Sewing Vintage: Vogue 9643 Blouse

One of my personal goals for this year was to start sewing more things for myself and blog about it. I really love vintage patterns and find it so enjoyable sewing in a more vintage style. For instance, no one sews zippers in the side seams anymore, but when you look at a vintage pattern it will often instruct you to insert side seam zippers. I'm also a little bit (a lot) obsessed with the 1960's and have found some really fabulous patterns from this era. My favorite are by McCall's and Vogue from the early to mid 1960's. I'm not sure why except the illustrations from these two companies are absolutely fabulous. I just can't get enough of them!

Last week I was searching for blouse patterns and came upon this wonderful Vogue pattern. I got it in the mail a few days ago and as I had just finished an order, I decided to take a day off and sew this blouse for myself. It's good to give yourself a break now and then and sew something fun! I decided not to do any alterations and just see how it would turn out. I know that size 12/32 usually fits me well so I took a chance. I think it turned out rather nice! I could probably take in a half an inch at the bust/neck and back, but it's not bad. It's nice that there's room for movement since it is a woven shirt with no stretch. I also added in a side lap zipper. I haven't inserted this type of zipper in a long time! I used a vintage zipper I had on hand although it doesn't match the fabric perfectly, but I don't really mind. That's why I made a lap zipper so it wouldn't show. 

A little tip on using vintage patterns: I really recommend you trace the pattern and try to not use the original tissue pattern to cut out your garment. It doesn't take long and tracing gives you a chance to get to "know" your pattern better. I do this for all patterns I use anyway. 

Finally, after trying on the blouse, I realized the neckline was fairly wide and there was no way I could wear a bra without the straps showing. So I sewed in some snaps and a piece of bias tape I made. It's so easy to do and solves the problem perfectly! I love a wide neckline like this and hate wearing strapless bras for everyday garments. 

I hope you enjoy these pictures and perhaps it will inspire you to sew more vintage clothing for yourself! I already have several more patterns lined up to sew for my spring/summer wardrobe! Happy sewing!

Pattern: Vogue 9643 (copyrighted 1961) 

Fabric: Printed cotton lawn made in Japan (I was able to squeeze out this top with the tiny bit of fabric I had left, not quite a yard!)

Time: Afternoon to evening, about 5-6 hours or so.

P.S. I used sponge rollers for my hair. It's been my regular style for the past few weeks and I love how easy it is. Let me know if anyone would like to see a tutorial for this!