Get Inspired by These Romantic Albion Blouses and Be Your Own Muse
- Words by Peppermint
The hills are alive with the sound of the Peppermint Albion Blouse, created in collaboration with sweet Sweden-based patternmaker Vanessa Hansen from Vanessa Hansen Studio and made possible by our good friends at Spoonflower!
To showcase the show-stopping possibilities of this beaut of a blouse – and to give you a healthy dose of sewspo to start your own – we asked four fantastic sewing influencers to create their own versions in a Spoonflower fabric of their choosing. The world’s largest marketplace of independent designs from global artists, Spoonflower is leading the way in sustainable textile printing. Their on-demand process significantly reduces materials, energy and water, and uses non-toxic inks and fabrics that are ethically sourced. We love!
From @FrocksAndFrouFrou’s gorgeous geometric gauze and @Leila.Makes’ leafy luxury to @AlissahThreads‘ fabulous florals and @Andrea_DJones‘ cool checks, beautiful blouses abound! Read on to hear all their secret thoughts on the pattern and get inspired to create your own version!
DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN NOW!
FROCKS AND FROU FROU
Fabric Choice – Organic Sweet Pea Gauze in Shape of Things
“I was thrilled to be invited by Peppermint Magazine to try my hand at this month’s free sewing pattern, the Albion Blouse! Designed by Vanessa Hansen Studio, and available in two different cup sizes up to a 50-inch waist, the Albion Blouse is a romantic wrap-front top with gorgeously full gathered sleeves, long cuffs fastened with rouleau button loops, and a darted bodice.
I had to learn a couple of new techniques, and it’s definitely one of those projects that allowed me to stretch myself, but the instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. The result is a lovely dreamy blouse that I enjoyed taking my time with.
I made it from an organic gauze fabric, courtesy of Spoonflower. The brightly coloured collage-style print is called Shape of Things and was designed by Janine Lecour. You can find the pattern in [Issue 54] of Peppermint Magazine, or you can download a free version via their website.”
LEILA MAKES
Fabric Choice – Cotton Poplin in INDRA POPPY SAGE Fabric
“This was a fun lil collab w Peppermint Magazine and Spoonflower for their newly released FREE pattern – the Albion Blouse designed by Vanessa Hansen Studio.
I made this blouse in a lovely printed cotton poplin designed by Holli Zollinger. I didn’t make too many modifications other than shortening the bodice by one to two inches and when all was done I didn’t love how loose the cuff was around my arm (it’s giving me business lady shoulder pad vibes?) so I had a stroke of genius and just tucked the cuffs in. I also opted not to use interfacing on the neckline because the fabric felt stiff enough on its own.
There are three hidden snap buttons on the inner wrap side and three cute lil buttons on the outside to create this wrap top and I couldn’t help but add one more lil snap button to keep the front wrap closed at my chest because this pattern was intended for a B cup (and includes a lovely/thorough instruction on how to do full and small bust adjustments!) but I just refused to do it.”
ALISSAH THREADS
Fabric Choice – Cotton Lawn in Autumn Floral – Blush Terracotta Fabric
“It’s been a hot minute since I’ve sewn and I miss it so much! I’ve literally had dreams about what I’m sewing next. I got sick and it took me OUT and I don’t mean out on a cute date unless you call a visit to the ER and losing my taste and smell a cute date. Thankfully I’m finally feeling better and I can’t wait to get back sewing!
Before I got sick, I got to sew the gorgeous new FREE Peppermint Magazine and Spoonflower Albion Blouse pattern designed by Vanessa Hansen Studio.
I made no modifications or hacks. It’s so perfect as is! I love the button details and a hint of a puff sleeve!”
ANDREA D JONES
Fabric Choice – Cotton Lawn in Neon Yellow & White Checker Fabric
“The Albion Blouse – the latest free pattern from Peppermint Magazine by Vanessa Hansen Studio . Made possible by Spoonflower who also printed this lemony checkered cotton lawn. I’m obsessed with checkers now and these cuffs on the Albion Blouse!”
Pop over to spoonflower.com for more inspiration, then download the free pattern and make sure you tag #PeppermintPatterns (and #PeppermintAlbionBlouse) in your creations!
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Look, I don’t want to make anyone panic but IT’S DECEMBER!!! If you’re planning to give homemade gifts, you’re going to have to act fast. …
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As issue 64’s gorgeous cover artwork by artist @LisaCongdon proudly proclaims: you belong here. Yet for trans and non-binary people, acceptance still remains hard won – and increasingly under threat.
In our latest issue, we spoke to actress and transgender rights advocate @GeorgieStone, multi-hyphenate life coach, pilates and meditation teacher, diversity educator and runway model @RudiLandmann, artist and seven-time Archibald finalist Kim Leutwyler (@CarlosBob) and multidisciplinary artist Sunday Jemmott of @SundaysArtClub about their wins and worries – and why belonging matters deeply.
