Blouse: Simplicity 1554 (40s pattern), self-made.
Skirt: Simplicity 4254 (40s pattern), self-made.
Shoes: ?
Simplicity 1554, front view #2.
Closeup view. (My hair has finally somewhat recovered from being layered so much.)
According to my notes I started this blouse in the beginning of August, but definitely finished it before then. Somewhere between going on vacation, attending Fashion Week, and looking for buttons it sat on my dressform for a good two or three weeks.
I used pearl buttons from MJ Trimmings and some cotton voile I got in the middle of summer. I usually think about buttons as an afterthought, but next time I want to make sure I have all my supplies together before finishing.
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Simplicity 1554 pattern.
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Pattern: Simplicity 1554, circa 1940s
Pattern Sizing: Bust 34
Did it look like the pattern envelope when you were done sewing it? Yes.
Fabric: Blue and white cotton voile.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn’t read or follow the directions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like how it has a few pieces and can be made with very little fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made? None.
Sizing issues: Yes! I bought the size closest to my measurements and it was still too large. I made two muslins and adjusted the sleeves so they weren’t as large and also raised the shoulder so it wouldn’t be as baggy.
New techniques learned: None.
Other notes: I used French seams and seam binding around the collar. I used the only light-colored interfacing I had and it was too stiff, so the collar sticks up a little too much. In the future I want to include the front facing in with cutting the front half so there’s less pieces (something I’ve seen in my DuBarry patterns) and clean up the collar section a bit. I also want to add two inches to the hem so I can wear it tucked out better.
Would you sew it again? Yes. I need more blouses in my wardrobe, and I think this one is simple enough to assemble. I also want to try the assembly line method with these at some point.
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Adorable blouse! I love the sleeves the way you’ve done them.
Thank you!
I saw this blouse in person and it was gorgeous. Loved it!
Hi there ya crazy girl, I was the boy you meet at fashion week. I don’t know if you remember me or not but still, hi!
I really love the blouse and I have a question, where do you purchase patterns from? Do you have a favorite store?
Hey Erik, yes I remember you! Good to hear from you. I usually buy my patterns online or draft my own. I don’t have a favorite store, more or less I stalk etsy/ebay for patterns.