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Monday, March 12, 2012

Dressing Downton: Edith's and Sybil's How did that get there? Blouse

My latest Dressing Downton project has been to reproduce this lovely blouse worn by Sybil:

Getting a ride to Rippen

And Edith:

  Sisters: Season 2 

I used a lovely watercolor print for the main fabric and a lavender fabric for the cuff and collar detail.


I took my styling cue from Edith and paired it with a high waisted black pencil skirt. This was partially because it was a bit short to wear with pants but also because the shape was horribly unflattering when untucked.


Can you say boxy? So not flattering on my body shape. Tucking in is a must!

I drafted this from Colette Pattern's Sorbetto and Butterick 5559 (sleeves). I also drafted the contrast pieces. I saved myself from any facing/hemming by sewing the contrast on right side of contrast to wrong side of fabric and then flipping it to the outside. I pressed the seam allowance on the other edge of the contrast so all I had to do was press the sewn seam and slip stitch the floppy edge down. Easy and pretty.

I suspect this blouse would have been more flattering with underarm gussets so there wouldn't be so much fabric hanging around. I think I'll end up taking in the sides of the blouse near the waist to give a more flattering shape. It won't be as true to the original but that's ok with me.

10 comments:

  1. Congrats on completing your blouse. It does look so nice with your pencil skirt:)

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  2. Ooh, it came out really lovely!

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  3. This is AMAZING! I absolutely adore the rich colors of the fabric. With the pencil skirt, it kind of looks a little Mad Men as well!

    Also, I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award. If you're interested--and you're so not obligated to play along--feel free to check out the details on my blog http://retrorabbithole.blogspot.com

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  4. This blouse is so pretty, I was wondering are you going to sew long dresses like Downton and wear them? Or are you wanting to make things similar with a modern flare to wear? Or are these things for you a just for fun item? What are your thoughts on this? Would you consider doing a post on how these beautiful things could be incorporated into everyday living, if you are going that direction. I would love to know more.

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    1. I am planning on doing some reproduction type pieces for everyday wear, some costumier pieces for Costume College and then some more inspired pieces for everyday wear too. I'd love to do a post on translating these pieces to more wearable garments!

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  5. Nice. :) Good job.

    Blast it I must get started on mine... So many projects!

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  6. Lovely! The blouse is so cute.

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  7. Wonderful! I'd been thinking of making something inspired by this blouse myself. Don't you just love the colors that the costumers gave to Sybil in the first season?

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