The April blouse by You Made My Day had been on my wishlist for a while.
Its fluttery sleeves, ruffles, and multiple combinations won me over straight away!
I wanted a style like this to take on holiday because I think it's super pretty for the summer. Plus, this model comes in lots of lovely variations... so I just had to sew it and make two versions of this pretty top designed by Amaïa.
Want to see? Right this way.
The pattern
April is part of a pattern collection of the same name that features a blouse, a skirt, trousers and shorts. It's a collection designed for sunny days.
Today, I'm sharing the blouse part of this lovely collection.
The April blouse pattern has several variations and options, making this pattern super versatile.
You can choose:
- ruffled sleeves
- sleeveless
- adding a little tie
- ruffle insertions
On the front, you can also add faux button plackets. The cut is intentionally loose, with plenty of ease. If you prefer a more fitted look, you can cinch it with a tie.
Practical information for sewing this pattern
April is available, like all You Made My Day patterns, as a PDF version on our website.
April comes in sizes 34 to 50.
Seam allowances are included in the pattern.
In the seamstress's basket
To sew April, you will need a light to medium weight woven fabric such as a
cotton poplin or Viscose, a tencel, a linen, a light cotton, Swiss dot, broderie anglaise, a Double gauze...
The required yardage is:
- sizes 34 to 42: 1.40 m - 1.80 m (depending on options) x 1.50 m.
- sizes 44 to 50: 1.60 m – 2.20 m (depending on options) x 1.50 m.
You will also need:
- Bias tape: 50 cm for the neckline for all versions + 1.20 m to 3 m depending on the version for sleeve and ruffle finishes
- 6 buttons depending on the version
- matching thread
- matching overlocker thread cones if desired
My supplies
I chose to make two blouses:
- one in broderie anglaise from Japanese 1m Remnants (which I had already used to make a Canopée dress by Mimoï pattern, the blog post is here)
- one in Japanese floral cotton poplin
Technical points
April is rated as a beginner sewing level, and I find that completely accurate, even though some options are a little more complex and will delight more advanced sewists.
The technical points are interesting:
- sewing princess seams
- inserting ruffles if desired
- creating a faux placket if desired
- applying bias tape
- making ties if desired
- hemming
- setting in sleeves if desired
Depending on the version you choose, it will take more or less work and time 😊
The "simple" version is really quick to sew. I made the floral version in 2 hours and the broderie version in about 3 hours.
My sewing experience
It's such a pleasant and relaxing sew before my holidays! I had so much fun making them!
I chose to make both of my blouses in size 36 and the fit is really spot on.
My modifications:
I altered the neckline of the floral blouse to make it less scooped and more rounded.
I decided to do a small red rolled hem with the overlocker on the bottom of the sleeves
I added a little tie to adjust the fit at the back of the embroidered blouse, and I lined the front piece with cotton voile so my bra wouldn't show too much through the front 😉
I decided to do a white rolled hem with the overlocker on the ruffles.
I think my blouses look so different even though they were made from the same Pattern... That's the magic of sewing!
I feel like my blouses suit me really well and I feel great wearing them, whether with shorts or a skirt! I can easily picture them paired with jeans too.
Will I make more? Yes, most likely! Plus, it's such a great pattern to stitch up quickly before going on holiday!
Find all the Patterns by Amaïa from You Made My Day here
Happy sewing!
