s totally worth it though as it is a beautiful design and was a joy to make.
I’m totally in love with this pattern! I think the addition of the ric rac pulls the colours of the print together well, and it is very comfortable to wear without the collar being too heavy or ‘in the way’. I love the pattern and fabric pairing and will be wearing this blouse on repeat!