Our Belcarra Blouse is a blank canvas with a million possibilities and combinations! This post is all about gathering inspiration and getting our creative wheels turning.
The Belcarra Blouse could work in a solid fabric or a bold print. But let’s also think beyond that and look at alternative fabric options and combinations, and some cool (and easy) modification ideas! I’ve put together lots of inspiration photos to get you thinking about what direction you want to go in.
Let’s talk about interesting fabric options. Tweed would be so cool for this blouse! If you go with a heavier fabric like tweed, you may want to go up a size to give yourself a bit more ease. Some other great ideas above: color blocking, interesting/fun all-over print, all lace version, all denim or chambray version (my fave!), and doing leather sleeves!
Stripes! This blouse could totally work in all manner of striped fabrics. There are very few pieces and seams. If you’re worried about matching stripes along the raglan sleeve seam, then use a contrast fabric for the sleeve! That way, you will only have to match stripes along the side seam.
I also love the look of a cropped version with a full skirt (a Hollyburn could work for this look!).
I love the metallic fabric in image 9, with a back zip. I really like the idea of adding an exposed zipper at the back neckline.
Leather or faux leather would be a fun fabric option to try, you could leave the hem and sleeve with a raw edge for a really clean finish. Fun/insane fact: that leather t-shirt is $1700 on net-a-porter!
Okay, so how about lace? The blouse above looks to be completely underlined with lining fabric, which is probably the simplest way to use lace because you can just sew as you normally would, no special finishing.
I could honestly imagine any of the versions above in my wardrobe. I love the idea of using lace or eyelet just on the front piece. Mixing a knit and woven fabric could totally work for this top, or even an all knit version could work.
How about slashing the front pattern piece down the middle and spreading it open, and then creating gathers along the neckline? A super quick pattern mod.
We could tweak the hemline by lengthening and curving. Love this!
Lace on the sleeves only would be really lovely as well. If you want to achieve a looser more relaxed fit, just lengthen the bodice hem, and adjust to side seams so they are straighter and more a-line. All of these mods and fabric combos are totally easy!
So there you have it! The simple lines of the Belcarra Blouse gives us an opportunity to really be adventurous with fabrics and modification. I hope this post has given you lots of inspiration and ideas for your next Belcarra Blouse. I’ll take one of each, please!
Inspiration is what I needed. i am not a good visualizer so these ideas really help. I have two different voile prints and now I can see how cool it would look with solid sleeves and/or pocket or solid lining to the sleeves to roll up. Yay. I received notification on May 5 that my pattern shipped. I haven’t gotten it yet. Should I be worried. I wasn’t given tracking numbers.
Hi Mariann! Don’t worry, your pattern is on the way. We send via Canada post so there is no tracking on envelopes. Here is a link to our FAQ with more info about our shipping process and timing
http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/shipping-returns/
Thanks!
I want to order this pattern but the ordering form wont cooperate with me. Keeps telling me that my email is already in use. BooHoo
I’m having the same problem. Keeps telling me that my email is already in use…? Sooo frustrating!!
Hi Hanne, can you send me an e-mail at info[at]sewaholic[dot]net? I will be happy to help you out :) Since I can’t see your full name here I wasn’t able to check on your account, I’ll just need a bit more info from you.
I’ll wait for your e-mail! Sorry that you are having issues getting your pattern!
Hi Erma! Sorry that you are having issues. There is an account open under your name, from when you placed an order back in February. If you think you may remember the password, you can try logging in here:
https://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/login.php
If you forget your password, you’ll see you can client “forgot your password?” which will help you to reset it. If that doesn’t work, send me at e-mail at info[at]sewaholic[dot]net and I can reset it manually for you.
I’m hoping to make mine with the material from an eyelet lace dress that I never wear – I just need to work out if there’s actually enough material there, if there’s not then I might be inspired by picture 12 and just use it on the front!
That sounds great Ruth! Good idea – if you don’t have enough to do the whole top, then you can just do eyelet on the front panel or sleeves even!