Read more from our ‘Transforming the Narrative’ feature in issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
Photos: @NickCog, @KateLukePhotography for @DangerousFemales, Kim Leutwyler, @RissVisualStudio
#PeppermintMagazine #YouBelong #TransLivesMatter #NonBinary #HumanRights
Who’s going to the sold out Liberty Fabrics Showcase in Brisbane or Melbourne? 🙋♀️
To say we’re excited is an understatement! Maybe we’re biased because our lovely Laura (Sewing Manager) is walking in the fashion parade along with many other incredible sewists in our community, but also - there’s SO many good things: retail stalls featuring exclusive products, rare finds and all things @LibertyFabrics, and sneak peeks at brand-new quilting and fashion collections, including the Liberty Fabrics Spring/Summer ‘Floral Rebellion’ collection.
Also - Liberty legends Mary-Ann Dunkley (Head of Design) and Anna Buruma (ex-Head of Archive) are flying in from London especially!
Keep an eye on our socials this weekend for BTS! 🌸🌼🌺
Brisbane 7/2/26
Melb 14/2/26
From @Laura_The_Maker:
If you know me irl then you probably know that I only do one take for my reels so enjoy this vid of me saying thousands of words about an exciting collaboration I’m participating in for 2026!
Thanks to the teams @2GreenZebras @Regent_Street_Fabrics and @StyleArc for including me on the runway. I absolutely can’t wait!
Obviously I’ll be hoping for enough scrap fabric to make some kind of accessories…
#libertyfabrics #libertyfabricsshowcase
🌻 The Paddington 🌻
This is a much-loved staple, created for Issue 50 in 2021. We love seeing the #PeppermintPaddingtonTop continually popping up in our feeds!
How stunning is our model Elon MelaninGoddessEfon – she told us it was one of the first times she had been asked to come to a shoot with her natural hair. 🌻
We worked with South African patternmaker Sarah Steenkamp of @FrenchNavyNow_ to create this wardrobe essential – the perfect puff-sleeve blouse. Raglan sleeves make it the ultimate beginner sew, plus the gorgeous back buttons let you add your own personal twist.
Pattern via the link in bio! 🪡
Photos: @KelleySheenan
Fabric: @Spoonflower
Model: MelaninGoddessEfon
“In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute. As purveyors of traditional craft, we felt it appropriate to revisit this design.”
Crafters have often been at the heart of many protest movements, often serving as a powerful means of political expression. @NeedleAndSkein, a yarn store in Minnesota, are helping to mobilise the craftivists of the world with a ‘Melt The Ice’ knitting pattern created by @Yarn_Cult (with a crochet pattern too), as a way of peaceful protest.
The proceeds from the $5 pattern will go to local immigrant aid organisations – or you can donate without buying the pattern.
Raise those needles, folks – art and craft can change the world. 🧶
Link in bio for the pattern.
Images: @Gather_Fiber @NeedleAndSkein @a2ina2 @KyraGiggles Sandi.204 @WhatTracyMakes AllieKnitsAway Auntabwi2
#MeltTheIce #Craftivism #Knitting #CraftForChange
TWO WEEKS TO GO! 🤩
"The most important shift is moving from volume-led buying to value-led curation – choosing fewer, better products with strong ethics, considered production and meaningful stories. Retailers have real influence here: what you buy signals what you stand for. At Life Instyle, this means using the event to discover and invest in small-scale, planet-considerate brands that align with your values and your customer’s conscience. Consumers don’t need more things; they need better things, and retailers play a key role in selecting, contextualising, and championing why those products matter."
Only two more weeks until @Life_Instyle – Australia`s leading boutique retail trade show. If you own a store, don`t miss this event! Connect with designers, source exquisite – and mindful – products, and see firsthand why this is Australia’s go-to trade show for creatives and retailers alike. And it`s free! ✨️
Life Instyle – Sydney/Eora Country
14-17 February 2026
ICC, Darling Harbour
Photos: @Samsette
#LifeInstyle #SustainableShopping #SustainableShop #RetailTradeEvent
Calling all sewists! 📞
Have you made the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress yet? Call *1800 I NEED THIS NOW to get making!
This gorgeous green number was modelled (and made) by the fabulous Lisa of @Tricky.Pockets 🙌🏼
If you need a nudge, @ePrintOnline are offering Peppermint sewists a huge 🌟 30% off ALL A0 printing 🌟 when you purchase the Special Release Waratah Wrap Dress pattern – how generous is that?!
Head to the link in bio now 📞
*Not a real number in case that wasn`t clear 😂
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
