by Claudine Gauvin I’ve always had a soft spot for details that add elegance and movement to garments: ruffles, jabots, unique collars… Impossible to resist! I love when an outfit has that little je ne sais quoi—refined and, let’s be honest, just a touch theatrical. So, when I came across Vogue pattern #V1824, it was love at first sight.
I chose the version with long sleeves, adorned with beautiful double-layered ruffles at the cuffs. And the detail that makes it truly special? A row of 8 buttons at the back, adding a chic and polished touch. For the fabric, I fell for the Satin Dimara, with its floral pattern in shades of sand, violet, burgundy, and orange—perfect for a stylish autumn look.
When I saw this pattern listed under the Easy category, I’ll admit I was skeptical. With all the intricate details, it was hard to imagine it being simple to make. But in the end, despite its spectacular design, the bias-cut ruffles and the collar turned out to be surprisingly straightforward to assemble. Plus, since the pattern doesn’t require interfacing, that’s one less step to worry about—always a nice bonus!
Photo : Mario Charette
For me, the real challenge was working with slippery fabric like this one. Between pieces sliding around and taking extra care not to damage the delicate material, every step required more patience and precision than usual. But it was absolutely worth the effort!
Photo : Mario Charette
For anyone sewing with fragile fabrics like silk or satin, here’s a handy tip: needle and pin marks can become quite visible. To minimize this, use fine, sharp needles and pins. For your sewing machine, opt for universal needles or, even better, Microtex needles in size 60/8—these are specially designed for delicate fabrics. A small adjustment that makes a big difference!
Photo : Mario Charette
I didn’t make any changes or alterations to the pattern, and yet the fit is perfect. Even though my fabric isn’t stretchy, the cut of the blouse provides excellent comfort. It’s always a pleasant surprise when a pattern works so well without any adjustments.
Photo : Mario Charette
With its delicate ruffles and polished buttons, my blouse feels like a beautifully wrapped gift. Perfect for the holiday season, it’s just waiting for a little magic and the right occasion to shine!
For this project, I also made a straightforward pencil skirt with an invisible zipper using Butterick pattern B6965. Sewn in Jilian stretch suiting fabric in taupe, it’s ideal for workwear. This type of skirt pairs easily with a blazer and remains a timeless, practical classic. There’s not much to say about the construction—it’s a quick sew and fits beautifully.
In fact, earlier this season, I had already made the blazer and pants included in the same pattern. This skirt is the perfect addition, completing the set to create a coordinated and versatile wardrobe.
Photo : Mario Charette