I can’t wait for the sewalong! I’m hoping to get the pattern for my birthday tomorrow, if not ordering asap. I have 2, maybe 3 fabrics that are ready to be cut in a nice drapey sateen fabric.
I’ll take one each, too!! :) but, actually, I already have my material: I am doing a teal one in crepe with scalloped lace in the front panel, and a coral one in satin with lace on the sleeves. Can you tell I am obsessed with lace?! I can’t wait to get started in these, maybe I will have one ready on time to wear on my birthday!!
Thanks for the awesome sewalong post, Caroljne!
Wow! I love all the variations. I’ve been making dresses lately, but I’m thinking of venturing into making separates and I think the Belcarra blouse would be a great addition into my wardrobe.
I already purchased a beige lawn. I want to make the version with the pin tucks at the shoulder seam.
I will have to enlarge the pattern since I am not a size 16. (It would be nice if the pattern was made for larger women.) will some fitting tips be included in the tutorial?
Hi Donna! I’ll be covering how to do a full bust adjust on Friday, and a couple of tips for choosing your size when the sew-along begins on May 26th. If you’d like any other tips or if you have fitting questions, feel free to send me an e-mail. You can reach me at info[at]sewaholic[dot]net. Thanks!
I’ve ordered some cotton lawn with a small print to make mine. Really looking forward to sewing-a-long “live” this time.
This inspiration post totally worked for me; I’ve never bought a Sewaholic pattern before but seeing so many ideas here sent me straight to the pattern store. Bingo! Stash buster! Look forward to whipping one up and seeing everyone else’s.
Yay! So glad to hear I convinced you. This is SUCH a stash buster :)
GREAT Inspiration post – one of each please indeed! I’m so excited to mix and match from my stash now and also go to the fabric store.
So exciting!! I’m with Mariann – the visuals are really so wonderful – lots of possibilities I hadn’t considered :) I particularly like the lace/ lace sleeve and stripe versions – and I LOVE the neck gathering and looser fit version too! * Can’t wait for the sew along!! *
I’m in the middle of my first Belcarra right now, and I’m in love! I’m using a plain navy satin, and I chose the view with the pintucks because the fabric is so plain. I finished the neckline and tried it on, and it is amazing. The neckline is so flattering and the fit is just wonderful. With all the inspiration you’ve provided, I can easily see myself making ten of these.
I’ve made a Minoru, the Thurlows and several Renfrews, and they’ve all been big successes, but this pattern might just be the best yet!
Great inspiration, feel confident opening out center front for the gathered version, but would appreciate some pointers for making more aline version with lower curved hem, like picture 14. So many versions so little time.
Hi Sonia! Sorry for the late reply on this one. I am actually planning a version like this for myself very soon, when I do make it, I will be sure to write a post about how I made the modification. Thanks for the nudge!
I bought it, but am worrying about what size to use… I am a pear shape, and usually take a size 14 in the Big four patterns even though my bust is 38 not 36 – I use my high bust measurement and teh shoulders then fit me well, and I usually don’t need to do a FBA…. should I use my high bust or my chest for this pattern – actually, for all your patterns, as I have a couple of others…
Hi Francesca, if there is more than 2-3″ difference between your high bust and your bust measurement, then I would recommend choosing your size based your your high bust measurement and then doing a FBA. Even if you haven’t had to do it in the past on other patterns, I can assure you it will give you a much better fit, it’s well worth the effort!
How about lengthening the blouse to make a simple shift dress ( to be belted or not)?
Hi Carol, yes I think this could work just fine! Belted would probably be to most flattering :)
I just made my first Belcarra, but after all this inspiration I have some ideas for a couple more- thanks! My Belcarra: http://cookinandcraftin.blogspot.com/2014/05/madras-belcarra-blouse.html
Meg, I LOVE your first Belcarra. It looks so amazing! I’m such a fan of plaid and you’ve used it so well here. Congrats! Can’t wait to see more of your versions :)
I love seeing the Belcarra blouse inspirations, I am hopeless at seeing a different version of a pattern so this helps me immensely!