Lilacs & Lace: A Classic White Blouse

Thursday, October 22, 2020

A Classic White Blouse

Back in May, I decided it was finally time to pull this skirt out of the closet.

I purchased it from Xtabay Vintage. I rarely buy clothing of any kind, vintage included, but I just fell in love with the print. The waist measurement was a little too big, but I figured I could fix that. The center back opening is a button placket, and while it was a little finicky, and I had to unpick more of that seamline than expected, I made the waist fit properly in the end. It also makes me want to use that finish on one of my own skirts, so add that to the list of projects in the queue.

Then I went looking for an appropriate top. Sure, I have a couple of white shirts in the wardrobe, but none of them looked quite right. As it happens, I found a lovely white swiss dot at an estate sale a couple of years ago, so I had the perfect fabric. Next, I went looking for a pattern.

I decided that I would try the Rønne Blouse from How to Do Fashion. It's always a fun challenge working with a new pattern company, and while I did have some issues (starting with printing the PDF file), I got there in the end.

This particular version is without alteration. I suspect I will make more of this design, and I will take a wedge out of the bodice back and lengthen the torso a bit (both of which are standard pattern alterations for me).

The blouse is incredibly easy to wear. It's a bit loose at the waist, which will be exacerbated if I lengthen the bodice pieces and the waist seam line sits at my actual waist. So I am going to have to go back and see if I should be using one size smaller, or if I just want to adjust that portion of the pattern.

But for a quick project made completely with materials I had on hand, I am going to call this one a success.

And I am thrilled about how it works with this skirt. I have also reaffirmed my love of peplums.

I could absolutely see this blouse pattern as a coverup/jacket for a full length 1930s or 1940s style formal gown. Not that I need any formalwear in my life at the moment, but the design is giving me ideas, especially since it's been quite a while since I dug into a really involved project.

And while I will probably not be wearing any white blouses in lightweight cotton until next Spring, I see myself getting a whole lot of use out of this garment. And this skirt is making me want to stitch up a few more white tops. I've never really been a fan of plain white when it comes to wardrobe pieces, but textured white fabrics could make me change my mind.