There is a vintage sewing group on Facebook that is hosting a Dress Like Your Grandma Challenge this May. The object is to: Create A Grandma Inspired Look using stash or thrifted fabric, patterns, and notions. This challenge has my name written ALL over it. I’ve been wanting a few new blouses for spring. This first attempt I’m not gonna lie, it is A Blouse A Grandmother Would Love.
Simplicity 4603
I purchased the vintage Simplicity 4603 pattern at an estate sale last year. If I remember correctly the blue floral fabric was at the same sale. Both items were around $1 each.
The pattern calls for 1 and 3/4 yards of fabric. I had 1 and 1/2 yards. With a bit of finagling, I made it work. The pattern went together quite easily at first.
Then disaster struck! When I went to go attach the Peter Pan collar I discovered a problem. The collar was about 4 sizes too small for the neckline. I stopped to pin the pattern pieces to my dress form and sure enough, the collar was not right. So I had to draft a new pattern piece and cut out a new collar. The problem was I had no fabric left.
I dug through my scraps and came up with just enough blue gingham. Then, I decided to add a bit of it to the sleeves too. I think in the end this was a happy accident.
A Blouse A Grandmother Would Love
Both of my grandmothers were seamstresses who sewed for their girls. I am quite sure they probably sewed this style sometime in the 1960s for my mom or aunts.
I Don’t Love It
The blouse was styled for photos similar to what was shown on the front of the pattern. I don’t love it. The boxy shape doesn’t suit me. I am a pear shape and the blouse hem hits at my widest point.
I think it is important to share that sometimes I have sewing failures. Perhaps it will be just fine tucked into shorts or a skirt.
If I were to ever make this pattern again, I would also shorten the sleeves.
But the cool cotton will be perfect for wearing around the house in the hot Texas summer.
Do you like vintage style clothing?
Laura
Your blouse is so sweet and perfect for the warmer days. Love the pretty print with the gingham.
Your solution is exactly what my mom or grandmothers and aunties would have done. My mother use to make my coats from old coats and night gowns from pretty flour sacks (those things were scratchy until they were almost worn out) lol
She knew how to make do and refit a pattern, if she used one, to make what she had work.
Well done and thank you for sharing your awesome talents. Happy Mother’s Day!!! 🙂
Laura you could wear a potato sack and still look beautiful.. I sure enjoy your blogs as your writing is wonderful. You make everything you do seem effortless even when there is a glitch. “I Adore You”. Have a blessed day and stay healthy. ♥️
I actually like it on you. It’s very pretty. think I made that pattern in Home Ec in 1968.
It looks fabulous and so do you.
Grandma, yes. But so would anyone. Blue is definitely your color, Laura!
I think it looks good on you – and you can tuck it in. For me, that is not an option. I think I probably had s simlar blouse in the 60’s – sewn for me by my Mom.
Laura, this really brings out your beautiful blue eyes! I think the blouse is lovely – short or not. And the contrasting material looks fabulous! So glad you had some pretty gingham! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
This grandma would love that shirt for sure! Nice job.
You are gorgeous in blue. If you wanted to, you could add some lace at the bottom to lengthen it.