Project Journal: My 1930s-Inspired Outfit

Time for a sewing update!

When I bought this lovely 1930s blouse pattern off of Ebay, I knew I had to make it right away. Or as soon as I found the right fabric.

I loved the options included, and the way it can be worn in or out, with such feminine detailing and interesting sleeves! 

Small prints always say "1930s" to me, so when I found this 2 1/4 yard remnant of quilting cotton at a local Amish general store, I snapped it up and very quickly decided to use it for this pattern.

 

The blouse came together well. I went for View A. 

I admit I was not as particular as I should have been - and would be now - about the small details and finishing seams, etc. But I was pleased with it overall.

I loved the way the sleeves turned out with the top-stitched pleats, and the way the sleeves were set was so nice! The bottom edges were sewn in like regular sleeves, then the top was gathered into the yoke and top-stitched. Fun!

The buttons were new old stock, probably from the 1960s or so. Not quite accurate, but good enough for me.

I opted for thread loops instead of the fabric loops called for. I wish I would have gotten another card of the buttons so they could be closer together like the pattern drawing, but they are still close and numerous.

 

Yoke and peplum detail:

I was sizing this pattern up about 4 inches. When I size up patterns, my experience is that I still have difficulty with the finished garment being a little too tight. Imagine my surprise when this one turned out too big! And the biggest problem was that, again, I had underestimated how short my torso is and the waistline was too low - not good, since the peplum makes it obvious. Now that I know, next time I make this pattern it should fit me better! But now, how to fix it?

I got out my leftover fabric and used the only big piece left to make a sash. 

I had seen sash options in other 1930s patterns, so I knew it would be period correct, and hopefully fix my problem by cinching in the waist and hiding the seam that is supposed to be at my waist and isn't.

It was simple - I cut a rectangle, hemmed it, and whipstitched one end around a vintage buckle. Easy!

See how well it heightens the waist line? It moves it up 1-2 inches, as needed.

 

I was much happier with the blouse once the sash was made. The only pick I have with this pattern is that it's so hard to iron!

 

Next up was the skirt. I needed a solid blue skirt in my wardrobe anyway, so I endeavored to find a fabric that matched the brightish blue tiny flowers in the blouse fabric.

I got lucky when I ordered some cotton online - always risky - described as "light cobalt blue", and it was a perfect match!

 

For my skirt pattern, I decided to go with this:

It's not a vintage or reproduction pattern, but it is cut on the bias and for non-1930s wear I liked the yoke detail. I went with view F. I had originally thought of making the yoke the same fabric as the blouse, but changed my mind when I decided the blouse looked better untucked and that would cover the yoke anyway.

It worked up quickly, my only trouble being matching the yoke and skirt side seams.

 

Ah, now it's coming together!

 

I made a cute little bow brooch out of the skirt fabric (and another for my hair).

 

Worn with my hair styled '30s and some red T-strap heels, I was pleased. Not Period enough for reenacting, perhaps, but definitely wearable 1930s-inspired style for every day. 

Comments

[Sarah]

I love this pattern! It is difficult for me to find blouse patterns that I like and that will work for me (proportionate top and waist, larger on the bottom!). I have been turning to the peplum idea recently and this looks like it would be fun. :) Also like the longer sleeve length. The fabric you chose is great! Now all that was missing from this otherwise-lovely post was a picture of you with your hair and red shoes! :) Hoping to see one?!

PS. I always enjoy your posts. Keep up the fine work!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Glad you like it! I'm looking forward to making the pattern again and trying to get a better fit.

I'll have to see if I can get a photo taken soon in costume!

[Joanna]

I love this! You did such a great job. It is amazing all the details that go into some of these 30s patterns. Did you have any problems following the pattern? I'm amazed too that you didn't need to make a muslin first. It turned out so beautiful and I really love the sash effect. Congratulations on a great blouse!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thanks, Joanna! I have to admit it would have been a failure if the sash hadn't come to the rescue. No, I didn't have any difficulties with the pattern - I loved the way they had me do the sleeves - but then it was not my first unprinted pattern. I actually enjoy working with the perforated patterns more in some respects, especially for marking darts and things. And I should have done a muslin first for this project! I tend to be un-particular enough about details that if I want to make a "muslin" before the final product in a more expensive fabric, I just make the garment first out of a cheap (thrifted) fabric so that I can experiment and still usually wear it in the end. Usually if it doesn't quite fit I'll just take it in on the sides or something and wear a belt to cover up the mismatched seams! :-) But I am finding I enjoy the little details more now, like finishing seams, and tend to be more precise, so muslins may not be far into my future!

[Esther]

Too bad it doesn't fit, it's just gorgeous!!! :)