Wednesday 8 August 2012

Summer blouse with shorts shocker



This 1950's blouse was my last stab at dressmaking before the school holidays kicked in and my sewing effectively ground to a halt. I found this darling little Style Print pattern at the South Bank Vintage Festival last year. 


The difficult part wasn't sewing up the blouse, it was deciding which option to go for.  In the end, I went for View B: a buttoned front, short sleeves and lovely collar detail, isn't it cool? 


It's such a great 1950's detail. It's the first time I've used a Style Print pattern and the clear directions and sturdy pattern paper were a delight.  I'll definitely be looking out for more of them.

I used a linen mix polka dot fabric I found at the bottom of a remnant box at a vintage fair. Like the cotton pique I used for my first Peony dress, this fabric is quite drapey and my suspicions were that it would sew up larger than a normal woven fabric because of the extra stretch. I was right. View B isn't supposed to have any darts, but looked positively sack-like when first sewn without them. Handily, there were darts positioned on the same pattern piece for the other views. So I added two sets of darts to both the front and back. 


The back fitted perfectly, but I had to remove one set of front darts to avoid button-gaping - the final fit is absolutely fine. I was also able to use up the last of my vintage shell buttons, the rest of which adorn the back of my Roobeedoo top.

Although this blouse looks fine tucked in, I made it to wear in the holidays, and because of the darts, I can wear it untucked…. with shorts. 


I can't actually believe I'm typing these words and showing these pictures. Eighteen months ago I wouldn't show my bare knees and didn't even possess a pair of shorts. I had it in my head that it was somehow against the law for a woman over 40 to reveal her knees or wear shorts or an above-the-knee skirt.  It's not that I've got issues with my legs or anything, I just felt I was a bit past it. 

Well, the skirt problem was soon solved thanks to the super flattering properties of the Colette Patterns Beignet and Ginger skirts.  Fast forward a few months and I now also own a pair of shorts - Banana Republic rather than me-made I'm afraid, but hey, it's a start. Banana Republic trousers fit me perfectly and I knew a pair of shorts bought there would be way more flattering than anything I'd make myself. And you know what? I like these photos, they don't have me running for the hills, and that's the main thing.

Ooh attitude...
I blame sewing blogs. They've got a lot to answer for in terms of confidence building and pushing you out of your comfort zone! I'm very aware of what suits my shape and won't sew something that I know will be unflattering. But… since I started sewing and reading blogs, I've experimented with different styles and made things I've been dying to have in my wardrobe for ages, just because I can. I'll never be wild and mad when it comes to colour, but I'm happy to test out just how many variants of red, blue, grey and turquoise can be found in the world. Some choices I regret, but hand on heart, I'd say I wear about 80% of my handmade clothes on a regular basis, so something must be working.

What about you? Have sewing blogs encouraged you to be more adventurous with your clothing choices? Have you ever sewn something you'd never have picked out in a million years, just because somebody on a sewing blog looks fabulous in it? I know I have….  x

37 comments:

  1. That's a really, really lovely blouse. I need to sew more blouses! You look great in your shorts. Isn't it amazing what rules we invent for ourselves? So glad to hear you're breaking a few of them. Yes, sewing and reading sewing blogs has had a major impact on what I wear now and my sense of style has definitely shifted. But when I try to think of concrete examples, I can't! Um, I think I never used to wear a lot of dresses because I didn't think my figure would look good in them, whereas now I understand that a well-fitting dress flatters any figure. I still think I don't have a very cohesive sense of style. Possibly because I'm constantly copying what others have done on their blogs!!!

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  2. What a sweet blouse Jane - like Karen above I too need to make more! You look fab in your shorts and it's so refreshing break out of the rules we impose on ourselves...you've certainly done so with style!

