In 2019, when I was just learning to sew, I bought 1.5 metres of this gorgeous lace from a local fabric shop.
It was love at first sight because I thought the rainbows and hearts pattern was super cute. I’d always wanted to incorporate lace into my wardrobe, but I didn’t want anything too formal or overly floral, as that just wouldn’t feel like me. I had no idea what I would sew with it — I only knew that I wanted a top.
Some years have gone by, and I’ve becoming a better sewist. Here we are in spring and I am thinking it would be nice to use this fabric.
While looking for inspiration, I fell in love with the Anthea blouse frenesie_et_moi had published on Instagram and knew that I had to sew the Anthea Blouse using my cute lace fabric!
Anthea Blouse pattern
The Anthea Blouse pattern (also available as a dress) is a famous pattern from Anna Allen Sewing Patterns.
The Anthea is a dartless blouse and dress pattern with puffed sleeves. All views button up the front with a fold-over placket and bias faced neckline.
Anna Allen Sewing Patterns
View A blouse has puffed sleeves that end at, or just below the elbow with a narrow bias cuff. View B dress has puffed sleeves that are 2” shorter than view A. Both the blouse and dress have a narrow curved hemline that dips down at the back/front and comes up slightly at the side seams. The dress includes a separate tie for those who prefer a more cinched in waist.
Fabric requirements for the blouse:
- 45″ (114 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/2 – 2 3/4 yd (2.3 – 2.5 m) OR
- 60″ (152 cm) wide fabric: 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 yd (1.4 – 2.3 m).
+ thread, lightweight fusible interfacing; 3/8″ buttons ( 7 for blouse)
Suggested fabrics: Non-stretch woven cotton or linen in medium (5-6 oz) or light (3-4 oz) weight, voiles and lawns…
All seams allowances are included in the pattern
Sewing Anthea
I chose version A with the longer sleeves. I wanted a plain front without buttons, so that the focus would remain on my fabric. To achieve this, I removed the fold-over placket and cut the front on the fold.
I used off-white cotton bias binding for the neckline, but as I had removed the fold-over placket, there was not enough room for my head🙄I therefore had to remove 1 cm around the neckline and start again, and this time it was OK!
I used French seams to ensure that my blouse would look as nice inside as it does outside, and I’m quite happy with the result. 😍
I have to admit that I’m not used to wearing puffed sleeves, and I felt overwhelmed by the amount of fabric. So, I took 2 cm off each side of the blouse to make it more fitted. Perhaps I should have chosen a smaller size for this project. I’m sure the results will be amazing with different fabrics!
I’m in love with the result, this blouse is definitively a wardrobe’s essential with a personnal touch! I usually wear my blouse with a white vest top underneath, but it’s not really necessary. I love wearing this blouse — it’s a classy and comfortable top that I can easily throw on!
Atelier Artemis 
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