Monday, April 27, 2009

A Linen Shirtwaist


Happily dressed in tablecloths from head to toe! Skirt was made a while ago, blouse is new. I used a thrifted tablecloth that seems to be a mix of linen and silk--beautiful drape and lots of gloss.


This pattern was really fun. It's based on the shirtwaists of the 1900's but has a surprisingly modern feel. Sort of boho. I gathered the front bodice into the bound neckline, then there isn't any shaping at all through the bottom of the blouse except for the ties which are sewn on in the back and used to gather the front. So comfortable!

I've noticed sewing other garments from different eras how strange it feels to wear anything these days with any extra fabric in it at all. Years ago ladies thought nothing of a little pouf in their outfits. Now we seem to need to sidle through taking up as little space as possible.


Onward and outward!

26 comments:

HISchild said...

Beautiful! Would have never known about the table coverings if you hadn't confessed!

Mary said...

Beautiful!

Leah said...

It looks fantabulous!

The Hobbit said...

I find the draping surprisingly appealing.I guess I too have become accustomed tothe lack of fabric in todays wardrobes.Carry on

Polly said...

I love it and would like to try my hand at this pattern myself; because I have scoliosis *close fit* and I are not friends, but this would drape on me very well. I'd have to determine whether it would be too advanced for my basic skills, though!

Jennifer said...

Absolutely Stunning.

An Adventurer in the World said...

love where the belt begins. pretty!

Deb meyers

Goosey said...

That's lovely and very ingenious to use old table cloths.

Amanda said...

Hi, I have been a lurker here for the past year. I love that outfit, its beautiful. And I was soooooo glad to find that I am not the only person who uses tablecloths to make clothing out of. : ) I have gotten teased a lot for using table cloths, curtains, and sheets. :)

Girl Raised in the South said...

Lovely! I need to go the thrift stores you go to - mine are not rendering up the treasures you manage to find...

Shelley in SC said...

Very pretty! Combines the best of old and new.

Lisateresa said...

Very pretty, Anna!

Molly said...

It's beautiful!

Rebekah said...

Those are poufs to make Anne Shirley proud!

Anonymous said...

the blouse is beautiful, it appears to be very well made, and you look beautiful in it!

(have been reading your blog but this is my first post--your blouse brought me out of lurkdom!)

BlueCastle said...

It's lovely and looks so feminine, yet comfortable. One of my favorite outfits was a skirt and blouse made out of a pair of linen curtains I found at a garage sale for $2. :) Fabric is fabric, no matter what it's made into.

Laura {{* *}} said...

A lovely, modest proposal Anna.
You've shown us that a pouf has it's place in our wardrobe ~
enduring through the years of feminine fashion.

For what must we see every shape & curve of a woman?

I join the onward and outward throng!

{{* *}}

Sharon said...

Beautiful Anna! You are so talented and creative. I love seeing your creations.

comcast.net said...

I found your beautiful blog a few weeks ago.

Please share with us the source for your gorgeous blouse.

l.ann said...

Oh how I wish I knew how to sew - how inspiring your cute little outfit is - and who would have thought such cuteness could come from ~linens~ I have so much fabric that I have found here, there, anywhere - with such plans, but no knowledge of what to do with it.

Do you give online sewing lessons ;o)?

Libby said...

This is gorgeous. What a lovely ensemble, from the pattern to the colors you've chosen. You're very creative. :-)

Kat said...

How beautiful!
That's just what I've been needing...

Caroline said...

I love the poufiness!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!! I think you look lovely in the blouse! So CUTE!!

reabri

Anonymous said...

Could you please tell me what pattern you used?

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

This is such a lovely outfit!

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