The Josie Blouse – Experimental Space

I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester for the Josie Blouse and its such a fab pattern with lovely details. It works best with drapey fabric, I used a light weight crepe for my version. Firstly the instructions are really clear and include diagrams showing you step by step the processes used, it came together as I would have expected, and I used the pdf version which has layering functionality, which I think makes pdfs much easier to use. There were some techniques I hadn’t used before such as inserting a sleeve vent and lap, the instructions and diagrams are clear, but I did find this tricky it being the first time I had attempted this and using slippery fabric. The Josie suggests choosing your size based on your High Bust measurement which is new for me, my High Bust is 37 inches so I went with this size and graded out to the next size up for my hips, as per the instructions. It fits really well.

The blouse fits over the head, there are no fastenings such as a button or zip to insert. The features I love are the trio of pleats that run from the neck, over the shoulder and into the sleeve, and the bishop sleeves with extended cuffs. It looks lovely on and I’ve had lots of compliments when wearing it.

I would definetly recommend the pattern, probably for an advanced beginner. But if you like it, I’d say give it a go even if you are a beginner, as the instructions are clear and I believe Andrea is planning a sew along to help with the more difficult areas of construction. And its such a beautiful blouse so don’t let experience stop you from sewing it. I can definetly see more of these in my wardrobe and already have another in the sewing queue.