The other day, I was watching my season 5 DVD set of I Love Lucy…. you know, the Hollywood episodes. And as I was watching one of the episodes, Lucy wore one of my favorite outfits in the entire series. A delicious creation featuring an overskirt attached to a bodice with coordinating skinny pants.
Here is the image of it from the show, along with the original sketch by Elois Jensson:
Lucy in Palm Springs
This is truly one of those patterns that can be made in a multitude of fabrics to accommodate a variety of events and climates. You can wear it with a cardigan, by itself with a pair of cropped pants, or imagine one out of silk tucked into a pouffy circle skirt….the possibilities are truly endless.
All you need is one hour, one yard of fabric, and one great outfit is within your reach!
Happy Sewing!
The Materials:
The Pattern:
1950’s One Yard Blouse Pattern
**** Please note that the length of this blouse should be based off of your own measurements. Use this pattern as a guide while drafting your own blouse.***
The Process:
1. Start by sewing the shoulder pieces to the bodice piece of the front and the back.
**I have already snipped the back bodice piece in anticipation of the zipper. (See pattern)
2. Place the two bodice pieces on either your dress form or yourself to pin the darts.
3. Stitch the darts and trim off excess fabric.
4. Go ahead and insert the 4″ zipper on the back bodice right below the neckline.
Stitch a portion of the side seam on the side you wish to have the longer zipper. Make sure to leave 8″ to accommodate the zipper and a hem. Insert the 7″ zipper.
5. Stitch the other side seam and the shoulder seams.
6. Make a hem on the bottom of the blouse and stitch. Hem the armholes.
7. Run a gathering stitch along the neckline of the front piece. Gather gently.
8. Measure out enough bias tape for you neck along with 1/2″ to tuck under at the edges. Pin to neckline gathering up the front of the bodice as needed. Stitch making sure to catch the edges of the zipper tape in the bias tape for a clean look.
And that is all you need to have a wonderful top to take on vacation, wear in the backyard or out shopping!
I absolutely love clothes that have a subtle or slight decoration. These are the additions that can take a dress, a blouse, or a jacket to the next level. Now granted, this little number has a bow that many would not call subtle, but that is all that it has…and I love the simplicity.
This shift dress is a classic example of “I thought it out one way, and it came out a different way.” If any of you are seamstresses, you will understand what I mean. 🙂 The good thing is that I like this version much better!
I based this creation off of a picture I found in one of my 1950’s Simplicity sewing magazines. Between the size of the cream bow and the contrast it creates against the muted tones of the brown and gray print, this little dress is certainly not to be overlooked.
Nothing is particularly special about the creation of this below the knee length dress (I have attached the pattern that I have created below) except that two very large buttonholes were made in which the bow (kept stiff with interfacing) was inserted. A lot of darts helped create the shape and a 22″ zipper closes up the back.
1 square =1/2 inch
Would any of you be brave enough to pull of this look? I would do it in a heartbeat, but then I would of course worry about spilling coffee on myself! 🙂
Have a fabulous Friday everyone!
~Aimee
Part of the Free Vintage-Inspired Patterns Collection
