Project Time! Sewing a reproduction Floral Blouse
This week I've decided to share a sewing project that I am very exited to work on. I've noticed lately that I really am loving the look of 1940's and specifically button up blouses a lot. So I went on Etsy and bought a couple reproduction patterns from a seller called "My Vintage Wish", including the one I am showing off today. This one is called "1940's Blouse With Three necklines PDF Sewing Pattern - Bust 34 - Style 4690".
As you can see, it has three neckline options and from the illustrations used on the pattern, very cute in a semi-casual iconic 40's tucked in look. So I found in my stash some green floral reproduction quilting cotton fabric and made the top!
I made this blouse of the course of a week, not because it genuinely took that long to make but because I did a little at a time. I honestly could not film all of it because of needing to give it more attention than some of my sewing projects though. As a reproduction pattern, the instructions assume that you have an understanding of sewing garments. I feel modern instructions are a bit more detailed or have a different level of clarity in describing steps.
This lead to seam ripping on my part because I was going through a sort of trial and error process in determining the correct method it was instructing me to do. And a fair amount of seam ripping due to me getting confused all on my own, due to me over thinking which way the fabric should face in setting the sleeves for instance. Overall Nothing too irritating to work through.
I personally had to alter the pattern to better fit me and feel I will be making adjustments again for the three more blouses I plan on making from the pattern.
The main adjustment I made is taking the top in at the sides due to it being too large in the bust. I personally sewed the top with a 1/4th inch seam allowance as opposed to the pattern's instructions, just for safety incase I had chosen too small of a pattern. But that being said, I took in the bust about an 1 1/4 inches on both side seams at the top and tapered it so it still 'flared' out as it reached my waist/hip. This worked well for me, but also meant I had to gather the top of my sleeve in order for it to be set into the top. I like the look of a slightly puffed sleeve- to me it fits the 1940's look still- so be mindful if you don't like a puff and need to take in the side seams.
The second adjustment is that I would make the blouse longer. It currently ends a touch high on me, around belly button. Which is perfect for the high waisted bottoms that I love. However it is a touch short for wearing with some of my other pants, unless I want an untucked look. I personally prefer a tucked in look more, so next time I will extend the top a few inches at the bottom.
Finally my blouse is done with the exception of the buttons. The pattern does not say what size buttons to use so I have been auditioning buttons for the top. I think I have settled on a pair of white 1 inch buttons that have a slight floral detail. I spent probably 30 minutes in the button jar going through all my options, so I may change my mind. I will show the buttons/the completely finished blouse the next time I make the blouse pattern. Which will be really soon, now that I have three rayon fabrics to make it with!
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