Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Vogue 7448 - Out of Print Blouse - Wearable Muslin

I found this blouse pattern in one of the online vintage pattern shops a few years ago. I was looking for a soft 80's type blouse and this one fit the bill. 


I bought it for my old corporate lifestyle to go over a skirt or pair of trousers and under a cardigan. While I liked the pattern, once that lifestyle disappeared I wasn't sure I would be able to use it. Though I wasn't ready to part with it.


Background Information ~
First a little about the pattern ~ the copyright date is 2001. The pattern description says, "Loose-fitting, above-hip length blouse (may be worn tucked in or out) has front-button closing and short sleeves. The back I'm using has a pleat into back yokes and shawl collar."

This pattern has no darts which I will admit had me a little concerned. Also, it's not as loose-fitting as the pattern envelope's picture. Finally let's not forget that kinda lowish (BurdaStyle) neckline. That's why I did something I don't normally do, I made a wearable muslin.

Supplies ~
- A poly print from the collection that has no tag so I have no idea how long it's been there
- silk organza for the interfacing
- blue & white shell buttons from the button collection

Pattern Alterations ~
To add width to the hemline on the front piece, I slit the front stitching line and added 1.75" of space there.


After making the blouse, I went back and added the insert from the bust point to the hemline. 


To the back piece I did a pivot and slide and added 4" to the hemline. I did the pivot and slide on the fabric. Then went back and added the alteration to the pattern, after I knew it worked. 


For the sleeve, I slit it up to the sleeve cap and added 1" to the bicep. Then I added 5" to the length. It was the perfect length to add a hem of 3" and then turn up a 2" cuff.

I shortened the shoulder seam by 1" for my narrower shoulders on the front and back yoke pattern pieces.

Construction ~
I constructed the blouse just like the pattern instructions stated. The only thing I didn't do was handstitch the front down, however, I did handstitch the back neckline down. 

I also added topstitching on the outer collar, down the front and around the hemline.

As I mentioned in the pattern alterations, my sleeves were cut longer than the pattern instructions and I added a 2" cuff to them. I wanted to give the blouse a sporty look with the cuffs.

A few pictures ~

Blouse shown with TNT linen pants



Conclusion ~
This is a pretty good wearable muslin. I think I still need another inch in the the abdomen and hip area for me to be comfortable wearing this as a closed front blouse. I also want to make it about 2" longer - more thigh length. This version comes across as a camp shirt. Once all of the changes were made to the pattern, I wanted to use it with a navy double silk chiffon to make the top and a pair of pants...sort of a jumpsuit look without the jumpsuit all in oneness.

I won't get to this now that the chill is settling in. I have another version of this blouse with longer sleeves and a cuff roaming around in my brain. I want to make it this fall now I have all of the fitting challenges worked out.

Me and Samantha who started Pre-K4 this September

Next up on the blog will be a new fall shirt!

...as always more later!






15 comments:

  1. Very, very nice. I remember these blouses! I have an Anne Klein suit pattern from (I believe) the late 70's featuring a similar blouse with the neckline of your View C. It has a much baggier fit, but the neckline is definitely the same. It's great to see the older patterns getting some use these days.

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    1. Irene - this does seem to be an 70s/80s look right? I really just wanted some different blouse looks and this one fits the bill. I'm sure your Anne Klein pattern is amazing and definitely couldn't be found in pattern books today!

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  2. This is such a pretty top. You make the alteration process look effortless.

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    1. Bethany - I don't know if the process is as effortless as it looks! *smile* Some of it is trial and error and some of it is just experience.

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  3. I love shawl collars on garments, and your wearable muslin looks fantastic as all your garments do. You have an eye for your adjustments, and the results are perfect. I do enjoy reading your blog because to me its a learning experience. I am 71 yrs. old and been sewing since age 10, and I thought I knew all the tricks, but with you I learn something every time I read it.

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    1. Gemma - I like shawl collars too and don't understand why they aren't popular anymore since it's a flattering look on most everyone. Thank you for appreciating the info contained in my posts. I learn something from other sewists blogs all the time too, so that's why I like sharing what I know.

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  4. What a nice classic! Well done! FIESTA!!! :)

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  5. Love the top. It's such a great print!

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  6. I used this exact pattern, and morphed it into a summer dress (in linen), by adding a high waist seam, straightish skirt (with minimum hip ease), and pockets (of course). I'd copied a dress I saw in a POETRY catalogue which clocked in at 189.00 us dollars. Mine was from stashed fabric and my favorite wear of the whole summer. There is potential in "that there pattern!"

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  7. This is so flattering! Well done!

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  8. I think all of your adjustments worked well with this! I like the idea of using this for a fall version with longer sleeves.

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  9. You rocked this OOP pattern! Your blouse is beautiful--thanks for sharing all your adjustments, as always! Your granddaughter is precious!

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  10. Your new blouse is so pretty !

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  11. I second what Gemma said! I have gotten far more comfortable making changes since following you. It's one thing to know everyone has to change something, but another when you can actually see what a more experienced sewist does in practice! Thank you for taking the time to share. 😊

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    1. CB - I think the backstory and how you got a finished garment is important. So to me it's all part of the garments story. I'm glad that the information I share helps you. I know I like seeing it on other sewists blogs. It helps me to continue to learn too!

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