I was lucky to pick up a lovely vintage pattern from Kestrel Finds and Makes at the Crafters’ Celidih. I was quite excited because at the time I didn’t own a vintage pattern. They intimidated me (and still do!) so I stayed clear from them. But I like a challenge and this pattern is proving to be a nice one. When reading the directions I felt as though I was deciphering a puzzle, jumping from one direction to another. I experienced a few hiccups (more due to the delicate cotton voile I was using) but I managed to put the blouse together.
With the muslin almost done I feel as though the shirt is reminiscent of a bowling shirt.
But I am not one to give up. I managed to grade this bad boy up quite a bit (from a bust size 40 to 44). And I am quite relieved that I don’t have a lot of adjustments to make to the pattern.
But I am left wondering, lace or no lace? I’m thinking matching the lace and fabric more appropriately might help it look less bowling-ish. Maybe? If I go sans lace the lovely tucks in the blouse will show, which I’d prefer. And well, it’ll guarantee that I won’t look like I am off to compete for my bowling league.
Pincushion Treats 
Good job grading up the pattern!!!! If you stick with the black I would probably just have the lace on the cuffs. If you go with a color closer to the coral than I can see that looking less bowling shirt-like.
LikeLike
I agree…it would likely look less bowling shirt if you only had the lace in one place – rather than both on the cuffs and down the front. I do like the idea of using lace on a shirt like this though, and the pink is quite pretty! 🙂
LikeLike
I agree with this as well. Lace on the cuffs sounds good, and it will allow you to show the tucks as well!
The blouse looks great, contratulations.
LikeLike
Thank you. I was quite happy that it fit as well as it did. Hoping the changes I want to make will make it a keeper.
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Thanks. Somethimes my grading works and sometimes it doesn’t 🙂 I’m still learning.
I didn’t consider leaving the lace on the cuffs. Thanks!
LikeLike
I think it’s cute in a whimsical bowling shirt kind of way, but hey, what do I know, I own the shoes in the bowling picture!? I like the lace…
LikeLike
I like the saddle shoes 🙂
I imagine the lace working better if I took in the sides a bit. Now, that’s a thought.
LikeLike
I vote for no lace, because I want to see the tucks!
LikeLike
I’m excited to see the finished product, I’m leaning towards no lace, but that might just be because of the colors.
LikeLike
Lace on the cuffs is nice. I agree about showing the tucks.
Great job in grading up.
Or leave it and go bowling! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh yay, so glad you made it up! I think either tucks or a lace closer to the fabric colour. Well done on your foray into vintage patterns too 🙂
LikeLike
I vote no on the lace, but I still think it looks good!
LikeLike
Thank you! I may play around with the lace and another fabric. A bold print perhaps.
LikeLike
Wow, you’ve done an excellent job grading this! I love the lace round the cuffs, but maybe it would look less bowling-like if the front lace was a colour more similar to the shirt.
LikeLike
Thank you Marie! I wish I was always consistent in my grading. Maybe I’m getting better? Hopefully!
LikeLike
I kinda like the nod to the bowling shirt! A feminine twist on a classic.
LikeLike
I am liking it a lot more now that I’ve attached buttons. I think it’s definitely wearable.
LikeLike
I agree…it’s really cute with a retro feel.
LikeLike
Well I wouldn’t have made the bowling shirt connection! To me it looks like a really funky vintage-inspired blouse… that I wouldn’t have thought of wearing with jeans because my brain would have shouted at me to wear a skirt and it would have gone way too sugary! I would keep the lace. Otherwise it is “just” a simple pink blouse – a very nice one, but THIS version makes me look twice! Great fit!!!
LikeLike
Super cute, hun!
LikeLike
I wouldn’t have made the connection between the bowling shirt either! I think that it is funky and fun! I think that letting the tucks show and just adding bits of lace to the sleeve cuffs and the collar would be really cute too. Pattern grading is tricky (I struggle with it also) but it looks like you did a nice job!
LikeLike
Great grading as always- & for it to be your first vintage pattern, that’s great – not such a big deal after all is it?! But I remember being scared just like you…..
As for the pattern – ADORE – I am particularly taken by the 3/4 flounced sleeves…. anyway, ahem, back to yours, I too wouldn’t have made the bowling connection! I like the pink & the black lace does funk it up, doesn’t it. However I’m not sure how much lace, I think I’d sew to cuffs & then see if I wanted it on the front as well, decide after that.
LikeLike
Melizza, the colour of your new blouse is lovely! I reckon leave the lace on the cuffs, but not the blouse itself. *Maybe* add some to the collar (it might look funny though).
Ooh, what about along the bottom of the blouse? Too much?
I am so impressed that you looked your fear in the eye and sewed up a vintage pattern AND that you graded it up – I have two that I’m too scared to do that with…. I should follow your inspiring lead!
LikeLike
Good job, Its so vintage and still quite modern. I love the lace, it makes the blouse
LikeLike