Tag Archives: Peppermint Magazine

Valentine Ruffle Top

This is the latest pattern from Peppermint Magazine in collaboration with their sewing partner Spoonflower. The pattern is a romantic, ruffle blouse. It can be worn on or off the shoulder. We used to call this a “peasant blouse” in the 80s but I’m not sure if that term is still used. There’s no buttonholes or zips. It’s a pull over your head blouse with the elastic all around the top of the top. The pattern is offered with a subscription to the magazine or downloadable from the website with a pay-what-you-can option.

Valentine Ruffle Top

The pattern is drafted for woven fabric. I decided to use two remnant pieces from my stash and combined a broderie anglaise with a cotton slub which were both in white. I was pretty happy with the outcome but there is quite a lot of volume in the bodice. In fact, I was quite worried when I was making the top that I had printed the wrong size. Next time, I would choose an even thinner and drapier fabric like rayon, viscose or georgette.  

Broderie Anglaise and Cotton Slub

My measurements of 38-inch bust, 33-inch waist and 40-inch hip, fitted the size F. The most important measurement is the bust measurement as there is a lot of ease with the waist size and the hip measurement isn’t really relevant. I increased the elastic length from 73.4cm to 100cm because I found that the original length would not allow me to wear the blouse off the shoulder. This is all included in the pattern instructions.

So, did I need to worry about the fit of the blouse? Not really! Once the elastic goes in, the blouse magically shrinks to the right size. As a compulsive overthinker, I find it difficult to trust the process. Sewing has been good for me and has taught me to be better at having a go. I also need to take more breaks in my sewing. I think I reached that stage of the elastic casing, and the illustrations were not making any sense to me. It was a good place to stop and everything made perfect sense when I returned to it the next day.

Underarm shot

I’m really happy with how it’s turned out. I had a peasant blouse when I was in Grade 6. I wore that blouse everywhere. Now I get to recreate it with this pattern! It’s a great pattern for a beginner and the instructions are good to follow. I’ve styled with my Vanessa Hansen Carrie Skirt and the ELOH patterns Sorrento Shorts. It’s an easy piece to style. I wonder if I could hack it into a playsuit?

Styling the Valentine Ruffle Top

This is my official last pattern for 2024! I am looking forward to some down time with family. I’m excited to make some plans for 2025 but I’ll share those in a separate blog post. Thanks so much if you’ve been following my sewing journey. 

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!

X Em

Albion Blouse

The Albion Blouse is a collaboration between Vanessa Hansen Studios and Peppermint Magazine. Peppermint Magazine is not only great for their articles but also for their free sewing patterns. I was thrilled to be part of the tester team and so happy to be able to share it. When I started applying to be a tester for patterns, I didn’t realise there could be a gap between sewing and posting. Sometimes there’s no indication of when a pattern will be released which makes it so exciting when you can finally share! I was born in the Chinese year of the dragon and dragons are usually terrible at keeping secrets so I’m patting myself on the back for not letting anything out of the bag so far.

Fitted Wrap Top

The Albion Blouse is a wrap top which is fastened by buttons and loops. It is quite fitted in the bodice and stops just below the natural waistline. There were a lot of firsts for me in this pattern. I’ve never had to make loops for fastening and it was also my first time making my own buttons. I consider my skill level sitting more towards the advanced beginner so I was happy to be able to complete this pattern which is made for intermediate sewers.

My favourite feature! My own buttons.

The size for the Albion Blouse runs between A to P and has cup sizes. I graded between size F and G as my full bust sat in the F range and my waist was in the G. I love the system on sizing and how Vanessa includes detailed fitting notes in her patterns. The wrap top allows for some flexibility too which helped me as I’m still learning in this area.

Work in progress

There are two versions to make in this pattern and my first make was a wearable toile of the short sleeve blouse. My final version was of the long sleeves with cuff which also fastens with buttons and loops. 

This blouse has such classic vintage features, so I chose a beautiful lightweight linen with a modern print to juxtapose this.  I always reach for a linen if I can because it’s a natural fibre and great in hot weather and cooler weather too.

Close up of the Albion Blouse

The Albion Blouse is such a generous offering from Vanessa Hansen Studios. Thank you to both Peppermint Magazine and Vanessa for making this pattern free for all of us. 

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!

X Em