Hello dear sewists!
I am happy to present to you my very first pattern the Cologne blouse. I can't lie the drafting of the pattern by far was the easiest part of the process. Everything else was new to me, from preparing sewing instructions to making a website, but nothing compares with finally getting out of your comfort zone and release the pattern to the world.
I am excited and nervous not only because it’s the first pattern, but because I really hope you like making it and enjoy wearing it too.
At Bella Loves Patterns we committed to work hard to give you the resources to make our patterns the tips and tricks of the sewing industry.
We wanted Cologne to be simple to make pattern that comes together rather quick once you passed the sleeves pleats. For that we have made a Youtube tutorial to guide you in the pleating process. Depending on you size you can make Cologne with the just a little over a metre.
It also comes with a fully illustrated instruction booklet to help you and guide you step-by-step, is one of the things I am personally proud since I had being years since I last used adobe Illustrator or made technical drawings.
The Views
Cologne is a loose fit blouse with bust darts and pleated lantern shaped sleeves, closed at the back with buttons. This shape is perfect for wearing tacked into you high waist jeans or skirts. Check our inspiration post here!
There are two views to this blouse – and view A is has short sleeves, finished with a facing around the neck, which I would highly recommend for beginners sewers. - You can always combine the facing view with the longer sleeves from the view B.
View B has has longer and more dramatic look to the sleeves. It is finished with a bias binding around the neck, stitched in the ditch – This finishing is perfect for more see through fabrics. And it is my personal favourite if I may say.
I can definitely see myself going to work wearing this white version!
The pattern is available in the sizes 6 UK / US 2 / EUR 34 to 20 UK / US 16 / EUR 48. I am already looking to include more sizes for the next patterns. If you want to check our size chart you will find it here.
Bella Loves Pattern really had the most kind girls to test the pattern, I can't thank them enough! they were absolutely AMAZING. First they sign up for an unknown pattern company, used their fabrics to make our pattern, they were so gorgeous. Secondly came up with really cute versions of Cologne plus lots of comments for improvement. When I look back at the draft I sent them can't imagine releasing those files anymore.
Cologne is now available to be purchased in a PDF format only and to celebrate the launch of Cologne, I would like to announce we are giving a 20% discount on the pattern until June 9th at midnight! Please use the code COLOGNE20OFF.
I hope you all enjoy making Cologne, don’t forget to share with us on Instagram by tagging us to your post and using the #cologneblouse. I would love to see your version.
If you would like to be a pattern tester please send an email to us at studio@bellalovespatterns.com