    Othe blogs/bloggers are a huge influence on me and often make me break my rules. For example I don't suit skirts really, but I've given a few styles a go since blogging. I haven't found The One style that flatters my figure yet, but I'll keep trying ;o)

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  3. Well, your legs look great so yay for shorts! I can't even imagine not wearing shorts/short skirts, but I guess it doesn't get as hot over there as it does here haha :)

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  4. Trrrrrific pins lady Jane! And a beautiful blouse too - love the polka dots. I've definitely got more daring in terms of what I would normally wear on a daily basis. I have more inspiration from you lot than I could ever get in TopShop and the confidence boost you get from posting pics of yourself online is invaluable, not because we're all vain and preening but because we have a healthy lack of inhibition in our little community and healthy sense of humour :)

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  5. Hooray! Polka dots and shorts!
    It looks "very Jane" to me! ;)
    That's a great pattern - the square neck with the bow (view D?) is lovely too.
    Re comfort zones... well I would never ever have believed I would wear shorts, never mind to work, but now they are part of my everyday wardrobe, and I definitely hold The Blogs responsible for that!

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  6. I completely love this look! The shorts are indeed perfect and paired with the gorgeous blouse make and those darling shoes: perfection squared!

    I, too, read something about women of a certain age not wearing shorts and, for the most part, I agree. But, I also don't think capri's are particularly flattering on anyone. One just can't constantly be wearing skirts for gardening, running around, etc. I think a longer look is definitely the answer!

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  7. I love that blouse. What an adorable pattern.
    You look fab in those shorts and I love the shoes.
    I do agree that blogs influence what I make. I'm feeling much more confident about challenging myself with my sewing going forwards and am looking forward to introducing a little more colour in the future too.

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  8. You look great! That polka dot blouse is very you and looks really stylish with the shorts.

    I haven't worn shorts in years but like you, seeing them on blogs has made me reconsider my feelings and I will be wearing them on my holidays, very soon!

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  9. Great top - the fir looks perfect! And nice pins lady! :-)

    I think that blogs / bloggers have definitely encouraged me to try new styles / shapes although I think I'm probably still playing it relatively safe so heres to a few more daring makes!

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  10. This is a sweet little shirt. My sewing has ground to a halt too. Between the kids on summer holidays and all the Olympics hoopla, I can't get anything done.
    Yes, I find the internet really inspiring and I feel spurred on to try new things.

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  11. This blouse looks fabulous on you, and I LOVE the collar detail as well as the double darts - so sweetly vintage, and totally elevates it above a normal everyday blouse! ^__^

    Sewing has definitely taught me a lot about my body and self-acceptance, as well as an awareness of what suits me. I always knew what I liked but marrying that with knowledge of my body was another story ^__^ I'm still learning but having this community is a huge helping hand, especially when stepping out of my comfort zone and not being sure about whether something is working or not! ^__^

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  12. Fab blouse! Shorts are definately for all, they look great on you :)

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  13. I love this blouse, and I really love it with the shorts!

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  14. I love the back darts, excellent detailing. You over 40, really, wow! who'da known it!

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  15. you look Awesome, so glad you are flying the flag for us over 40's and looking every inch cool and funky yet stylish and not hmm how does one say this 'nonmuttondressedaslmabish'.

    I might venture into shorts next summer,
    thanks for the inspiration,
    Cx

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  16. I didn't think Cambie by Sewaholic was for me. I kept seeing it and got curious. So glad I did... I'm making my fourth! It's perfect for me and converted me to a lover of those 1950s full skirt styles, something I had NEVER considered wearing - and that pattern improved my sewing out of sight.
    Love the blouse BTW

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  17. Such a gorgeous polka dot blouse!! And the whole outfit is just so stylish, great work!

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  18. Great blouse. I agree that the only downside of sewing is that we don't try before we buy. I'm also at about the 80% ratio.

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  19. You absolutely have the legs to wear shorts and the blouse is beautiful, I think you have a very distinctive style. I have definitely felt encouraged to be bolder as I've started to sew and follow creative blogs. I don't think I've found a style and am still at the 'excited child' stage when I see fabric or a pattern I like. I'm only just beginning to question whether something suits me before getting carried away but the increase in colour and pattern in my wardrobe has been commented on several times. I'm taking 'that's an interesting skirt' as a compliment! :)

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  20. What a gorgeous shirt. I love how the button section juts out at the top. Looks like gorgeous fabric too. I'm a sucker for anything linenish! I would be hard pressed to make a decision on those tops too. I love the one bottom right and I also love the one on the left with the raised neckline. They should keep you busy for a while! :-)

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  21. Your blouse looks great, and so do you in the shorts.

