Looking out my window today it doesn't feel much like summer anymore but I'm assured by a local farmer that we will have an Indian Summer in October. So ever the optimist I thought I'd share with you my version of the Rhapsody Blouse from Love Notions Sewing Patterns which I made a few weeks back.
The Rhapsody has fun and versatile written all over it. I love the cute styling and I just had to have at least one in my wardrobe. I chose the flutter sleeve option in a gorgeously delicate embroidered cotton voile from Minerva Crafts which I had in my stash. Here I've teamed it with jeans for a relaxed look. Depending on your fabric choice and sleeve option it would make a lovely dressy blouse too.
There are some fabulous style details in the Rhapsody which really lift it above the rest. I love the flattering curved hem feature. The soft gathers at the front yoke and box pleat at the back are so feminine. The neckline is bound with narrow bias binding and there are optional ties for a pretty, professional finish.
I enjoyed making this beautifully drafted pattern and I'm looking forward to making more. My Rhapsody isn't perfect. I made some rookie fitting errors but I have learn't so much about making a more fitted and complicated garment in a woven fabric. I know what I will do differently when I make my next one. More on that later!
Pattern Review
So the first dilemma I faced was which of the 9 sleeve options to choose!
As if that isn't enough there's also a cute dress option. So it seems the only pattern you need to fill your sunny summer wardrobe to bursting is the Rhapsody!
Bang for buck this is such a great value pattern retailing at just $12.00.
Pattern Options - Photo courtesy of Love Notions Sewing Patterns
I would describe myself as an aspiring intermediate sewer. I was looking to take on a project with more technical challenges involved and the Rhapsody definitely fulfilled that brief. Not only have I added a really cool and sweet summer top to my wardrobe I've also added lots of new skills to my sewing kit bag.
I would recommend the Rhapsody as great project for the ambitious new sewist wanting to move up a gear and tackle intermediate sewing challenges.
This pattern is designed for lightweight and drapey wovens.
I decided to use this pretty embroidered white cotton voile from a wide selection at Minerva Crafts. I love this fabric and it was a dream to work with.
However once I sewed in the flutter sleeves I realised that my fabric choice didn't really have enough drape for this style of sleeve so they sit a bit proud rather than falling nicely from my shoulders. This one is definitely down to me and my fabric choice. A gorgeous fabric but not completely right for this project. A lesson learn't for next time.... listen to the the pattern maker Linda!
The Pattern
- This pattern is available in PDF with A4 file to print at home and an A0 version for copy shop printing.
- A projector file is included
- I really like that the file is trimless making assembly much faster
Based on my measurements I should have graded the pattern as follows:
- French Seams
- Inset sleeves
- Lining a yoke
- Gathers & box pleats
- Making and applying narrow bias binding
- Narrow hemming
- Start by making your tape with your matching or contrast fabric. You will need a 1" tape width to make 1/4" bias. I used a 20" square of fabric. You could use less but remember the smaller the square the more joins you will have in your binding.
- Next spray starch onto the tape and iron flat. This stabilises the fabric, making it easier to handle and stops it unfolding while your stitching it on.
Starch is great as it's cheap, does the job and washes out easily. I find specialist fabric stabiliser to be expensive, sticky and leaves a gummy residue on your iron and board.
- Now for the magic. For 1/4" bias measure just over 1/2" on your ironing board and insert 2 pins in opposite directions to each other as shown.
- Next fold your tape as shown and iron the end before passing under the two pins.
- Now pull the tape through under the pins folding the edges in before it goes under the pins and pressing as you pull it through. The pins will keep the folds in place as you press. It's that simple!

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