The Concert Blouse

This past summer I participated in a concert as part of the choir. Our outfits were supposed to be black skirts and white blouses. Not having any white blouse suitable and/or that fit me well, I promptly used the opportunity to make a blouse long on my to-do list, using fabric I've had stashed for just such a blouse for a while - a lovely linen blend with subtle silver metallic roses woven throughout it, found at JoAnn on their Red Tag sale. I have enough for another blouse yet - I wish I had gotten more of it!

 

This was the pattern, view A - another one long on my to do list. (I also like the other views, but that one is the one I bought the pattern for a while ago.) From the graphics I would assume it's late '30s.

 

Incidentally, don't you just love the deals packed into vintage patterns? I mean, for one price for one pattern, you basically get three different blouse or jacket patterns. A great deal compared to many modern pattern where the only variations might be a skirt or sleeve length options.

Anyway, since I had to size it up 3 in. or so, I wanted to make a trial version first before cutting into that lovely linen.

 

The trial was not an unqualified success, but it did what I had hoped - helped me figure out how to enlarge the pattern, and smooth all the details of making it.

 

The main problem was that my trial fabric was too lightweight and it just didn't lay properly at the hem. I know, I should have interfaced it. But I only interface when I have to, or are in the mood for it!

However, I knew the heavier linen would fix that problem, so I went ahead with the final version, adjusting the fit based on what I had learned from the trial version.

 

I was very pleased. It fit me well (though it is pinned on the mannequin *ahem*), and the upscale fabric really takes it up a step. I love the details of puffed sleeves, peplum, and the unique neckline. As I expected, the peplum lays much better in this fabric.

 

I picked out the silver roses in the fabric with silver buttons from the stash. 

 

It was actually quite intuitive to make, despite the very brittle and old-fashioned instructions. Because it is a princess style, it really was easy to put together and to adjust for a good fit. My one regret is that I made it before our serger was set up, so even with my zig-zagged edge finishes, it is fraying a bit.

 

I don't know how much the trial version will get worn, but I am certainly glad to add a good white formal blouse to my wardrobe staples!

Comments

[Sarah A.]

Very, very lovely, Kristen! There's nothing so pretty as an elegant white blouse. If we lived closer I'd be pestering you to loan me your patterns! :) Princess lines and peplums work well for me (ahem!). And what a deal on your fabric...don't you just love the clearance at JoAnn's! Wonderful job once again.

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you, Sarah! I sure do love JoAnn's, though haven't been there in a while since we are pretty far away from one. You never know what you'll find but sometimes the deals are great.

I suppose we could figure out a way to have a lending vintage pattern system through the mail! :-)