I immediately fell in love with Zélie by Clématisse Pattern... My "to sew list" is very long but Zélie took first place!
Because it really is the ideal sewing project for spring/summer and I could so clearly see the use of broderies anglaises, embroidered cottons, cotton voiles. The yoke gave me lots of ideas!
So ready to discover the sewing projects that made my heart beat over the long Easter weekend?
This way!
The model
Zélie is a sewing pattern designed for those who love relaxed elegance and bohemian style.
Its pointed bust panels nicely shape the silhouette while its ample volume and delicate gathers give it all its lightness.
Its split neckline, beautifully tied, gives a refined and romantic touch.
In dress version, a wide ruffle finishes the look with lightness, enhancing its irresistible bohemian charm.
For the collars, 3 versions with very different styles:
– a first, with a collar stand that adds elegance to the neckline
– a 2nd, with a deeply romantic gathered ruffled collar
– a 3rd version, without collar to free the neck and for a cleaner style
For the sleeves, 3 lengths:
- short,
- 3/4 length
- long.
All are finished with an elastic inserted in the bottom hem of the sleeve.
All these versions can be mixed endlessly as a dress or blouse
A soft and flowing fabric will be ideal to showcase its airy volume and gathers, a plain or printed fabric according to your wishes. Highlight the pretty seams by playing with transparency on the panels using beautiful lace or by contrasting the direction of stripes for a graphic effect!
A piping in matching or contrasting color (optional) will add a unique and refined touch to your creation! Perfect for a flowing and romantic look, Zélie adapts to all desires!
To wear in any season: As a blouse, it can be worn bloused or loose with jeans, pants, or a skirt for a casual-chic style. As a dress for a confident bohemian look, ideal for all seasons
Information for sewing this model
Zélie is available in PDF and printed formats on our website and in store. It is available from size 34 to 48.
This pattern is designed for a height of 1.65m.
Zélie has a beautiful ease. The measurement to consider is the bust circumference.
If you are between two sizes, you can size down for a more fitted version or take the larger size for a looser fit (see my sewing experience below).
Seam allowances are included and there is no overlapping of pieces on the pattern.
In the seamstress’s basket
To sew Zélie, you will need a woven fabric, non-stretch or slightly stretchy, of light to medium weight.
The Zélie pattern will be highlighted by soft and flowing fabrics like viscose in poplin or crepe form, tencel, double gauze… but it will be just as pretty in more summery fabrics with more body: chambray, cotton voile, cotton satin, broderie anglaise,...
The amount of fabric varies from 1.6m to 2.6m depending on the options chosen for length and sleeve type.
You will also need:
- fusible interfacingElastic: 30cm X 60cm only for the straight collar version
- broderie anglaise: 80cm (width 5-8mm) for the sleeves
My supplies
I chose to make two Zélie.
The first one is entirely in embroidered denim offered in the shop.
For the second one, I chose to play with yokes using broderie anglaise .
The body is made from a beautiful light and airy cotton crepe that I had already used to sew my version of the Elo blouse by Dress your body and that I love!
I had a very small coupon of white bias tape from last year's collection, I really fell for it. There wasn’t nearly enough to make a blouse, but it was perfect for a yoke!
I chose to line only the front, under the yoke.
We have plenty of lovely broderie anglaise in stock, feel free to take a look. By the way, the tie and dye popelines with the little embroidered flowers could make a great yoke!
Technical points
I would classify Zélie as intermediate or motivated beginner.
The technical points are:
- creating the ties
- the front yoke placket
- making gathers (front, back, and sleeves)
- sewing the pointed yoke with gathers
- sewing the sleeves
- making hems and/or inserting elastic
- assembling the collar or applying bias tape.
My sewing experience
I chose to make two blouses.
The first is embroidered denim and was made in size 36. I chose the straight collar option which I interfaced. I selected the short sleeve option in which I didn't insert elastic because I don't like having my biceps tight.
The second was made in size 34 with a fabric duo. The yoke and sleeves are made from broderie anglaise and the front and back in white cotton crepe. The front was lined to break the transparency. Again, I didn't add elastic for this short sleeve option. I applied white bias tape overlapping as a finish for the collar, sleeves, and hem. I think it gives it a nice look and breaks up the "too" neon feel of the broderie anglaise.
As for assembly, I encountered no difficulties. Céline, the designer of Clématisse Pattern, always provides detailed and easy-to-understand guides.
She also made an explanatory video for those who prefer that option, see below.
I first made size 36 which I find a bit big. I prefer clothes that fit closer to the body.
I made the second one in size 34 and I absolutely don't regret it!
That gives me two versions of Zélie: one looser and one more fitted blouse.
For the time it took, I think I spent about 6 hours making my two blouses, let's say 3 hours per blouse 😊 but I sew fast, you know... so no pressure!
There's nothing to add, I'm a fan of my blouses. I was grinning all Monday of Easter... in short, a perfect sewing project for this summer in my wardrobe.
I'm delighted!
And you, do you like it Zélie?
Find it like all the other Clématisse pattern models in store and on our webshop.
So, all that's left to do!
Get your needles ready!
