I'm delighted to have my friend and wonderful stitcher Handmade Jane here today, as we delve further into July's #VintagePledge Extravaganza. Jane has an enviable signature style which is fuss-free and undeniably chic, with a cheeky twist of vintage for good measure.
This is Woman’s Own mail order pattern 5003 from 1961. The pattern is for two different summer tops: a wrap top that can be made with or without sleeves or a boxy top with shoulder ties. By happy coincidence, I bought the pattern from #VintagePledge’s Kerry when she was having a destash earlier this year!
I absolutely love the envelope illustration! Both tops are quite timeless designs, and I could easily see the two styles slotting seamlessly into my wardrobe. The pattern also seemed relatively easy to make, so a nice easy sew for summer.
To make it, I used one metre of Liberty Tana Lawn - Lilac in red, fusible interfacing, thread.
I made blouse B: a simple sleeveless tank with bust darts, slightly shaped side seams and a cute, notched bottom edge. The blouse also has separate shoulder ties/bows.
The pattern was for a size 36 bust and the overall fit was pretty good. The only small changes I made were to lower the bust darts by an inch and add 1½ inches to the overall length. The instructions were brief, but perfectly clear and the whole top sewed together quickly. The neckline and armholes were given a lovely clean finish with an all-in-one facing – very satisfying!
The shoulder ties are supposed to be threaded through buttonholes made in the shoulder facings. Sadly my buttonhole foot isn’t working at the minute, so I just knotted the bows around each shoulder instead – they seem to be working fine so far!
The shoulder ties are supposed to be threaded through buttonholes made in the shoulder facings. Sadly my buttonhole foot isn’t working at the minute, so I just knotted the bows around each shoulder instead – they seem to be working fine so far!
The blouse has more of a boxy shape than I’m used to, but I still really like it. My favourite part is the shoulder ties - they give an otherwise plain pattern a lovely vintage twist.
Overall it’s a perfect little blouse for summer and I’m sure I’ll make at least one more version. I’d love to try the sleeveless wrap style as well.
Extremely chic little top for summer. The ties really make the look super cute and fun! Love it!!!!
ReplyDeletethis is so cute! i love the little front split too!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to see this pattern being made into such a lovely top. The fabric is beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteIt's very pretty! I don't have this pattern, but I'm thinking the Colette Sorbetto pattern might be altered into something similar.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for asking me to be involved Marie. It was a pleasure to take part and I love my little top! Can't wait to see all the other vintage makes. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great summer top!
ReplyDeleteI love it - it's such a sweet little top with those shoulder ties, and the colours are lovely on you :).
ReplyDeleteThat is super cute! I want to fly to England and steal this from your house while you're sleeping, heehee.
ReplyDeleteAhhh! This is so sweet and so Jane!
ReplyDeleteThis is so perfectly you, I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love this top! And I'm down the rabbit hole now as I need that fabric!
ReplyDeleteIt is as you say timeless. I love the top and have a similar girls pattern from the 1950's with ties at the shoulders and a gathered skirt at the bottom, it is making me want to dig it out. Jo x
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely. The colour really suits you!
ReplyDeleteI love the shape of this - I wish it could be reissued. And now I've spotted that fabric in navy.......
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric and I think this looks gorgeous! I'm more into the 30s-50s patterns so it's great to see a 60s pattern sewn and see how great it looks. I love the bows on the shoulders, so cute! XxxX
ReplyDeleteSo cute! It looks very put together, but easy to wear :) I could use something like this in my closet. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove your top and the pattern, I could do with both styles in my summer wardrobe
ReplyDeleteSo lovely! I would make 5 of those tops and wear them every day,
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