1940s-style cropped blouse

With this post, I'm officially starting 2011 as I intend to continue it...by sewing as much as possible without taking the fun out of it!

I'm very proud of this little number and despite its little imperfections I know I will be wearing it a lot. The pattern is for a dress which I somehow managed to convert into a cropped blouse, simply because I thought it would make a nice one! I even adapted the original closed-back to a buttoned-back instead, as I love back detail of all kinds. I'm tempted to make it up as a longer blouse too, just because I'm smitten with the sweetheart neckline!

Ironically, it's adapted from Simplicity 1598, which I started last August and have yet to finish. All it needs is a side zip and hemming...it's one of my New Year's aims!


Anyway, in 2011 I'll also be tackling an apprehension of mine. I know it's a cliche, but I really don't like being photographed, it makes me nervous and act totally unlike myself. However, I really enjoy seeing how other people's creations look on them, so I thought it's only fair that I do the same. You will have to be patient while I get used to the process though...posing really isn't helped when you're plagued with nervous giggles:



My dress form, Diana, is so much better at posing than I am:





Also on the go...wait for it...yes, it's another apron! This one is destined to be a birthday present for someone in March, can you tell that I'm eager?!?



12 comments:

  1. I don't love being photographed either, but starting to do a bunch of photography myself made it much easier for me. Somehow it changed my relationship with the camera ... it became a thing that did my bidding. :) I think that people who take regular photos of themselves just figure out their best pose and that probably helps too. It definitely helps to see sewn garments on a human body!

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  2. Thanks Andrea, as you rightly said, it should become more natural in time. I find keeping a straight face the hardest part for some reason!

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  3. Well done on the buttoned back - very cute!

    Persevere with the photos. In the short-time that I've been reading these blogs, I've realised that it's much easier to figure out what the garment actually looks like when it's on the wearer and not on the form.

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  4. Gorgeous top, and well done for getting in front of the camera - I just cant do it...

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  5. I love this pattern! It is so cute. Don't be shy about the camera because a dress/oufit always looks better on a person (sorry Diana)...even if she is covering her face :) Puts life into them.

    The apron is adobable too.

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  6. Love the top, it's fab! Modelling things I sew is something I'm dreading, supposing whatever I make is wearable. I'm going to start with a bag or belt, something small lol. Your aprons look amazing too, they are so detailed :)

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  7. Thanks to you all for your encouragment!xx

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  8. cute! You could put a peplum or ruffle in the polkadot fabric around the bottom to add a little length. Your apron is awesome, love the heart shaped front

    I don't like photographing myself either... so I usually just cut my head off at the neck lol!! You are lovely though, and I think you have GREAT HAIR!!! I am envious! I want to cut mine short again!

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  9. Ohhh i have just found your blog via Ivy Black chat's blog. And you are a girl after my own heart. Vintage patterns, 50's inpsired aprons, 50s and 60's your the same as me ;-)) Great blog i will look forward to coming back soon. Take care Dee ;-)) x

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  10. Sarah Elaine, you've given me ideas of decapitating my photos...could be the best way forward ;o) Ironically, I'm in the process of growing my hair so it's not in great shape. It was very short before and I must say, I loved it! Maybe you can keep yours long for your wedding so it's more versatile and then chop it all off afterwards ;o)

    Delia, thanks for stopping by! It's always great to discover new blogs of like-minded people and I've enjoyed having a browse through yours!

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  11. Where do you get your patterns? by mail order?

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  12. Hi there! Most of my patterns I buy from ebay and etsy...hope this helps!

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