Crafting roots with the GA-ROSHE Blouse Pattern

I’ve been counting down the days to April 2025 for good reason. This month marks the release of TAUKO Magazine’s Issue 15, “Crafting Roots,” and with it, the debut of a design very close to my heart.

I could hardly contain my excitement when my design was accepted by TAUKO. Seeing one of my favorite garment designs in print has been a dream come true. But before we dive into the details of the pattern itself, I want to share the story behind it, because this design isn’t just a pattern. It’s a part of who I am.

A Tribute to My Roots

GA-ROSHE is inspired by the traditional blouse of Medvegja, my hometown. It’s named after my grandmother Garoshe, and honors both her and my other grandmother, Raza—two incredible women who passed down their love of making things by hand and their intuitive, zero-waste approach to sewing.

Designed with a focus on minimizing fabric waste, it features a boxy silhouette with the option of straight or gathered sleeves. Its standout detail is the beaded placket, a distinctive element found in the traditional costumes of my hometown, Medvegja.

The embroidery on Medvegja’s Albanian traditional costumes carries deep cultural and spiritual symbolism. The beadwork on the neckline and chest holds particular significance, echoing the tradition of Albanian bridal blouses and festive wear, but also draws attention to the heart and chest area, symbolizing vitality and the preservation of heritage.

Elements such as the moon, cross, sickle, and plants—combined with bright colors—reflect a deep connection to nature, faith, and resilience.

Details about the PATTERN:

• Layered PDF files in A4/Letter format (9 pages) and A0 format (1 page)
• 3D images and videos to show garment details
• Inclusive sizing from 31″/78 cm bust to 57.5″/146 cm bust
• Seam allowances included
• Two views (A&B)

View A: Stand-up collar, partial placket, and straight, wide sleeves.
View B: Wide placket (perfect for embroidery), binding-finished neckline, and gathered sleeves

This blouse is more than a piece of clothing. It’s a story. It’s a memory. My grandmother Garoshe wore hers everywhere—at home, out and about, and even in the winter, layered under a cozy buttoned sweater.

Find the digital pattern HERE

Find the TAUKO Magazine “Crafting Roots” issue HERE

Watching this design come to life—from the first sample to the final photo shoot—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my creative journey. Over a year of sketching, sewing, writing, revising, and refining led to this moment, and I’m so proud to finally share it. A special thanks to the TAUKO Team for helping to bring this design to life and creating such a cool issue!

If you love zero-waste patterns with soul, story, and heritage stitched into every seam, I hope GA-ROSHE finds a place in your wardrobe—and in your heart.

With gratitude,
Tringa