Zero waste project 25: a floaty blouse

Another #zerowastesewing project: a floaty blouse!

This is the #zwsoftblouse pattern by @birgittahelmersson, in the long sleeved version. It includes 3 size ranges (EU 36-52), but is easy to size up or down to measure depending on the ease and length you want.

I chose not to cut this on the cross-grain as instructed (to keep the stripes going horizontally), and not to use the full width of my fabric. I’m on the smallest end of the sizing scale and didn’t want more than 40cm of ease at the bust, so I cut this from exactly 126x110cm of linen.

I struggled with the neck binding instructions – but if I’d looked on the next page I would have seen what the end result was meant to look like, and it would have made more sense. I like the shaping in this one (bust and elbow darts), but I did need to raise the bust dart end point an inch higher towards my actual bust point. Next time I’ll add shoulder darts to reduce the pooling I always get with straight shoulder patterns. I French seamed all the insides, and kind of regretted that once I got to the underarm point where the bodice and sleeve meet 😅 I didn’t know how to deal with that, so one side was more successful than the other.

I wasn’t expecting to love the sleeves this much, but it would be an understatement to say I am such a fan! The elasticated cuffs are so cute, and I love the floaty drama.

I might make this in a sweatshirt fabric with ribbing if I have any left after making my husband’s next hoodie.

#zerowastepattern #zerowastetop #birgittahelmersson #petitesewing #sustainablefashion #slowfashion