Iris Blouse & Dress Zero Waste Sewing Pattern

This was a really fun sew. I had some silk from the thrift store and spent a lovely day making this top. It turned out beautifully. I can see myself making it many more times to try out all the versions. I was between sizes and sizes down because it was closer to my measurements and I don’t like things too oversized. I think I should have gone up as it’s a bit tight in the back as the armholes aren’t shaped. Or maybe I shaped the shoulders too much! It’s still beautiful and wearable and I’m excited to keep playing with it.

Great blouse and an easy sew. Do want to try the dress version. The width of your fabric does make a big difference so pay attention when ordering fabric. I did have to pull out a few different fabrics from my stash to find the one with correct width and length.

I really loved making the Iris Blouse. I'd bought the fabric with a different blouse pattern in mind, for a particular "look" I had in mind (early music performance, sleek all-black ensemble). Then I saw the awesome #bhmpatterndesigners challenge, and remembered I wanted to try this pattern out. The stars aligned! Dear reader, I bought it. I used new fabric and old buttons and, arguably, an ancient mindset in clothes making, made new and modern in Alexis's design. I cut carefully (beautiful but shifty fabric), sewed lovingly, and wore the blouse in my concert with great style and comfort. Brava, Fibr & Cloth Studio!

This is such a lovely blouse, a joy to make and wear. Really appreciate that it is zero waste, so there's no extra printing costs or fiddly cutting. The instructions and notes are clear and it comes together so easily. I'm a very slow maker but I this just seemed to sew itself. And the result is stunning. It's one of those few makes that people always comment on, even strangers. Thoroughly recommend.

I was hesitant at first because I thought "Surely it's just a series of rectangles, I can work it out on my own" but I'm really glad I bought the pattern, the precision and the amount of info make it totally worth it. I've made full button down shirts with collar stand and cuff placket and everything, but the Iris blouse looks just as polished and it's a really fun make. It's easy and just challenging enough to keep things interesting. It comes together very elegantly, the instructions and tips are very good. It does help if you've made a few garments before, mainly because the instructions give you a lot of options in terms of choosing your own finishes etc. but a motivated, meticulous beginner could totally do it. I've made two and it's becoming a firm favourite, I have more planned. The pattern pieces are so easy to cut so I'm thinking I might even attempt "difficult" slippery fabrics like silk satin, or anything where you want to highlight a bold pattern. It's really versatile! Thank you Alexis!