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  22. I've got that "no shorts" rule thing, too, so maybe you'll break me out of my comfort zone on this one! I do think that sewing has changed my style and the way that I dress. I've learned so much about how clothes work and what the right ones can do. And making clothes has made me about 250% more interested in fashion and in creating a style for myself. And all these damn blogs keep showing me how much more I get to learn!

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  23. Love the blouse!! I can see why you had a hard time choosing which version to make, they're all terrific!!

    I just wrote about sewing's confidence boosting abilities in my sew weekly post (it's still unpublished)! I did two things recently that I NEVER would have done even six months ago. One, I spoke on camera. Twice, and with no jitters whatsoever! Two, I took project pics in a super crowded area and did not feel weird or uncomfortable at all! I'm still a bit amazed with myself ;o)

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  24. Lovely shirt. It's interesting to imagine which version I might have made....I think probably D, I rather like the square neck and dart details, it looks so very 50's. I wear skirts all the time and mostly with my knees out. My over 40's rule is more about the length, knees are fine but not half the thigh as well, unless worn in winter with think wooly tights then it's kind of ok. Bethx

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  25. I've said it before and I shall say it again Jane, you are fabulous. I love this blouse, particularly the darling darts at the back! I think sewing and actually blogging in general have helped me enormously when it comes to liking my body - not so much because of the positive feedback from others, but seeing what I really look like - it's weirdly freeing in a way. So hurrah for you and your shorts! xxx

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  26. You look great in this blouse and shorts combo. I know what you mean about feeling past some things. I turned 50 this year and I'm still trying to work out what's ok for my new age :) I have been reading style blogs for the 40s and above and I must admit that they have inspired me to be more adventurous in how I dress.
    Love the blouse pattern B that you made. C and D look pretty too.

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  27. You are not past it, your legs look great, and there is nothing wrong with wearing shorts after forty. I should know, as I'm forty-six and I still wear them. However, I would not wear a tiny skirt and high heels!

    I think we just have to wear what we personally feel comfortable in.

    Nice shirt!

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  28. Great looking blouse. Love it.

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  29. The sewing community is so great for getting us to all break out of our comfort zones, isn't it? I felt the same way about shorts, so maybe it's just a matter of time until you make your own!

    In the meantime, that polka dot blouse is so cute! Way to figure out the darts and all...it's so nicely fitted!

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  30. Love the blouse! I know what you mean about wearing shorts - I decided that short shorts had to go - I haven't worn them for at least 5 years. I always wear knee length now - they are far more flattering and I don't look like mutton dressed up as lamb. I will still wear a bikini - but only abroad, but i prefer a tankini with shorts rather than briefs.

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  31. Jane you got style!! What a great look...I totally adore wearing shorts....but with a vintage blouse, you got my imagination fired up...so yes, in answer to your question, sewing blogs like yours are the catalyst for all sorts of experimentation or me too. V pretty blouse...I love the button band detail too...the way it juts out like that. Nice.

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  32. I have bought patterns I'd never have looked twice at had it not been for sewing blogs, they've also reassured me it is ok to wear 'out of they way prints' - even at almost 40! Your blouse is lovely, something I need to sew more of and now may be some shorts, as much as I love skirts and dresses they are not quite so practical for gardening or fun days out with the kids!!!

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  33. I love this blouse..Looks great on you. And I love you in the shorts..just perfect..
    Yes. sewing blogs are fantastic.. I have bought so many patterns because I see how cute they turn out ..actually sewed by a person..
    It has encouraged me to sew for me...even at my "not so young age," ha.
    I have learned that sewing is a hobby, its fun , just enjoy.. sometimes your garment works for you, and sometimes it doesn't.But that's ok.. I give it to charity and someone else gets to have it.

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  34. Nice work Jane - another Jane-worthy polka dot beauty! And you're rocking those shorts. You have slim knees (unlike my hefty field-worker ones) - show them off! xx

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  35. It's really cute!
    http://www.mogulinteriordesigns.com/category/76618233881/1/Top-Blouse.htm

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