What a pleasure it has been to work with this beautiful fabric when the weather outside was so terribly cold and grey. I was instantly transported to a summer garden every time I looked at it. It’s actually called Popcorn Jelly but for me it just conjures up images of a flower bed in full bloom. It’s from Minerva’s Exclusive Viscose Challis range and I was very lucky to receive it in my gift bag from their 25th Birthday party back in September last year.
I chose to pair it with Minerva’s Exclusive Victoria Blouse pattern – I can’t tell you how much I love this pattern! It’s so super comfy to wear and I think it’s very versatile. I can dress the blouse down with jeans or cut offs (thinking ahead to summer) or dress it up with smart trousers or a skirt. This particular fabric will go with blue, black or white jeans so I won’t be stuck for choice.
The pattern is designed with a lot of ease and after reading several other reviews I decided to focus on the finished garment measurements and go with the size that matched my high bust measurements and not my hips and tummy. I think this has worked really well because I’ve got a beautiful fit across the shoulders and there is just the right amount of fabric over my tummy, thanks to the design incorporating a pleat. Too much excess fabric at the sides may have caused it to be uncomfortable for me in my chair. I chose to interface both the collar and the cuffs to give more structure as my fabric was very soft.
To ensure that the blouse was wheelchair friendly, I shortened the length by 8cm and I also raised the neckline by 10cm. Being viewed from above means that I have to be careful with low necklines. I’m very happy with how this one has turned out as it fits snuggly and doesn’t gape.
When I make the pattern again, I will probably shorten the length some more and make it so that it sits just on my lap, but I’m happy with this one so I’m going to leave it. There is a wonderful video that Jo has done about the neckline adjustment. www.minerva.com/posts/1206568
The pattern gives the option of cutting both the front and back as jointed pieces or on the fold (depending on the width of your fabric). This makes it a great pattern for a wheelchair user as back seams can sometimes be uncomfortable when you’re sat leaning against them. It is also a pull on top with no fastening which is really great for me as the ends of my fingers are always numb due to having MS so doing up buttons can often be a real challenge.
The instructions that come with the pattern are really good and very clear but there is also a sew along that you can follow if you’re wanting extra guidance. I’d definitely say with the help of the sew along a beginner could easily make this blouse and feel very smug as it looks so stylish with the unusual neckline and pleat.
I don’t normally wear many blouses, if I’m in a casual mood it’s likely to be a T-shirt but I’m definitely a convert and feel that this will be the first of many. I love how the Viscose Challis drapes in this top, although it’s designed for woven fabrics I would also like to try it in a jersey fabric at some point.
(Image description: There are six images taken from different angles showing Yvonne seated in her wheelchair, wearing black trousers, and multicoloured V-neck blouse with a mock wrap effect on the front).
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