Verity Vintage Studio

1940s Striped Nautical Blouse

We just came home from a lovely short vacation to the Oregon coast - my first time there! Of course my sister and I had to take advantage of the beautiful location for some photo shoots while we were there, so this is only the first of several outfits that will feature a seaside backdrop. 

 

This is the second time I made the 1940s Vogue pattern. The first used vintage barkcloth and had a contrast facing. But I really liked the striped version shown on the cover, and how the stripes change direction on the collar since it is folded back. 

 

So I knew a striped version would be on my horizon. I belatedly realized I could take pictures of it at the sea if I finished it in time, so made it up the day before we left. I had a small, narrow piece of thrifted striped fabric that would make a good everyday blouse, and it was a good match. I barely was able to squeeze out this blouse - I had to piece the arm facings!

 

I also got a better fit this time around.

 

The denim colored cotton has a pretty weave, and is a great cool choice for summer. I don't have to wear layers under it, and the color goes with everything. Like the first version, the cap sleeves are cool to wear and don't restrict my range of motion in the least. 

 

Usually I will wear it with more practical skirts, but for these seaside photos I pulled out an elegant long white skirt I recently found at the thrift store. It is handmade, but fits me very well - and I probably wouldn't have had the patience to make it! Inserted lace and everything. Plus it was only 50 cents, so what can you lose?

 

Naturally, I had to swan about romantically on the beach for a few minutes. My sister caught my reflection in the wet sand, which was fun. I didn't want to get caught by the waves, though...that water was COLD.

 

This has to be the easiest blouse pattern on the planet. A few darts, side and shoulder seams, and facings - that's it. I think I made it in an hour and a half, except for buttons.

 

I didn't bother with matching the stripes, so I was happy when they accidentally lined up on the shoulders. (Also I loved a good chance to wear my starfish brooch!)

 

Despite its dressy styling here, it will actually be a staple in my everyday closet. But I'm glad I had the opportunity to give it its first outing with some nautical flair in the sand and seagrass.

 

 

1940s Summer Suit

I first used this 1940s pattern as one of my earliest sewing projects years ago. It was a pretty terrible suit since I made it sloppily out of a striped sheet, and cut all sorts of corners. You can imagine how awful stripes can look if they are done badly - and it did! So I decided it was time to try it again now that I'm more experienced, since I love the style lines.

 

I remembered that the early version didn't hang right, so I decided to try it in a lighter weight cotton, hoping that would be the happy medium since I didn't really want to try it in rayon, with that more structured suit jacket.

 

It worked out better, but still initially not so great. The skirt was fine, but the jacket back stood out like a bustle era dress, with all kinds of weird peaks. I tried to make it better by deepening the back seams so there was less peplum in the back, and that helped a great deal.

 

The giant white floral buttons were the perfect match for the spring-green and white pinstriped fabric. Actually, I could even have used the other side for more of a white look, but I wanted to emphasize the green a bit more. It's fun to have reversible fabric, whether it's purposefully reversible or not. :-)

 

My first version was made solely because I wanted to make those amazing cuffs on the 3/4 sleeve view, and I still love that element. But for a summer suit, I went with the short, cuffed sleeves instead.

 

Of course it could be accented with many different colors, from classic to colorful. I went with a more classic styling with touches of pastel color, and my trusty Peggy pumps from American Duchess. I love how the white makes them go with almost everything all-white shoes go with, yet the darker color makes them more versatile. 

 

Also I love these vintage corsage flowers I got at an antique store! I pinned two together, and I really like how they look.

 

While overall pleased with the styling of the suit, I didn't really like it on me when worn the first time (also when these pictures were taken.) In thinking about it and looking at the pictures, I believe it's the double-breasted jacket I don't like on me - though I love double-breasted jackets in general!

 

So I think this pattern will go on the shelf, and I will find a suit pattern that I like better, to use those unique button-on cuffs on. That is an easily transferable element from one pattern to the next. 

 

And I don't think this suit will end up staying in my closet. But it was a fun trial - and turned out SO much better than my early sloppy version!