My Ideal 40’s blouse

I’d blogged plenty about my McCalls 7838 blouse as I was stitching it up, but summer got the best of me and I finally managed to go out and take some photos for you all.

This is my favorite 40’s button-up blouse pattern (to date).

This pattern, McCalls 7838, was made in 1949 and it’s the perfect mix of 40’s with 50’s.  The short sleeved version is very 40’s to me, while the 3/4 length sleeve and long sleeve with cuff looks early 50’s in my mind.

I used a swiss dot cotton for the blouse and underlined the bodice sections with some cotton batiste.  I was worried that it would be too sheer for me to wear to the office.

While this blouse would have felt much breezier had I not underlined it, I just can’t stand wearing camisoles underneath my blouses.  I always figured underlining is kinda like a nice, built-in camisole.  I went and left the sleeves sheer, with just the one layer of swiss dot cotton.

I was able to use some stashed buttons; pretty sure these too are from the late forties or early 50’s judging by the packaging.

The blouse has 2 tucks in front as well as in back instead of darts.  It does billow nicely, but with the two layers of cotton, it is a bit on the stiffer side than I’d like.  I’d love to make up one of the longer sleeved versions for the fall/winter with a silk just to capture the lovely drape that is shown on the pattern envelope.

Paired with my new blouse is my (kinda new to you) Simplicity 3673 nautical skirt.

Last year, in November, when I was planning my cruise wardrobe I’d planned on making Simplicity 3673 skirt to match with my grandmother’s honeymoon suit.  I ended up getting sick and time was cut too short, so this project was sitting for a while instead.

1940’s skirt on the right:

Earlier this year I was able to complete the skirt, but as the weather was still too cold, I never went outside for photos.  I’ve been happily wearing this skirt all summer now, but this is the first opportunity I’ve gotten to show you all.

It’s a wonderful navy and white ticking stripe pattern, matched with some self-covered navy linen buttons.

To top it all off, I’ve accessorized with my happy mouse picnic basket purse.

This is one of my most cherished possessions, bought by my favorite husband last year for Christmas.  I have no idea how he’s going to top this one.  heh

And the blouse detail, one last time:

This image is great since you can really see the gathers and yoke quite clearly.  Being my petite self, I had to greatly reduce the with of the shoulder pieces, but not too much so that I can still have that 40’s neckline gathers (or more like yoke gathers here).

I highly recommend this pattern if you can find it (I got mine on Etsy last fall).  It’s the perfect meld between 40’s and 50’s and is sure to be a wardrobe staple of mine.

In: Sewing

Blogger for 6 years and counting, I am a passionate creator who loves to tinker.

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