Gertie's Bow Tied Blouse

A couple of weeks ago a VERY generous friend bought me the Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing, a book I'd had on my sewing wish list for an age. The book is fantastic! It has great detail on vintage and hand sewing techniques as well as vintage inspired patterns and variations. I wanted to try out a simple pattern to begin with to get a feel for the sizing, instructions and techniques. On Friday I sewed up Bow Tied Blouse to wear to a Melbourne sewing outing the following day.

I sewed up a straight size 6 which equates to approx one size too big in my chest but the right size at the waist and hips. I made up the shirt from a Darn Cheap lightweight cotton that wrinkles like crazy. I love the fabric and eyed it off for a while before I found it in a bargain bin and bought a few metres.

In terms of construction, I made the top up following the instructions but avoiding the vintage techniques. As this was my first attempt and I didn't both making the bound buttons holes or hand sewing the kimono sleeve and bodice hems. The only hand sewing I did was sewing on the buttons and attaching the inside collar. 

My two favourite aspects of the shirt are the bow and the button back. The bow is a separate piece of fabric which you cleverly thread through a a 'hole' between the centre front bodice top and collar.

The centre back closes with 5 buttons. I used self-covered buttons and I love them! 

I ended up adding a 6th button just below the waist. While I'm not against a little lower back flashing the lowest button stopped right on my waist and the fabric pulled out at my belly (as seen in the left photo below). By adding the 6th button below my waist the shirt sits nicer (right photo) in my opinion. 

The fit of the shirt turned out a little firm around my waist. Unfortunately I don't have a 1950's tiny waist and I don't wear belly sucking corsets, briefs or spanks. Many bloggers have said that the collar is very tight and had to widen the neckline. I found the collar firm but not uncomfortable. I noticed the shoulder seams creeping towards the front of my shoulder which might be due to the tight collar requiring more room at the front of the neck. I'll definitely be making this top again. It's such a great dress up/dress down blouse. Next time I'll be reducing the seam allowance from just below my chest down to provide just a bit more waist room. I'll also widen the neckline slightly at the front and definitely try the bound buttons holes.
 

I had a lovely time at the sewing outing. Met a few favourite Melbourne bloggers for the first time and got to know some other wonderful sewing ladies. I love shopping with others (fabrics, clothes, whatever) because I love a bit of peer pressure and enabling others purchases. From the Fabric store I bought a beautiful shiny suiting weight blue wool which is destined to become a pencil skirt. From Clear It I picked up some red Chambray (no plans) and navy drill (test pencil skirt fabric). I was too overwhelmed in Buttonmania to buy anything. I know I'll end up regretting that. Finally we went to Luccello. Wow! what an amazing store. I bought a metre of on-sale medium weight Liberty fabric. I'd never been Buttonmania or Luccello before, boy was I missing out. I can't wait to start sewing!