When I first introduced you to the Liesl + Co. Breezy Blouse pattern, I mentioned how versatile it is, especially for using fabric remnants. Over time, I’ve accumulated quite a collection of fabric scraps, so while developing this pattern, I decided to experiment with various materials to see how they would look and feel. By doing this, I could offer better guidance and show you how different fabrics can transform the blouse's silhouette and overall appearance.
**Version 1:** This isn’t from my usual fabric scraps. From the very beginning, I envisioned this blouse in matka silk and went to New York specifically to shop for it during a visit two summers ago. I paired the front and back panels with matka silk and used matching washed silk for the side panels. As it turned out, they were a perfect match! Last summer, when we were back in the States, I wore this top constantly. Whether it was paired with a linen skirt for a casual day in New York or dressed up with a pencil skirt for church, this blouse was always on point. I love the textured, hand-woven look of the matka silk, which only gets better with wear and washing.
The buttons on this version are on the inside, as I mentioned when introducing the pattern. I’ve noticed this trend in ready-to-wear clothing recently, and I find it both practical and stylish. It prevents your hair from getting caught on the buttons, which is something I’ve personally dealt with before.
**Version 2:** For this version, I used fabric left over from one of the Extra-Sharp Pencil Skirts I made for our model when the pattern was launched. She loved the fabric, and I had enough leftover to use the wrong side of it for the side panels. The fabric is from the Japanese Sevenberry Nara Homespun line, distributed by Kaufman, and it’s a loosely-woven cotton. It worked beautifully with this pattern. I’m sure I’ll wear this blouse a lot.
**Version 3:** This blouse was made from small scraps of double gauze leftover from my woven Chai Tee. I paired it with leftover bias-cut chambray from Kaufman for the side panels. Since there was barely enough double gauze, I had to cut it flat instead of on the fold and had to get creative with the layout.
All of these fabrics worked well together. The silk was the most fluid, followed by the double gauze. The cotton is drapey enough and will soften and relax with wear, but I already love it in its current state. This summer, I’m hoping to find more unique handwoven silks from India to create more versions of this blouse, but I’ll also keep using my fabric scraps.
If you’re interested in making your own Breezy Blouse, you can purchase the pattern now in either paper or digital format. What kind of fabric will you choose for yours?
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I’m always excited to see how different fabrics can bring new life to a pattern. It’s amazing how much personality each fabric adds, whether it’s the texture of silk or the comfort of cotton. If you decide to try out the Breezy Blouse pattern, I’d love to hear about your experience and see what fabrics you end up using. Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, happy sewing!
Shaoxing Evergreen Knitting Co., Ltd. , https://www.egsock.com