The Ivy blouse will charm you with its batwing sleeves. A loose, flowing cut, yet structured by pretty gathers that accentuate the shoulder. It's the little detail that makes all the difference for a guaranteed "wow" effect.
Batwing sleeves are sleeves that extend from the waist and flow seamlessly into the bodice. Therefore, there's no seam on the blouse. So, by making the Ivy blouse, you'll learn a little construction trick that allows you to create the gathers at the shoulder despite the seam.
Gathering is actually the main challenge of this blouse, which is nevertheless a simple pattern that sews up quickly.
NECKLINE FINISHED WITH A FACING
This is why I chose to finish the neckline with a facing. It ensures a clean finish and easy assembly. For finishing touches, you can topstitch along the button placket and around the neckline. However, this topstitching isn't strictly necessary, as the facings are held in place on one side by the buttons and on the other by the buttonholes. I didn't add them to all my versions.
CHOICE OF 4/5 OR 3/4 SLEEVES
For the sleeves, you can make the Ivy blouse with 4/5 sleeves that reach above the wrist or with shorter 3/4 sleeves that reach below the elbow.
You might notice that the 3/4 length version gives the impression of more fullness since the sleeve shape is the same and the cuff is simply sewn a little higher. This creates more depth and a greater sense of volume.
FOR THE CUFF, A SLIT WITH A FACING… ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH IT?
For the cuff, I chose to create a slit with a facing to change things up from the reinforced placket so often found on blouses and shirts. Making the Ivy blouse will therefore allow you to learn how to make it.
RECOMMENDED FABRICS:
The Ivy blouse is perfect when made in flowing fabrics. Viscose or silk will give the batwing sleeves a lovely drape. You can't go wrong sewing Ivy in a soft, flowing fabric. This is what I recommend, especially if you're not used to wearing garments with very full sleeves. However, I've made two versions of the Ivy blouse in poplin, and I love them. Poplin gives the blouse a more structured look and adds volume.
You can see the difference in the photos:
The version in polka dot viscose fabric - Iris from Cousette
The version in organic poplin "Orange Bird" from Mars Elle Fabrics
SIZING:
Pattern sheets ranging from size 34 to 46, corresponding to a bust measurement of 81 to 108 cm. You can also refer to the size chart.
SUPPLIES
Recommended fabric length for 140cm wide fabrics:
Other supplies:
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8 buttons
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Iron-on facing.
