Not being a curvy gal, I usually stay away from vintage patterns. Their waist/hip ratios are not designed for straight old me. But when I was looking for a very specific blouse shape this summer and could not find it in my indie pattern search, I turned to my mom’s sewing pattern drawer.
Because it was a loose-fit blouse with no darts or shaping, I decided it was worth a try. I wasn’t brave enough to cut into my Atelier Brunette Moonstone Rayon without a toile though. I mocked up my first version out of an old bed sheet and was pleasantly surprised with the fit.
I had intended to possibly dye this but it got hot right after I made it and the white cotton proved to be a fantastically cool option so I may just keep it as is.
For my rayon version, I had a specific vision: shawl collar, button front, high/low hem, 3/4 bell sleeves gathered at the wrist. I kept the front cropped straight across for easy tucking and rounded the back down to just cover my butt.
The sleeve mod was easy. I used the full length gathered sleeve from the pattern and cut a few inches off the bottom. Then I used the wrist band piece exactly as it was but attached it as a closed band rather than an overlapping band with closure. This gave it the perfect amount of width to fit over my forearm.
These sleeves are exactly what I was aiming for.
The only other mod was to change the way the front facing is finished. I narrowed it, interfaced it lightly, folded under the raw inside edge and stitched it down. I was thrilled to find three perfectly matching buttons in my stash that almost disappear into the pattern to finish it off.
It took me too long to cut into this Atelier Brunette Moonstone. It’s lovely to work with and to wear. I’m thrilled how perfect this is with my white Lander Pants. I consider this first vintage pattern experience a success but that doesn’t mean I’ll be making many more. Some of the drafting and finishing techniques were not up to the standards I’m used to so I think I’ll be sticking with modern patterns unless I find myself at a loss again looking for something specific.
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Lindsay