The Class Picnic blouse is an Oliver + S pattern that has been in my stash for quite some time.  Now that I have finally used it, I am wondering what took me so long!

As per the Oliver + S pattern description: the raglan-sleeve pull-on blouse includes gathers at the yokes, elastic at the shoulders, three-quarter-length sleeves, and wide hems.

The only real difference between the front and back of this blouse is that the back is ever so slightly higher. I sewed a label inside the back yoke to make it easier for Clare to know which way around to wear it. The fabric is Denyse Schmidt Greenfield Hill voile, and it was beautiful to sew. It is super smooth and silky to the touch with a tight weave, much like Liberty tana lawn really, so required a new sharps needle and a freshly cleaned sewing machine (wow, what a difference oiling your machine occasionally makes).

This is quite a roomy design and I sewed up size 8 for Clare (134 cm tall, aged 11 years). This is a straightforward style to construct. I really do wonder how it is that Liesl Gibson comes up with such lovely and individual designs while keeping them so straightforward to make and with such clear instructions! Definitely a special talent.  I reckon that she could upsize this blouse and add it to her women’s range.  Maybe I should suggest it?

I’ll be making this pattern again. And maybe the coordinating shorts, that look really sweet on the pattern envelope. In the meantime, I’m wondering how to track down some more of that Greenfield Hill voile. It’s quite a few seasons old now, but I really do love it. And last but not least, thank you for your beautiful (and educational) comments on Clare’s vintage Butterick dress! It seems that this has been a satisfying make for all of us.