something vintage

It’s vintage pattern month this September on the monthly stitch (back by popular demand!).  I have various WIPs and imaginary projects on the go, but I knew it would not take me long to whip up a different view of a shirt I made earlier in the year.

Style 2769 is a simple unfitted shirt with kimono sleeves. Although there is no shaping, believe it or not, there is a dart up towards the collar, which needs to be sewn on the facing as well.

The button lapel collar version I made last time round is pretty distinctive, so I chose the shawl collar version this time.  It was my first time constructing one of these and I had to read the instructions a couple of times.  The fabric is a cotton voile and I had this shirt in mind when I bought it. I realised I could make the shirt out of 1m if I cut the facings on the cross grain. That collar is pretty tall and I have decided I like it much better folded over.

Choosing buttons was difficult as I had so many stashed sets that went well with the fabric.  I finally settled on some larger ones that are almost transparent but with a beautiful pearly sheen on them (thrifted, 40c!), and I  enjoyed sewing them on with bright pink thread.

Spring is lovely right now in the sub-tropcis but it is usually a short lived pleasant period before a long hot summer beats down on us.  I predict that this lightweight loose fitting top will get a lot of wear in the coming months!  I also think this is a shirt that I will be able to wear to work or on the weekend.  Most of my wardrobe turns out to be one or the other.

So, how old does a pattern need to be to qualify as vintage?  This one is copyright 1979 but seems to hark back to earlier eras.  I picked it up in a box of fabrics and patterns donated to our school during fete time last year by a man whose wife had passed away.  Stamped size 16, I nearly dismissed it, but when I checked the measurements it seemed to be my size.  Unlike modern Big 4, where I do measure into a size 16, but I usually need to sew a 12 or I would be swimming in it!  All the pieces were cut out, which is fine when you only have one size, and only one piece was missing – a sleeve facing from one view.  I wonder what view she made for herself and what fabric she used?

Project summary

pattern: Style 2769 (© 1979)

fabric: cotton lawn from Spotlight

notions: buttons, interfacing

worn with: simplicity 2152 denim skirt

This post is a direct copy from the one on my blog ;o)