We are back today with another roundup, this time showcasing the review versions of the Camélia blouse pattern!
Prior to every collection release, we ask different sewists to try out our patterns and share their honest opinions. This allows you to see the garment in varying styles and fabrics, and get a better idea from our reviewers of what it will be like to work with the pattern. Today, we have 4 versions of Camélia we can’t wait to show you.
We’ve included some highlights of everybody’s reviews below, but we encourage you to visit their full posts for more photos and information. Thank you to Karen, Lilli, Hansie, and Carine for taking the time to review Camélia!
Up first we have Karen of @intostitches! Karen is a very skilled seamstress and we were excited to see what she would do with the classic shirt details of Camélia. The sheer fabric she chose is perfect for a lightweight but elegant blouse, and we’re looking forward to trying out her ban-roll hem technique on our own versions of Camélia.
Heading into summer with my first new light and airy top ☀️ […] It’s a top that can go from casual to elegant depending on your fabric and how you style it. It has soft gathers at the shoulder and yoke along with classic tailored features like the partial front button placket and collar. There’s also an option for a ruffled sleeve.
Karen of @intostitches
I love the combination of these details with this sheer fabric […] and it turned out even better than I imagined. I used French seams throughout and ban-roll for the hem (check out my saved highlights on my profile page if you’re not sure what this magic technique is about).
We are pleased to welcome back Lilli of @frocksandfroufrou, who you may recognize from our Sirocco and Circée review teams. It’s always a delight to see what she makes with our patterns, and this version of Camélia is no exception. We love the rounded collar paired with an edgy print, and the drape of this viscose lends itself well to being styled in a french tuck.
There’s a couple of pattern companies whose block fits me to a tee, and whenever they come out with a new pattern I’m always excited to try it. Deer&Doe is one of them – their Sirocco Jumpsuit is one of my most-sewn patterns, and their Circee wrap dress is the first wrap that has actually felt secure on my G cups without needing tweaking.
Lilli of @frocksandfroufrou
It’s definitely a project that took me a bit of time to tackle – I learned a bunch of new techniques including my first collar stand. […] I think next time I’ll add a bit of extra width to the bodice pieces so that the gathers at the shoulder and the back of the yoke are a bit more pronounced, but otherwise – as usual – the fit is perfect.
Bringing us some sunshine with her bright and cheery Camélia is Hansie of @kryzalid3. Hansie first caught our eye after sharing her fabulous version of Orage, and her feed has been putting a smile on our face ever since! We love Camélia in a striped fabric, and the capped sleeve version is particularly nice in a fabric with a little more body like this cotton Hansie chose.
Camelia is a loose blouse with a polo placket that’s perfect for summer. It’s super easy and quick to sew. Since this pattern has a lot of ease, I chose to sew size 52 instead of 54.
Hansie of @kryzalid3
I opted for the capped sleeve version, but there is also an option for ruffled sleeves. The fabric is a cotton and I had fun playing with the stripe direction on the button placket, back yoke, and sleeve pieces.
Finally we have Carine of @carinetiny2010 with not one, but two versions of Camélia. Carine is another very talented seamstress (and knitter!), and we can’t believe how well her polo placket turned out considering it was her first one! It’s always a treat to see different interpretations of our patterns, but even more so when it’s the same sewist highlighting the versatility of a design.
For the self-taught sewist that I am, working with a clear, precise, and well-drafted pattern is the key to my success – and that’s definitely the case here. The first step, the polo placket, was very easy despite the fact that I’d never sewn one before. The diagrams and explanations left me in no doubt as to what to do. The finishing touches are impeccable as always with Deer&Doe.
Carine of @carinetiny2010
It was a delight to sew and a rewarding result. This pattern really gave me the opportunity to progress further and sew a timeless, classic and practical garment. The trendiness and comfort of this little blouse totally delight me.
As usual, this was another incredible roundup from our team of reviewers and we hope it’s left you feeling inspired. Thank you again to everybody who took the time to sew and review Camélia. We can’t wait to see what else the community creates with this pattern! 🖤
Note: Pattern Testers and Reviewers
Our pattern testers have worked with us closely while we were developing the pattern, and provided feedback on the construction and fit. Our reviewers featured in this blog did not take part in pattern testing, and so did not provide feedback during the design phase. Their feedback is based on the final version of the pattern only. In exchange for their honest review, they received an early copy of the finished pattern as well as a purchase credit for fabric and supplies. The opinions they express on their blogs (which we recommend visiting!) are their own, and we have encouraged honest and constructive criticism.
