The Marnie blouse – it’s a statement!

When I first saw the Marnie blouse I knew I would be making it. It has lots of nods to vintage (Seventies) sewing patterns which is right up my street. I liked how customiseable it was with all those little details you could add (or leave off); undulating tucks, a frill collar and shoulder ruffles. I couldn’t decide which options to have so I went with ALL of them.

The pattern has princess seams – the placement of the seam means that the optional ruffle sits nearer to your shoulders and extends down the side of your breasts. Ease-wise, it’s reasonably fitted across the neck and shoulders which leads into a gathered section mid-bust (above the fullest part of the bust). This gives a lot of volume to the rest of the garment over the bust and tummy. My measurements put me firmly as a Size 4 but I find it very roomy.  If you’re making this from a stiff fabric, this volume will be obvious. It’s very easy to tuck the Marnie blouse in, however I have worn it out untucked and the volume didn’t bother me at all. I made it from a cotton poplin, from my own shop Bornella Fabrics which worked really well for this pattern.

As always the instructions on Tilly’s patterns are well written and there wasn’t any moment I was head scratching. The undulating tucks are easy enough AS LONG AS you take your time and have patience. They look VERY obvious if one of the tucks is a bit off. (On one of my arm pieces, the bottom tuck doesn’t look quite as even as the rest but I’m willing to forgive myself. And besides, when was the last time you looked at someone’s sleeve and thought ‘hmmm something’s a bit off here’. In my case, never!)

Overall, I’m really delighted with how this has turned out. I love how fun it is and I’m all about having items that make me smile in my wardrobe.

Happy sewing

Tanya x

(If you want a more in-depth review, you can read more on my blog)