Spring has sprung here in the Southern Hemisphere, with breezy blouses and crisp shirts on high rotation. Statement sleeves offer the ultimate customisation-friendly #MeMade project, and the change of season is an ideal time to try this trend out! Cue the Nepheline Blouse; released by Philadelphia-based designer Vivian Shao Chen in August, merging a softly minimal silhouette with subtle vintage-esque detailing. Read on for our review of this pattern, kindly modelled by Lucy from our Online Team!
Pattern Review
Nepheline Blouse — Vivian Shao Chen
It's no secret we're big fans of easy-sew blouse and shirt patterns! From Papercut's Nexus, to Anna Allen's Anthea Blouse, the Pâquerette Blouse from Lysimaque, Paper Theory's Olya and our very own Make by TFS Bloom, you'll find loads of pattern reviews here on the blog. We spotted the Nepheline Blouse recently on Instagram, and decided to try it out this week in our neutral linen colour Cumin. This popular linen shade is currently discounted for a limited time, so get in quick while stocks last!
The Nepheline Blouse has a button up front, loose A-line silhouette and two neckline views. We chose View A, the high neck version and made up a size 3 (B Cup) for Lucy. This make took the recommended 1.6m of our Cumin Midweight Linen, a little interfacing for the placket, plus six Trocas Shell Buttons (12.7mm) in Smoke.
This pattern has two size ranges to choose from depending on your bust measurement, either B cup and C cup. Note that this relates to sewing cup sizes, not bra cup sizes. This method of fitting to the individual bust measurement is a great way to achieve a better fit, especially for those who have a fuller bust. The fuller bust pattern the C cup, allows additional shaping in the blouse, and includes a bust dart.
Overall the project was enjoyable and quick to sew! The instruction manual was well laid out, with very thoroughly written steps and detailed illustration drawings. We did find the View A neckline very high and tight on Lucy's neck, which you can see in our photos. We'd definitely recommend checking the pattern measurement before you begin. A quick alteration of trimming 2cm back from the centre front of the neck has helped to fix ours.
Lucy pairs her blouse with our Make by TFS May Jean and Cass Pant (Shorts Hack)
Fabric Recommendations
Blouse patterns like the Nepheline are so versatile and make choosing fabric a breeze, we chose Cumin Midweight Linen for this version which is one of seven midweight linen fabrics currently 50% off in our Seasonal Specials! You could also whip this up in a cotton poplin, lawn or gauze, light and midweight linen and chambray, soft viscose, rayon or even silk. Peruse a few of our favourites below, from top to bottom - Organic Linen - Fog, Rayon Crepe - Banana, Gingham Cotton Shirting - Crema, Summer Petals Cotton Voile and Crinkle Gauze - White.
This is a great PDF sewing pattern and we'd highly recommend any sewist who wants to add a simple blouse to their #MeMade wardrobe to try the Nepheline out! Share your makes with us over on Instagram and TikTok using #TheFabricStore