SEW FROM YOUR FABRIC STASH: SPRING BLOUSES

Do you have a fabric stash that is just waiting the right project to come along? Shopping for fabric and sewing can feel like two different hobbies. It can be hard to resist a gorgeous piece of cloth and, if you're anything like me, purchasing a piece of fabric with no project in mind happens a lot. Everyone has their own magic number, but I tend to buy 2 metres (why?!) of the fabric-that-I-can't-leave-behind, which leaves me with limited projects it will work with.

If you are in this club, a top is often the best way to go. Let's be honest, they tend to be the most useful item you sew as they can be worn with the bottoms you already have in your wardrobe. If any of this sounds like you, read on as we have shortlisted some great blouse options in different fabrics that will help you sew your stash.

Linen is lovely to wear as thanks to its natural fibre content, it's breathable. I've also found it a very satisfying fabric to sew with as it presses beautifully. If you have some linen fabric lingering in your stash, these beautiful blouses could be the perfect project.

1. Madswick Rosamund Blouse
2. Vivian Shao Chen Nepheline Blouse
3. The Maker's Atelier Pleat Neck Blouse
   
4. Anna Allen Anthea Blouse and Dress

Broderie Anglaise is beautiful, and therefore hard to resist when you come across it in your favourite fabric shop. If you have succumbed to its temptation and are stuck on what to sew, I've scoured the shop for options that show just how lovely it can look.

1. The Maker's Atelier Pleat Detail Dress/Top
2. Liesl + Co Isola Blouse and Dress
3. Maison Fauve Byzance Dress and Top
4. Puff and Pencil Tie Blouse and Cone Sleeve

Denim doesn't have to be reserved for bottoms and jackets. If you have shopped for something a lighter-weight or have picked up a remnant because the price was too good to resist, you might like this lot.

1. The Maker's Atelier Maker's Top
2. Fibre Mood Uzma Top
3. Merchant & Mills Scout Shirt or Dress
4. Echo Top from Tauko magazine No.14

Cotton poplin demands a dramatic moment. If you have some poplin in your stash, it's going to require a pattern that has structure, shape, volume or pleating. Here are some tempting projects...

1. Puff and Pencil Tie Waist Blouse and Cone Sleeve
2. Fibre Mood Lilith Top
3. Notches Odell Top and Dress
4. Merchant & Mills Box Box Top and Dress

Seersucker literally sucks you in. The crinkly texture makes the simplest design sing, so you might find choosing the right project is holding you back from cutting that cloth.

1. In The Folds Sawtell Top
2. Tilly and the Buttons Marnie Blouse & Dress
3. Fibre Mood London Top
4. Fibre Mood Electra Dress (and top)

As someone who picks up 2 metres of cotton lawn here, and 2 metres of cotton lawn there (in Liberty!), I need this list. The light and airy properties that still hold structure is quite the fabric unicorn.

1. Chalk and Notch Wren Blouse and Dress
2. The Maker's Atelier Tiered Blouse
3. Merchant & Mills Celeste Top
4. Liesl + Co Geneva V-Neck Blouse

If you don't have a piece of something drapey in your stash, I am surprised! This floating fabric must be covered in fairy dust as it is so hard to resist when you see it in action. Once you've succumbed it can tough to narrow down what to make with it, so I have four ideas for you.

1. Atelier Jupe Lori Blouse and Dress
2. Maison Fauve Chelsea Blouse
3. Atelier Jupe Olivia Blouse and Dress
4. Tilly and the Buttons Nell Blouse and Dress

If you are team texture, the chances are that you have snapped up Swiss dot or cotton dobby fabric in your time. These beauties will work for any light-medium weight texture cottons you've taken home.

1. Camimade Lucette Blouse and Dress
2. Sewing Patterns by Masin Amalfi Blouse
3. Liesl + Co Positano Blouse and Dress
4. Pauline Alice Coeli Blouse

I hope that has inspired you to shop your stash and turn your treasures in spring-ready blouses!