Sunday, July 18, 2010

50s Wrap Blouse & Gingham Skirt: A Match Made in Heaven

Happy weekend to all! You may remember some time ago that I gleefully posted that I had finally found this much-coveted pattern - I had been wanting it so badly since I saw Tilly's Lovely Green Version.


I almost had my plans thwarted - when the pattern arrived in mail, it had been raining here. The envelope was wet, and I rushed inside to open it - very gently. The pattern was also wet. The seller had not wrapped it in any plastic at all. I was very cross and convo'd the seller, who told me she never wraps her patterns in plastic. How rude! It dried out anyway - so here is my 50s wrap blouse!


I feel so lady-like in this outfit, like I should be swooshing around the streets with some little gloves on and a hat.



All in all, an easy project. The instructions were a little bare, and I belatedly realised that the cuffs needed to be finished in bias tape. I didn't have enough fabric left do make any, so I left off the cuffs - instead I have kimono sleeves!

I really like the wrap feature - you can really cinch in your waist as the ties are nice and long.


I used a quite light-weight 100% cotton shirting with dots embroidered all over it. I actually think this fabric is too light -weight for this pattern, and next time I'll use something more medium-weight.

But I do love it - it will go nicely with the pouffy skirts I'm so fond of at the moment!

What is on everyone else's sewing agendas at the moment?

23 comments:

  1. Very nice - I have that pattern too, it must have been a popular one! It goes great with your skirt, which is also adorable if I hadn't said so yet!

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  2. These two go so well together! Love the gingham and the pretty tie! gorgeous! Is that your front door with the pretty glass? Its scarily similar to mine...

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  3. Thanks!

    Nope - they are the doors to my living room. They lead out to the hallway. Pretty huh?

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  4. I love, love, love this outfit. I've just bought some black and white gingham to make a skirt! What pattern did you use? And that blouse goes with it just perfectly. I may have to hunt down a version of my own. Congratulations on a gorgeous ensemble. You do look very demure. Very Hepburn-esque!

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  5. gorgeous, gorgous outfit. You should be taken out dancing in it! :-)

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  6. Oh! This outfit is PERFECT! Your blouse looks so much nicer than mine - I think leaving off the cuffs was a good idea, mine are a bit much.

    Actually I've only worn mine a couple of times because it rides up so high on my torso that I can only wear it with really high waisted skirts/jeans, which I'm avoiding at the moment because they're not that comfortable for sitting down. Must make myself a comfy high-waisted option (does that make me sound like an old grandma?).

    Did you see this post by Millie Motts? Our blouse is in the fourth image down.

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  7. Rachel - it's wonderful!

    Well done - very retro but very classy.

    Absoloutly perfect with a full skirt...

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  8. Saw your post on Sew Retro and had to check out your blog...yet another sewing blog that I'll have to follow! The wrap blouse and gingham skirt look fab together!

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  9. They do look lovely together! I'm with you about sellers not wrapping things... just had 3 yards of vintage fabric sent to me in a manilla envelope which arrived sopping wet. Convoed the seller who apologised and stated she forgot it was Winter Down Under. Monique xx

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  10. Gorgeous! That is going to be fab for summer. Are you wearing a petticoat with the skirt or is it the fabric that makes it stand out?

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  11. that is gorgeous! and it looks fantastic with your skirt. I have not sewn anything in ages. Wedding plans have taken over my life. I have a trip to Spotlight planned with my mum on Sunday so hopefully I will get some material and I can start sewing again soon.

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  12. This is a lovely outfit and you look gorgeous. I like this look very much.

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  13. Looking great! I think I have that same pattern... and now also an urge to try it out.

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  14. LOVE it! It looks fantastic!

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  15. Love love it. Have you seen Roman Holiday? You look smashing in this Rachel.

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  16. I really really REALLY like this. This is fab, really love it!

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  17. Fun! Love the long ties, that so wonderfully highlight your waist! and are you wearing RED shoes? So fun. You look so pretty, so classic.
    What's the pattern number on the blouse? It needs to go on my to-make list!

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  18. Hi everyone - thanks for all your lovely comments!

    Tasia - it is Simplicity 4225 - dated the early 50's I believe.

    Maree - I haven't, but I have seen images from it. Now I want to see it!

    Una - I'd love to see your version!

    Kat - good luck with those wedding plans!

    thislightgetsin - I am most definitely wearing a petticoat - any excuse to get it out!

    Tilly - I know exactly what you mean, and I don't think its grandma-ish. Why don't you make a full skirt - they are really nice for sitting about it.

    didyoumakethat - no pattern for the skirt. but if you look on Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing, there is a fab full-skirt tutorial that is very easy to follow.

    Thanks again everyone!

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  19. So cute! Love it with that gingham skirt. Nice to see you're back at the sewing machine after all your weeks of misery.

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  20. Perfect outfit for you. You look lovely!

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  21. i have just discovered your blog and have really enjoyed reading it..great sewing!. i absolutely love this top, and wondered where you tracked down the vintage pattern pattern? Would you mind if I subscribed to your feed?

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  22. I know this is a very old post, but I've been scouring the internet for something like this blouse. I can't even find anything similar on vintage reproduction websites! Do you have an Etsy account, or any interest in taking commissions?

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