✂️ The Genevieve Blouse: A Clean, Classic Win for the Smart Sewist

Let’s talk about the first woven blouse every sewist should try.
No fluff. No filler. Just good design, smart construction, and real versatility.

The Genevieve Blouse wasn’t built for drama—it was built for results.
And if you’ve got fabric, a free afternoon, and a little bit of patience, this pattern delivers a wearable wardrobe staple you'll turn to again and again.

👗 Sizes Included: 6–16

Genevieve is available in sizes 6–16, and it’s built to flatter. You’ll get a tailored yet easy fit with built-in darts and side slits—plus freedom to customize during your muslin fitting.

👚 Simple Pattern. Sophisticated Outcome.

Whether you go with the round neck or step it up with the V neck, Genevieve is a blouse that fits and flatters. It’s modest, polished, and works just as well for lunch with friends as it does layered under a blazer at the office.

✅ Choose your neckline: Clean V or Soft Round
✅ Pick your sleeve style: Short sleeve or sleeveless
✅ Side slit hemline: For movement, shape, and modern detail
✅ Built-in darts: For a silhouette that flatters, not flattens
✅ Front and Back Neck Facing for a crisp, stable neckline

🧵 Beginners: Read This Before You Cut

Want to make your first woven blouse a win, not a wadder? Good. Here’s how to approach Genevieve the right way:

🔹 Start with the round neck version—it’s more forgiving and helps you nail the fit before trying the V neckline.
🔹 Choose stable, easy-to-handle fabrics like broadcloth, cotton shirtings, or cotton/linen blends. Avoid pure linen, slippery synthetics, or anything sheer.
🔹 Add a little stretch. Fabrics with 3–5% spandex are easier to cut and move with your body.
🔹 Use stay tape on the shoulder seams—no exceptions. This prevents distortion and keeps your blouse looking polished wear after wear.
🔹 Use one-sided fusible web or tape to stabilize the neck facing and prevent bubbling or shifting at the neckline.
🔹 Test fit with a muslin. Blend your waist-to-hip curve, adjust dart placement, and commit to a proper fitting process—you’ll thank yourself later.
🔹 Stick to darker, solid fabrics. Until you’ve sewn this once or twice, steer clear of sheer or fussy prints.

📌 Best Fabrics for Genevieve

This blouse loves lightweight wovens with enough drape to soften the silhouette, but enough body to hold shape.

💡 Great choices include:

• Rayon blends, rayon challis, dobby, cotton/nylon shirtings

• Cotton/Poly Dobby, georgette, soft chiffon

• Light satins or silks (for advanced sewists)

• Stretch wovens with up to 5% spandex

Neck Facing Fabric? Use the same as your main or a close match—just be sure it’s the same weight.

🧷 Notions You’ll Need

✔️ Stay Tape (or Nancy Zieman’s version) – Critical for stabilizing shoulder seams and neckline integrity
✔️ One-Sided Fusible Web – Keeps neck facings smooth and secure without bulk
✔️ Optional: Rotary cutter – For precision on the V neckline, if you’re confident

💬 Bottom Line

If you’ve been nervous about your first woven blouse—this is the one to start with.
Genevieve teaches you clean techniques, builds real skills, and delivers a garment you’ll be proud to wear out.

👉 Already a member? Log in and download Genevieve now.
Not a member yet? Get the full pattern library before the price increases.

Sew smarter. Look sharper. Start with Genevieve.

Warmly,

Margie Vaudreuil
Founder, Sewing Pattern Secrets

P.S.

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P.S. Patterns like Genevieve don’t just teach you how to sew—they show you how to sew well. Use the right fabric, stay tape your shoulders, stabilize your facings, and enjoy a polished, classic finish that lasts.

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🎀 For a Chic & Casual Look:

✔ Kitten Heels – A low, sophisticated heel that’s easy to wear but still elegant. (Try Manolo Blahnik Maysale or J.Crew Sophia Kitten Heel.)

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