Nicks Blouse #4
In this time of year, I regularly find myself standing in front of my wardrobe, wondering whatever I am going to wear today. Especially on office days, this is a particular challenge. I have plenty of clothes - that’s not the problem - but they don’t all hit the brief of dressing office and weather appropriate. The biggest struggle is finding a top to wear, because it needs to 1) be comfortable (obviously), 2) have at least 3/4 but preferably long sleeves, 3) be office appropriate, 4) match with different items in my closet. I have a few tops that meet these requirements, but I don’t want to wear the same 3 tops on rotation every time I go to the office. One kind of top I was missing most in my wardrobe was a white, long sleeve blouse, because it will be cute on its own, but can be paired with many other items in my closet. The Nicks Blouse by Closet Core fits this brief perfectly, and already having sewn this blouse 3 times before (hence the #4 in the title), I was confident it would result in a great top that would be the perfect addition to my wardrobe.
The Nicks Blouse is one of my tried-and-true patterns. It’s a blouse with V-neck, long gathered sleeves with elastic cuff, and a relaxed fit. The pattern has 2 other views: View A is a maxi-dress with gathered panels and a button up front. View B is a top with a loose peplum, short sleeves and the same button up front. It is easy to mix the different sleeve lengths and neckline options, making it a very versatile pattern.
I made View C in size 8 with no modifications. As I have made it before, the sewing process was very straightforward to me. The pattern is rated as intermediate level. It includes the burrito method and there are quite some steps involved, but I think if you read the instructions carefully and go slowly, anyone can make it. For this project, I used an off-white viscose crepe. It’s a lightweight, flowy fabric with a slight texture to it. I love working with viscose, it’s super comfy to wear, and it creates a flowy and drapy blouse. In total, this project took me 5 hrs and 10 min.
I love how this version turned out! As always, the fit is great and I love the drape of the blouse.There are some slight imperfections in the front and in the neckline, they are not fully straight and even, but you can only tell if you are very close (and critical). I am very happy to add this to my wardrobe, it turned out just as I hoped. Like I expected, it is great on its own, but also works amazing as a layering piece. Wearing this with of my vests would be so cute! This blouse is definitely filling up a gap in my wardrobe, and honestly I’m considering making even more of these in the same fabric (different color though), because it’s such a good staple.
