Friday 22 May 2015

Simplicity 4238 strikes again


This is the fifth version of my favourite vintage pattern (Simplicity 4238) from 1953. It was my chosen pattern for the One Week, One Pattern (OWOP) challenge last year and I'm still not bored of it! There isn't much to add to the construction of this blouse that hasn't been said before as I've got it down to a fine art now! It's a classic, notched collar style with a great 1950's shape, which is down to the cleverly positioned darts and tucks (12 in all). The only pattern change I made was to lower the bust darts by about an inch. 


Let's talk about the fabric instead. I bought this goy-jus double gauze from dangerous-on-the-purse Etsy shop Miss Matatabi last year. Tragically, it's now sold out so I can't give you the link, but what I can tell you is that it's a mid-green polka dot double gauze with a secret lurking on the inside….a gingham reverse side yee-ha! 


Double gauze is a very soft fabric to work with and because of this, the blouse has a more casual feel than some of the others I've made. It probably wasn't the most sensible choice for this pattern as I think a bit of crispness is needed around the collar area. It turned out fine though and it's very wearable so I'm happy. 

Happy!
I didn't use interfacing as double gauze already consists of two layers. This wasn't a problem with the collar, but it was a problem with the buttonhole area. My buttonhole foot was playing up badly (surprise, surprise), so I had the horror of unpicking three half finished buttonholes. Luckily the button band is double thickness and the buttonholes were quite small as I used twitchy buttons, but it still took its toll on the fabric. Therefore my only advice for working with double gauze would be to interface any areas that need a bit of support. Oh yes, and use a fine needle too.


I used self fabric binding on the armholes which is a nice contrast to the internal gingham. In fact I love all the contrasts on the inside! The lightness of the double gauze makes this a fab little addition to my summer wardrobe. I think it will also be good to take on holiday - I can see it pairing up well with my sailor shorts! 


Yet again I seem to have accidentally added another finished item to this year's Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge. I promise I'll get round to sewing up my actual pledged pattern one of these days. Happy Friday. x




44 comments:

  1. your blouse looks great! The colour looks really good on you too :-)

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    1. Thank you, the colour is a slight departure for me! x

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  2. Lovely, what a great summery blouse. I've just bought some double gauze from Miss Matatabi this week - excited to try it as I've never sewn with it before

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    1. You'll love it Kerry, it's beautiful fabric! x

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  3. Very cute, I love the polka dots with the hidden gingham surprise!

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    1. I know, I love that secret surprise too! x

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  4. This blouse looks fantastic on you! I love the nipped on waist.

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    1. Thank you! The nipped in waist is one of my favourite things about the pattern! x

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  5. Wowzers! That colour pops on you. Lovely fit Mrs M xxxxx

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  6. The fabric is lovely and the fit looks great on you.

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  7. ooooh so pretty! The darts at the waistline create such a flattering shape. Lovely fabric too.

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    1. Thank you! Those darts are magic, they totally make the pattern! x

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  8. That's a great blouse and the fabric is just gorgeous! You've found a classic style that works so well for you!

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    1. Thank you! I love the classic style of the blouse too! x

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  9. Adorable on you, especially with those jeans! Such a perfect "you" pattern, no wonder you've sewn it so much. The insides look lovely with that contrasting check side. Love that smiling face, too. :D

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    1. It's definitely a 'me' pattern! Thanks lovely! x

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  10. Stunning. What a super fabric two of my favourite combinations of print - polka dots and check!
    Such a pretty colour green on you too!

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    1. Thank you! They're my two favourite print combinations as well! x

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  11. Polka dots and gingham in one fabric? Oh my! It looks so soft and comfy.

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    1. I know, I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw the fabric! x

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  12. That blouse is absolutely gorgeous. I don't remember it from OWOP - must have been a little like MMMay15 where I have struggled to keep up to date with all the social media. It is such a cute pattern I am surprised I haven't seen any other versions. Plus what great fabric. Finally - very gushy tonight which may be due to the wine - you look fantastic in those jeans!

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    1. No, I haven't seen many other versions either, which is why I think of it as MY pattern! And thank you for the jeans compliment! x

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  13. Hi Jane Have you seen the Vera Venus tie neck blouse pattern? It has a similar fitted shape to simplicity 4238. I made it substituting a self-drafted Peter Pan collar, not being a fan of tie necks! http://veravenus.com/2015/02/all-tied-up/ On my second attempt I substituted proper sleeves for the kimono sleeves. What's left? The lovely darts!!

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    1. Oooh very interesting! I hadn't seen that pattern so thanks for the link, I probably will give it a try. x

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  14. SO beautiful, and I love the lower release point of the tucks as it looks like you have put a fitted peplum on it at first glance, very smart. I love double gauze, I have a huge piece of white that I haven't decided what to do with - I mean I know whatever I make will have about 15 minutes of time before it gets irredeemably stained by tomato or something I brush against. My spirit name is Cannot Be Trusted To Wear White. ;-)

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    1. That's MY spirit name! Which is why I have very few white pieces of clothing, or if I do wear white I make sure I wear a giant bib if I'm eating anything! And thank you by the way! x

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  15. You mean another stunner strikes again! How lovely: the colour, the fabric, the look on you; and yes, even the interior of the garment is pretty.

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  16. Gorgeous blouse - the colour is stunning on you. I'd love to try this pattern myself

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    1. Thank you! And I heartily recommend the pattern! x

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  17. So beautiful, this fits you to perfection, and I bet it is so soft and comfy to wear.

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    1. Thanks, and it IS super soft and comfy to wear! x

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  18. This is gorgeous! What's not to love about green and polka dots? Now I must resist the temptation to click on the shop link...

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    1. What not to love indeed! And that shop link is VERY dangerous! x

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  19. This blouse is beautiful. You are really clever, there's so much join on here I would end up in a right old mess.

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  20. The contrast on this is awesome. Love how it's crisp and tailored, yet casual at the same time

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    1. I love the contrast too. I think the collar makes it look crisp and tailored but the fabric is very casual! x

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  21. Love the blouse. I have some reversible fabric I was gifted very similar to this it's blue though and really soft. It hasn't found a purpose yet but something will come up. :)

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    1. Yes, wait until you find exactly the right project to use it, it's such precious fabric! x

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  22. Eeeeep! This is amazing! I seriously love it, dude! And the gingham surprise on the inside... fabulous!

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    1. Aw thanks! The gingham insides are my favourite bit too! x

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