The Norwood Blouse is an idea that’s been on my mood boards for a really long time.
I love the two photos below, how they’re so relaxed and slouchy but also so classy. That’s where I started when developing this style.
So what is it that gives this pattern its appeal? I think it’s the simplicity of the style and the relaxed fit. I gave the Norwood a dropped shoulder and a boxy fit, and I included both a jewel neck and a notched neck to give you options, as well as a semi-cropped hem and a tunic length for those of you who prefer a longer style.
Here are two more photos I really like as inspiration for this style. The layering is a cute idea, isn’t it?
You can sew this pattern in a very drapey fabric like satin or rayon and it will look really elegant and stylish for a variety of looks, both casual and dressy. Or if you prefer a more casual look you can choose a less drapey lightweight fabric like lawn, voile, cotton shirting, chambray, or flannel, which would all be especially nice for the tunic. Or you could also choose something more substantial like a stable shirting or even a heavier wool or French terry, which I would recommend more for the cropped View A. Your choice of fabric will effect the final look, of course, so you need to consider what you’re going for. Do you want the body of photo 1 at the beginning of this post, or do you prefer the slinky drape of photo 2?
Either way, I think you’ll find that a neutral color will make this a top you can wear as another wardrobe basic (I love my cream-colored satin and navy versions of the top, especially), but if you’re more of a statement piece person a bright color or print will also work very well. If it please the court, I’d like to admit the following photos into evidence:
How to wear it? Here are more photos to provide inspiration. I love it tucked into a waistband, but I think it’s also really effective worn loose. The cropped length is long enough that you can still tuck it, so you have options.
Soft and cozy like a sweatshirt? Yes, great! Or color blocked? Also great! You could use the seam on the two-piece sleeve to terrific effect here, and add a few more seams to get that nice dark band of color across the shoulders and down the arms in both the front and the back.
I especially love the effect of sewing a matching bottom, whether it’s the skirt from our Copenhagen Wrap Dress or the Everyday Skirt or even the Lisboa Shorts. Worn together, you get the look of a jumpsuit, but you still have the versatility of wearing them as separates. You know I’m all about getting as much wear from your sewing as possible. This matching idea would be really cute in a bold print, too. Basics don’t always have to be so basic.
You can find lots more photos and ideas in my Liesl + Co Norwood Top + Tunic Pinterest folder, where I like to collect and keep collecting photos that inspire me for each style we develop. And if you want to know more about the features of the Norwood Blouse, here is my introductory post.
I think there are so many directions you can take this style, and I’ll be back to show you some of them, as well as how our testers sewed this pattern. In the meantime, you can pick up your own copy of the Norwood Blouse sewing pattern in digital and in paper format. Obviously I love to see what you make from our patterns, so I hope you’ll tag us #lieslandco and #norwoodtop in your posts.
Happy sewing!