Mabel Blouse

I’m excited to share my latest make today: The Mabel Blouse. I knew I would make this pattern by Tilly and the Buttons as soon as it was released. It closely resembles a ready-to-wear top that I bought in three different colours a few years ago, and I’m happy the trend hasn’t gone anywhere. 

I made my first version (because it won’t be my last) in an interesting fabric from Fabricland here in Canada. As anyone who has shopped at Fabricland will know, the quality can be hit or miss, but they have a beautiful line for spring/summer. This fabric is made from 70% cotton and 30% tencel, which is such an ideal mix. It’s flowy, but still behaves with the ease of cotton. I bought at least four different prints in this fabric and might go back for more!

There are so many pros to this pattern, but my favourite aspect is the shirring. I was so scared to shirr before my Anthea Blouse hack I recently wrote about, and now I can’t stop. Both the waistline and arms feature multiple rows of shirring, which adds a soft, feminine detail to the blouse.

I have no complaints about this pattern whatsoever. As with all Tilly patterns, it’s well drafted and the instructions are easy to understand. When I read that the pattern was drafted for a height of 5’5, I added three inches to the bodice and back, but that was a mistake. Even though I’m 5’9 with quite a long torso, it dropped the waistline down a touch too low for my preference. I’ll only extend it by 2” next time. 

The blouse features a peplum at the bottom, but I’m still a bit iffy on how to wear it. I don’t love a peplum, which is entirely personal based on my body type, but I love how the blouse looks tucked into a pair of looser jeans. I think the peplum would work well with tighter pants/jeans that need the balance on top. Either way, I’m super excited about this pattern and can’t wait to make another!

Happy making, 

Jackie

A little disclaimer: This blog is very small, so it almost goes without saying, but I am not affiliated with any brands mentioned in this post.