Navajo Blouse & Skirt Pattern

by FolkWear

Product Features

• Misses 4-20; Girls 4-10. All sizes included in this one pattern.
• Pattern includes complete blouse instructions, drawings for tiered skirt, and tips for broomstick pleating effect.
• This pullover blouse was traditionally made of velvet, lined with calico, embellished with silver buttons, and worn with a calico "broomstick" skirt.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B00162OIK4
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,225 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing)

Product Description

Navajo Blouse & Skirt - Misses 4-20; Girls 4-10. This pullover blouse was traditionally made of velvet, lined with calico, embellished with silver buttons, and worn with a calico "broomstick" skirt. Vary the fabric combinations to match your own personal style. Pattern includes complete blouse instructions, drawings for tiered skirt, and tips for broomstick pleating effect. Suggested fabrics: Velvet, velveteen, velour, lightweight corduroy, light to medium-weight cottons, blends, and wool. For optional contrasting facings: soft, lightweight cotton (calico is traditional) or blends.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Could use some tweaks--Good, though, January 13, 2009

By 

Clover L. Williams "theclover" (The Heart of Indian Country) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Navajo Blouse & Skirt Pattern

The instructions for this pattern could be much clearer. For example, nowhere in supplies lists does it mention interfacing, yet there is a passing reference to "if you're using interfacing." And while there is an explanation about how to gather fabric, there is nothing about making waistbands and the charts for setting in the collar are exteremly unclear. I had google instructions. And adaptaions are mentioned, rather than explained. So even though this pattern is pretty simple, it's probably not for beginners.

But it does make a very nice outfit. I live in a traditional Navajo community and got several compliments. Definitely go for the piping on the sleeves--it's not usually done these days but it is traditional and lovely. You could also add some as a front and/or back yoke for extra oomph. Most Navajo skip the placket on the collar these days, and just fasten at the neck with a large brooch. For dress up, the skirt is usually a matching velvet even though cotton is more traditional and more common for everyday wear. Forget the headband; it's goofy (maybe even a little insulting).