Nina Lee Bakerloo Blouse and Dress

How fabulous is this fabric! At this time of year, the floral print in muted tones and the dark background make this fabric perfect for a winter dress.

It is a lovely quality viscose crepe that has a great weight and lots of drape to it. There is so much scope for creation with this print - the pink and beige flowers are really sweet! I think would make a cute **** bow blouse, or a vintage style button up tea dress which I was tempted towards (I’m thinking of purchasing this fabric in the mint colour for such a dress).

Here’s my version of Nina Lee’s Bakerloo dress. I think this is the perfect fabric/pattern match!

The pattern has a blouse and dress option, and is suitable for a wide range of fabrics. Closing with a button and keyhole at the centre-back, the pattern skims the bust into a loose fit around the waist for ease and comfort. The dress variation has a full gathered and pocketed skirt. The balloon sleeves with two different length option gather into elasticated cuffs with ruffled edges. As you can tell, there are so many ways to make this pattern uniquely yours.

I made the dress version in size 12. I didn’t have enough fabric to make the dress straight from the pattern so a few changes were made:
- I modified my sleeves slightly. I took 3 inches off the length, cut them straighter and narrower to take out some volume and gathered them into a cuff at the wrist instead of elastic.
- I used plain black cotton lawn to highlight the collar ruffle.
- It was a little too roomy around the waist (finished measurement is waist 34”, my waist is 31”) so I added waist ties in the side seam for a little more shape.

The pattern instructions all made sense, simple enough to follow with clear instructions and pictures. Viscose is relatively simple to sew if you use the right sized needle, but make sure you pin and cut everything accurately. I used a 70/10 needle and pinned everything with super fine/silk pins.

This dress is perfect - I can “grunge” this up with thick tights and chunky Doc Martens for a winter day dress, pair with heeled ankle boots for evenings watching a band at my local pub, and loafers or sandals in spring/summer. I am smitten with this dress! ?

I’m keen to make a blouse version too. I think the statement collar would look fabulous layered under the pinafore or a sweater.

Have you made the Bakerloo Dress or Blouse? If not, I hope this has inspired you to create your own statement collar dream dress!

The moment I saw this blouse I absolutely loved it and a quick search on the Instagram hashtag shows so many beautiful versions. I couldn't resist!

The pattern is very clear and easy to follow. I made a straight size 12 and made no adjustments - its a reasonably loose fitting top so there was enough ease around the chest for me to avoid an FBA. The trickiest part is definitely sewing those ruffles onto the collar around the tight curves - I took it slow and steady and got there in the end (with a bit of help from the unpicker). Sewing the bias binding on around the neckline is also a little awkward but again, take it slow and it'll work out. The proportions of the sleeves are great too and the elasticated cuffs are a nice touch.

I've had quite a few compliments about my blouse since I've been wearing it. All in all I'm chuffed to bits with this pattern and THAT collar!!

Happy sewing

Tanya x

@broomanator

I wasn't intially sure that the Bakerloo blouse and dress pattern was for me when it was first released.  It is a real statement piece with it's oversized ruffled collar and balloon sleeves.  But it looked so much fun that I decided to give it a go and I'm really pleased I did.

I made my blouse version in a Liberty tana lawn with a contrast navy blue ruffle.  I found the pattern instructions really clear and easy to follow.  The ruffle and neckline bias binding were both a little fiddly to attach but very satisfying to spend some time making sure they were applied neatly.

I made the size 6 grading to the size 8 at the waist and I found the pattern to be true to size for me.

Overall it was a really fun sew and it is really fun to wear too.  If you'd like to hear more details and see more photos of my blouse, I have published a YouTube vlog taking all about it and the link is here.

The Bakerloo Blouse is a very easy make. I was expecting the collar to be difficult as it was my first collar. However, it wasn’t. Mainly because the instructions literally hold your hand throughout the whole process.
I used a brushed cotton from December’s Sew Hayley Jane box to make the blouse and I will certainly make more. I just love the collar.

I have been obsessed with big collars for ages now and was dreaming of making my own, when my dreams were made with this gorgeous pattern! It is such an elegant design, with a big frilly collar and balloon sleeves, gathered at the cuff. It also has a dress option. I loved the frill detail and the key hole opening at the back. I made the top version in this lovely Atelier Brunette Double Gauze from Sew Me Sunshine and just love wearing it.

I made a size 14 and it fits me perfectly with no adjustments made. It was a pretty straight forward make, however the frill on the collar was a little tricky around the corners. Apart from that it came together really quickly and I can't wait to make more!