The Storybook Blouse and Dress by Duchess and Hare:
/Hi friends! Cassie, of Lily Shine Creates, here to share with you my review on the new Storybook Blouse and Dress. It’s been quite some time since I’ve shared a review here so I’m thrilled to be back in action with the Pattern Revolution blog team!
Duchess and Hare is a fairly new pattern company but it is clear that Bernadette, the owner and designer, is making way with her classic silhouettes and vintage influence. I love the simple, sweet nature of her designs and can’t wait to see what she continues to offer. Her tutorials are concise, direct and geared towards the intermediate sewer.
The Storybook Blouse or Dress pattern has a dolman sleeved bodice, flared fit through the waist and the option of adding a drop waist skirt to create the dress version. Lovely finishes and details such as inverted pleats, bias bound neckline and a single button/elastic loop closure give it a clean, classic look. Options to create a puffed sleeve or a ruffled sleeve are included.
I sewed up the blouse version, as my 7 year old fashionista tends to prefer pants and tops over dresses these days. Yes, I’m dying a little on the inside as I type that but at least she still lets me sew for her. I also chose to omit the elastic and give the blouse a more boho, bell-sleeved vibe. I used a new plaid shirting from Hobby Lobby, which is super soft and has great drape.
The Storybook Blouse is intended to hit at the high hip, which you’ll see here, but when I make another I may add a little length to keep her belly from showing while swinging across the monkey bars at school. The fit is really relaxed, which means plenty of growing room and lasting wear.
The Blouse sewed up in about 2 hours thanks to the pattern matching attempts at the seams, the slippery fabric and those sweet inverted pleats I wanted to be just perfect. I love how clear and concise the tutorial was written, it definitely kept me focused and moving forward with ease. K loves her new top, and told me how her teacher and her classmates gave compliments all day long. I hope to try the dress version next!
Today Laura reviews the adorable Bunny Doll by Duchess and Hare. This doll includes a cape and would be a great doll for a gift.