The Cecilia blouse pattern is a unique design with its pleated waist. The top features princess seams at the top and pleats at the waist. This gives the blouse a beautifully feminine and figure-hugging look.
The pattern is perfect for upcycling a men's shirt. By modifying the peplum and adding the ruffle to the armhole, you can easily adapt the pattern.
To give you a little insight and some understanding, we have prepared a video for you here.
In my example, I used a men's shirt in size 52 and the Cecilia pattern in a size 38.
To begin cutting, you first need to undo the old seams on your shirt. The sleeves,...
...and the yoke need to be unpicked. I recommend actually unpicking the seams, not cutting them open. I used every inch of the seam allowance in the pattern to be able to cut all the pieces.
Cutting:
Seam allowances are included - 1cm wide or as marked!
Cut the pattern pieces from your outer fabric. Lay the fabric right side up. The pattern pieces should all be placed with the lettering facing up. Always align the grain arrow on all pieces in the same direction and parallel to the selvedge of the fabric. Transfer all notches from the pattern by making a 3mm snip with scissors or chalk. Notch the seam allowance along the fold, as this is always the center. Marks define the positions of dart ends, pocket positions, and much more. Transfer these either with chalk or pins.
Check to see if the top pattern pieces fit your open shirt. Then draw a horizontal line to determine the length of the peplum.
Now draw your pattern pieces on the shirt and make sure that the front piece is aligned with the button placket so that it can be incorporated. 
You will need fabric:
- 1x front part with peplum
- 2x front side panel
- 2x rear side panel
- 2x back part
- 4x sleeve ruffles
- Bias binding for edging the edges
Sewing instructions:
Seam allowances are included - 1cm wide or as marked!
To sew this dress you will need a sewing machine and an overlock sewing machine, or alternatively you can use your sewing machine's zigzag stitch to neaten the cut edges.
In addition to the description, the colored lines in the pictures show you where a seam needs to be sewn or something needs to be glued.
When sewing, pay attention to the seam allowance included in the pattern. Seam allowances not specifically marked are 1 cm wide!
Have fun sewing!
We'll start by closing the dividing seams and the side seams. I chose right-to-left seams here, but you can also simply neaten your seam allowances.
The front dividing seams are then closed. Now you can gather your peplum at the top edge and...
…sew it to your top.
To sew the ruffle insert, you first cut it out of the leftover sleeves. You can determine the length yourself. I used a length of approximately 40 cm and a width of 5 cm.
Now place your pattern pieces, right sides together, and sew them together. Then, turn out the sleeve ruffles and topstitch them.
The finished ruffle can now be placed, right sides together, into the armhole and secured with a stitch.
Now all that's missing are the binding for the neckline and armholes. Cut these out...
… the other remaining sleeve and then use it to turn over the remaining open edges.
Your CECILIA is ready !
If you're stuck or have any questions, please email us at info@schnittmuster-berlin.de. We'll respond as soon as possible.
Have lots of fun with your new designer piece!
Sincerely, your Schnittmuster-Berlin team.
