This is item number 3 in my vintage challenge, so by my reckoning I am producing one a month, even though my pledge is to produce 5 garments this year – I always like to under promise and over deliver 🙂
This blouse pattern is McCalls 5512 from 1970. It was innovative back then in that it had 3 sizes in the one pattern allowing the maker to move between sizes.
Even though this is a vintage pattern, it has a fairly modern vibe with the little raglan sleeves which don’t close the armhole, just visible in the first photo.
I couldn’t resist posing at our local museum, with the local constabulary!
The fabric is a panel which I bought as a remnant from Potter’s Textiles. When I got it home and had a good look at it, I wondered why I had bought it, so ugly! I’ve had it on the cutting table with monotonous regularity and just couldn’t bring myself to make it into anything. I toyed with the idea of donating it to the local op shop, and in the end I thought I’d use it to make a muslin of this blouse. Then I kind of fell in like with it!
My favourite part though is the back view
I was pretty pleased with my pattern matching down the centre back, particularly as the back seam is curved, and the way I managed to get the dots on the sleeves and the collar.
The collar is much bigger than it appears on the pattern envelope, but I’m coming to terms with that.
Given that I’m stashbusting I decided to not buy buttons, instead fossicking through my button stash, which is considerable. In the end I chose the turquoise buttons that were in my Mother’s stash. I had wanted orange, so wasn’t certain about the blue, but actually I quite like them.
Pattern is McCalls 5512, from 1970
Fabric is a panel remnant from Potter’s Textiles
Buttons from my Mother’s stash
Jeans are Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, previously reworked
I agree Sue, I love the back view you have done an incredible job. Love the blouse and colours on you.
Amazing! With all the great patterning I would have never noticed the size of the collar. Glad I found and joined the Facebook group so I could see this!
Thank you Nancy 😊
Looks really good !!
I notice in the photo looking across the date palms to the river the house previously owned and occupied by Alan Bond-it has a copper roof
M
I love the way you’ve used the patterns on your shirt. I bet you’re glad that this fabric has finally been used up. What a great shirt!
Thank you Andrea, so pleased it’s out of the cupboard!
Oh my goodness, that back is AWESOME!
Yes, I was thrilled, I am usually so bad at pattern matching.
Beautifully made and great fit! Ditto Angela’s comment re the back…looks fab
Thanks Rachel!
i would have loved to have ssen the panel before it was cut. I would have totally overlooked that fabric (for something plain and boring), yet you have made it into a designer summer shirt!!!
After you pointed it out :), i had a close look at the collar. I like it and I think because it sits flat, it looks right!
Yes, kicking myself that I didn’t take a photo. I didn’t expect the blouse to work out this well.
looks fabulous and the back is amazing
yes, so happy with the back…