Gypsy Woman: Sew a Gypsy Blouse

As soon as I had made the gypsy skirt and waistcoat that I had blogged about in the previous two blogs, I knew that I would not rest until I had made a blouse to go with it. The odds of me ever wearing these three items in the same ensemble, are very slim indeed. Still, each on its own, coupled with something simpler, are very wearable. I show you how to go about making this rather elaborate blouse in today's blog.

I drew up this idea for the blouse, but soon decided that those sleeves would be too hot for the summer months. I replaced these. I also found the collar to be ever so slightly too girly, along with the frills, and discarded that idea altogether.

This was the final design for the complete outfit.

I drew up a quick pattern, using a shirt from my wardrobe to guide me.

The pieces was then cut from fabric.

The sleeves were cut from strips of fabric that was tapered towards the end.

Second layer of sleeves.

Third layer of sleeves.

The facings also had to be reinforced with stiffening.

I started by finishing all of the edges with a zigzag stitch.

I then contemplated that it would be best if I cut facings for the sleeves as well, and did as I planned.

The stiffening was ironed on to the facings.

I then 'hemmed' the different layers of the sleeves with a fine satin stitch.

The remaining sides of the sleeves were zigzagged.

I pinned the shoulders and sewed them together.

I also pinned the shoulders of the neck facings and sewed these together.

I then pinned the neck facing to the neck opening.

I sewed the neck.

I notched the neckline.

I set my machine to do top stitching.

I ironed the neckline flat and then sewed all around the neckline, 10 mm away from the opening.

I sewed a second top stitched line, 40 mm from the opening.

I basted all of the sleeves.

The first layer of sleeves was pinned to the armholes.

The second layer of sleeves was pinned to the armhole.

The third layer of sleeves was pinned to the armhole.

The sleeve facings were pinned to the armholes (after I had sewn the sleeve facings together at the shoulder seams).

I sewed all around the armholes.

I then decided that I would like the top to be longer. I cut a length of fabric to the desired width, and basted it.

The fabric was pinned to the hems of the blouse and sewn on.

Pin the side seams, from the arm facings, through to the extended hem.

Sew the side seams.

The final product.

A short compilation video of these steps can be seen on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/e1k0FO4wFe8

Marietjie Uys (Miekie) is a published author. You can buy my books here:
You can purchase Designs By Miekie 1 here.
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