The Helmi blouse is here! We're so excited to introduce you to our favourite breezy blouse sewing pattern. The Helmi blouse is a classically inspired blouse with beautiful billowy sleeves, soft shaping, two collar options and optional ruffles for extra flair.
Helmi is the first pattern to feature our extended sizing. She's available in sizes 28-56 (32.5-60.5"/ 83cm-153cm hip). Plus she's got three bust cup options to ensure a fabulous fit!
We're celebrating Helmi with 20% off this week! Use code HELLOHELMI at checkout through midnight April 20th (Eastern Standard Time).
You can click HERE to head over to Helmi now, or keep on reading for all the details and some maker inspiration!
You may have seen the Helmi blouse before if you follow or subscribe to Tauko Magazine. Helmi debuted there last April, but we're excited to bring this design back in-house. Not only is Helmi now available in the Forget-me-not shop, we've also added some of our fan-favourite features to the pattern. The Helmi sewing pattern now comes with projector files, separate pieces for small, medium and full busts, and our signature in-depth instructions (including an all-new appendix special for stitching up sheer fabrics!)
The Helmi blouse draws from Victorian-inspired style influences that continue to resonate and re-emerge time after time. Helmi incorporates the romantic ruffles and ornamentation that define this vintage style, but they're softened enough for modern wear. The Helmi sewing pattern includes several mix-and-match features, so you can customise the level of frill you want to suit your style.
With bust darts at the front and fisheye darts at the back, the Helmi blouse is softly tailored, but still a breeze to wear. You can let out your inner romantic with the stand collar and optional ruffles at the neckline and shoulders for a look that's both sweet and a bit extra. Or, lean into cool, vintage vibes with a chic Peter Pan collar. For the front opening, you can go for a clean, straight, slit or soften the look with a more rounded keyhole. Then choose between a cute loop and button or sweet tie closure. Helmi's signature sleeves are neatly bound at either full or three-quarter length.
A wide variety of lightweight woven fabrics will sew up nicely for the Helmi blouse. Drapey fabrics like cotton lawn, viscose challis, chambray and lightweight linen are great options. Helmi also really shines in specialty fabrics like swiss dot, silk crepe and sheer fabrics like georgette or chiffon. We've even got special instructions for handling sheer fabrics in the instruction's appendix!
With Helmi's classic shape, fabric choice can really make a statement. Make a smart office blouse in a drapey crepe, or go for a bold linen for a more structured, modern take on Helmi. A sweet ditsy print can have a vintage prairie vibe, but colour-blocking the collar and cuffs can give it a modern twist. So many options!
While the features of the Helmi blouse place her in the "intermediate" category, we're confident that Helmi is suitable for patient, adventurous beginners. The Helmi blouse is an involved make, she's easier to sew up than you might think. Our instructions include a step-by-step tutorial, complete with illustrations and handy tips and beautiful, clean finishing techniques.
If it's your first time sewing a collar or cuffs, we'd recommend choosing a stable fabric like cotton lawn, chambray or poplin. For more advanced sewists, we've included some special techniques for sewing with sheer fabrics if you're ready to level up your sewing skills.
We always love seeing the creativity of the sewing community, and it's such a wonder seeing our patterns sewn up! Here are a few of our favourite Helmi blouses so far!
We can't wait to see what you make with the Helmi blouse pattern! Grab Helmi today on our store (don't forget our HELLOHELMI launch deal!).
You can share with us by tagging @forgetmenotpatterns in your makes on Instagram and using hashtag #fmnHelmi. Happy sewing!
