It’s hard to imagine a time that a woven viscose project would be a palette cleanser, but after that super challenging Japanese shirt project, this is exactly what this project felt like.

The Assembly Line released the Billow Blouse at the end of November last year.  The TAL Instagram post said “Easy to make, easy to wear – this is a sewing project with minimal effort and maximum result!”.  And they weren’t wrong!

I always loved raglan sleeved garments… both the ease of construction, but also the ease of wearing.  My favourite patterns include the Aeolian Tee, Calyx Smock, Verona Woven Top, Hope Woven Dress, Remy Raglan & Linden Sweatshirt.

The neckline of the Billow Blouse is finished with a narrow facing and elastic is threaded through the channel to create the gorgeous gathers.  I used the specified elastic lengths for the neckline and sleeves, and they worked perfectly.

This is a voluminous top, and I think I made the right fabric choice.  It really does need something drapey that highlights the gathers but falls towards the body.

The fabric is from The Cloth Shop (work) and part of a beautiful range of water washed viscose cdc (crepe de chime).  The viscose has Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC) which ensures that it comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.

And for those who follow me on Instagram, you might remember that I washed a test sample, and yes, it did shrink a little in the length but maintained it’s width.  Viscose is one of those fabrics that does require pre-washing… no exceptions!

I made a few minor changes to the pattern.  I eliminated the centre back seam, which meant I purchased a little more fabric than suggested, and I shortened the sleeves.  One inch (2.5cm) for my sort arms (genetics at play) and another inch (2.5cm) as I wanted the sleeves to be bracelet length.

I also performed my usual forward shoulder adjustment on a raglan pattern.  See my ‘how to’ buried in this blog post from 2020.

Now let’s talk styling.  I have included photos of the top both tucked and untucked.  I definitely prefer the proportions on me when the blouse is ‘tucked in’, but I like to show both options so you can get the idea of the length of the blouse as drafted.

Will I be making this pattern again?  Definitely.  I think a silk version would be extra luxe and I have my eye on this fabric.

Pattern:  The Assembly Line’s Billow Blouse (purchased from work)
Size:  Small
Fabric:  Follet Viscose – Splendid Sage
Alterations:  3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment, shortened the sleeves by 2″ (5cm) and eliminated the centre back seam.
Outfit:  Jeans from Manteau Noir (several years ago), beach glass earrings by Susan Ewington Jewellery, vintage bracelet and boots from Obus (many moons ago).
Photo Location:  Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne