Fibre Mood Norma

So I’ve made 4 Norma Blouses now from Fibre Mood. This pattern seems to have been very popular within the sewing community and I completely understand why. It’s a fab pattern and comes together really well.

The pattern has a v-neck with button front, gathered sleeves with a slim fixed cuff. The shape is boxy and slightly cropped. There is a front neck and opening facing that creates a clean, neat finish. There are no darts, it’s a loose / straight shape, so fitting is pretty easy.

The first one I made was in this cotton sheeting from Minerva. This is a great, basic fabric that I use for lots of things. It’s extra wide, so I got this Norma blouse out of under 1m.

Unfortunately I got the size wrong on this one and it ended up slightly too small for me. But I knew that I loved the shape and needed to make more.

The second one I made, I (not very helpfully) cut out at the same time as the first, so I knew it would be too small before I sewed it up. I finished it anyway so that I could gift it. I used a fabulous Art Gallery cotton for this, which has the most fun print!

My third Norma I sensibly made in a larger size so I can actually wear it. This is some more Art Gallery fabric in another fun print. The Art Gallery cotton poplins are great to work with and are lovely and smooth. They are marginally heavier than a cotton lawn, so hold the shape of the sleeve well.

My final Norma is made from a Rico cotton, which has abstract dots / splodges on them, some of which are metallic. It’s a beautiful fabric up close, but the photos aren’t really doing it justice. I do need to change the buttons on this version though as I feel they are letting the blouse down.

One thing I would do next time I make Norma (and there will be a next time) is make the cuff a little bigger. It’s fine when my arms are by my sides, but if I’m sat at my desk the sleeves ride up a bit and the cuff digs into my upper arm. I think I would like it to be a little looser in that area.