Take a closer look at my latest sewing project! I’ll show you how I transformed an old blouse design into a bold two-piece outfit,
Copy & Create: From Blouse to Bold Pant Set!
Hey there! I’m back with a new project that I’m so excited to share—my blouse-to-pantsuit transformation! This project was a great mix of creativity and trusted techniques to create a two-piece outfit that’s bold, comfortable, and stylish.
The Fabric That Inspired It All
Let’s start with the fabric—because, honestly, it’s the star of the show! I used a Black/Taupe Oversized Floral 4-ply Stretch Viscose from Sew Much Fabric. I’ve had it in my stash for years, and it was just waiting for the right project. The soft texture and incredible drape made it perfect for the flowy pants and relaxed yet chic top.
Designing the Pants
The pants are built from my custom pattern block, which I love for creating pieces that fit me perfectly. I used the same method I showed in my Design Shorts from Your Pant Block tutorial, but this time, I extended the length to the floor for a more dramatic, loose-fit look.
One of the details I’m most proud of is the flat elastic waistband. It’s tucked in neatly and lays flat, keeping the waistline smooth and polished. This makes it so much easier to layer tops over it without any bulk or bunching.
The Top: A Fresh Spin on a Classic
The top took inspiration from an old favorite blouse with a lace yoke detail. This time, I opted to only have the yoke in the front and skipped the black inset fabric that I used on the original yoke. Instead, I added a black matte jersey insert to the back to break up the bold floral pattern. This little change really elevated the design and made it feel fresh and modern.
To finish it off, I lengthened the back and took in the sides, which created a more flattering silhouette. While this caused a slight sway back, it’s not something I’m too concerned about this time around. If I ever want to adjust it, I’d simply take apart the back yoke and raise the extra fabric—it’s good to know the fix is there if I need it.
One thing I should have done was make a proper paper pattern when I copied the blouse. It ended up requiring nine pattern pieces, and now that I love this top so much, I’ll need to recreate the pattern so I can make it again. Lesson learned!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about turning a fabric you’ve been holding onto into a standout piece. This project let me bring that fabric to life, experiment with new design elements, and create something that feels perfectly me. The top and pants pair beautifully, but I can also see myself styling them separately for totally different looks.
See It in Action!
If you want to see how it all came together, check out my video here: Copy & Create: From Blouse to Bold Pant Set.
Let me know what you think—I’d love to hear your feedback, or feel free to share your own recent sewing wins. It’s always inspiring to connect and see what everyone else is making!
Until next time,
Andrea
Categories: : Designing