Hi,
I’m Karen and I live in Germany. I started sewing two years ago and if you had asked me back then if I could imagine sewing my own jeans or my own bra and that they would actually fit me better than any store-bought clothes I would have answered with a firm NO!
Today I’m reviewing the Valene top by French company Mouna Sew. The top features a ruffle around the neckline and comes in four variations: You can sew a one-shouldered version with a strap or a regular shirt and you can choose between a broad ruffle or a slimmer ruffle. I’m not comfortable with showing too much shoulder so I made the regular shirt version without the strap and the broad ruffle.
Mouna Sew – Valene Top
Size range: This pattern ranges from European size 46 to 58 and goes from a bust of 104 cm to a bust of 137 cm.
What are your measurements, height, and body type?
My bust measurement is 115 cm, waist measurement is 100 cm, and my hips measure 130 cm. I am 169 cm tall. My body type is probably a pear shape.
What size did you make?
I made a size 52 and graded out to a 54 over the hips.
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?
First thing I noticed about the pattern was a really long bust dart that seemed rather high. I’m an E cup; things in that area are no longer as perky as they used to be, and I don’t wear push-up bras so my bust apex is nowhere near the place where the original dart was pointing at. I lowered the dart and shortened it. It took me about half an hour.
Lowered bust dart
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?
Good question. The instructions started pretty straightforward but when it came to sewing the French seam which I had never sewn before and the shoulder part I was confused. Luckily, there is a good video tutorial on Mouna Sew’s YouTube channel which I found helpful.
How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?
I admit that my first thought about this pattern was “Oh no, a pattern with a ruffle and a shoulder strap.” I never go without a bra so shoulder straps are just not my thing and I was not happy about the ruffle either. However, while putting the top together I fell in love with it. I used a 100% cotton fabric. Fabric requirements are 300 cm for the version B top in size 52 if the fabric is 140 cm wide but I only needed 200 cm.
I really like the fit, because the top is a loose fit without being too baggy.
Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
I will definitely make this pattern again but I have to work on that dart because I’m not 100% happy with it yet.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources that helped you sew this piece up?
For the French seam which closes the ruffle I referred to my trustworthy German Burda book about basic sewing. I found an excellent instruction on how to finish the armhole with bias tape so it is invisible on Bernina’s blog written by Bettina aka Stahlarbeit who has already written a few pattern reviews on this webpage so you might be familiar with her. Sorry that my resources are in German.
Size Range: 4.5
Instructions: 3
Construction Process: 4
Final Fit: 4
Overall Rating: 4
I’m a notoriously slow seamstress but even so I was able to complete this project in a few evenings. I think the pattern will work well for a lot of curvy seamstresses, apart from that bust dart which needs some tweaking. This top was made for hot summer days which are not too windy, as you can see in one of the pictures when a breeze was caught in the ruffle. For me, it was not love at first sight but wearing the top is fun, it makes me feel very feminine and I get lots of compliments. I think it’s a winner!
I will be in touch soon over on your blog, I had some forms turn up at the same time as sorting all this wedding stuff for my brother and losing a whole pile of my online life got cancelled.I don’t care for printer paper as it is crisp and hard. Plus the tape or glue gives out. The up side of this approach is I only need to lightly tape the pages together..I don’t have a jacket pattern in my stash, and yes, this one suit me to a tee!! This was a great line up and there were a couple of patterns I was on the fence for but now I think this pushed me to order them. http://www.bci.edu.bd/
Could I get your pattern mouna valene. I have looked for a top like this one..I don’t have a printer so I would need a paper pattern,I can always pay the shipping.Whatever we can do. you have so many cute other patterns. My name is Dixie Oatsvall email doatsvall@outlook.com phone 480-984-3055. Thank You, for your time.Dixie
Well done! Nicely finished.
Some respectful questions about this pattern. Are you happy with the armhole size…when your arms are at your side?
In each photo, your hand is on your hip which opens/exposes the armhole. Is your bra band revealed or just your torso? Does the armhole open like that only because your hand is on your hip and/or the wind is blowing? Would you wear this blouse to work in an office?
Love this top on you, and the wind-swept effect. I think the reason you might still be thinking about the dart is that you could use a wee FBA added to it, beside the placement. And for US readers, think of it as she only needed 2y of 60″wide fabric instead of the 3y recommended.
I love this pattern and your fabric! A very classic look with jeans. I can see a pattern like this being used more than once with some great cotton fabrics. It looks great and you did a great job. I love the big ruffle!
Thank you very much to all of you for your comments, you made my day! 🙂
I think the top looks absolutely lovely on you. The ruffle is very flattering and the color is quite beautiful on you. Please don’t worry about being a slow seamstress-everyone has their own pace.
Gorgeous. Your review makes me re-think my attitude on ruffles on my older bod. This is very flattering on you. I also hope to see more from you.
Beautiful shirt. It is a flattering look for you.
This top really looks nice and you picked a great color!
Great review & looks fantastic …..looks like you live in such a beautiful spot
Love this pattern review!! Thank You for sharing! Hope you’ll post more :o)
Cute top! It looks so comfortable for the heat.
Karen what an inspiring article. Thank you!
Karen, what a great fun top. It looks great on you. Keep on sewing!
Thanks Karen for great review. Love the finished make. Keep up the good work 😊
Your top is adorable and looks so nice on you. Makes me want a fluttery top for next summer.