Bow Ties are Cool

1948 Simplicity 2381

Bow ties are definitely cool, especially so when they come attached to a cute little number like this!  This pattern is from 1948 and is one of the cutest patterns I have.  The short sleeved version is the one I’m really keen on.  A friend in America sent me this pattern, as well as some baroque-ish patterned cotton.  It has an off-white ground with a pattern in shades of blue.  That fabric & this pattern were made for each other.

Pattern & fabric

Now this envelope is in a really sorry state, but all the pieces were present & accounted for, and in good condition. The short sleeve version had not been cut before, I love that I’m the first one to use these pattern pieces since the pattern was first sold!  It is a size 32″ with the typical features of the time, dart tucks to the waist & buttons from the waist up.  There was the option of making bound buttonholes, but I chickened out!  I’ll do upto 3 for a jacket, but not 5 on a cotton blouse!  😀

Simplicity 2381 in blue print cotton with Burdastyle black linen vintage styled trousers. Gold trainers from New Look

Belle thinks this blouse is quite “indie”.  She teamed it with her high waisted vintage inspired linen trousers (Burdastyle pattern) and some gold trainers.  I think it works!  Husband says it’s old fashioned, but he’s a man….  Because Belle liked it so much, & because it fits her so well, I have agreed to make another for her in a more modern print.  Still blue though!

We both love the little bow tie collar!

I bet that once I make this again, and it’s worn properly that she will always have it buttoned to the top.  Who could ignore the cuteness of that little “bow”?  I love the way the 50s and 40s garments were more fitted from the waist to hip, so much unnecessary bulk is eliminated, making these blouses perfect for tucking in.

Construction wise, I just stitched & pinked the seams on this one.  The fabric would have been to stiff & bulky had I used a clean finish & there was no need for a French seam.  The inner collar seam is hand stitched into place, as are the seam allowances of the cuffs on the sleeves.  The hem is double turned & machined, and I used a contrast thread for the buttonholes, which I machined.  I have yet to do a handworked buttonhole that didn’t look like a dog’s dinner.

Contrast thread on machined buttonholes

Stitched & pinked seams, double turned machined hem

I’m really, really happy with this blouse.  I wonder if the long sleeve versions will look as cute?