A Second Peter Pan Collar Shirt

Here\’s my second variation on Simplicity 4888, a blouse pattern from c. 1963.

I have been bombarding you with so many white blouses because I often find myself wearing handmade skirts with cheap (but comfy) knit tee shirts from Target. This is a super versatile style that means I can easily step that go-to combination up a notch. Also I have a lot of white fabric available to chop up, so until I tackle knits, this is what you\’re going to get. You have seen a first peter pan collar blouse here (Butterick 3324), and then the first version of Simplicity 4888 here, and now this second version. Thanks to all these versions, I think I\’ve managed to create a nice go-to blouse pattern.

Now that I have my pattern fitting better, my first two shirts will probably be tossed (after I rescue the buttons). I stocked up on shirt buttons at Joann\’s so I can play around with this pattern, but I know it can be boring to see the same thing over and over even if they are super useful to make (Renfrews, I\’m looking at you) so I wont blog a million of them, I promise.

My issue with Butterick 3324 was tightness across the back, which I think is a lot better in this pattern (it probably helps that while the Butterick was a 30 bust, this one is a 32). It looks a little snug there but I think it\’s just how I have my arms.

And do you recognize my shorts? We\’ve been having terrible weather (you can see the patch of icy slush I\’m standing on) but it was warmer when I took these photos so I decided to wear my me-made shorts (looking not quite so short over tights)!

For this second version, I did a 1/2 inch SBA. The pattern is definitely designed for someone who is either much more well endowed than I, or wearing a different style of undergarment, or (quite possibly) both. My SBA ended up eliminating the bust dart entirely, which is a little unnerving, but I double checked an RTW top I have and it had not bust darts either, so I plowed on.

Here you can see version one on the left (straight from the packet, no modifications)

and version two on the right (1/2 inch SBA).

I think I like the pointed flat collar better, what do you think?

Turns out that this shirt has like NO SHAPE without bust darts–the side seams are totally straight. A Granville this is not! I decided to cut the whole blouse body as one, pinning the front and back pattern pieces together at the side seam. Since I\’ve been french seaming these shirts, this saves me 4 seams and some pressing. If you do this, just remember to mark where the bottom of the armscye is so you know where to match your sleeve seam to! I also sheared 5/8 inch off of the sleeve cap height. No more puff sleeves! I just did this by feel and it seemed to work out, but I probably ought to do it properly and make a new pattern piece for more consistency going forward.

I\’m tickled by the fact that my go-to 50\’s dress is the ever-popular Project Runway pattern, Simplicity 2444 and this blouse pattern is Simplicity 4888, twice 2444! I suppose next I\’ll have to make Simplicity 1222–Girls\’ Frozen Coronation Day Anna & Elsa costumes! …or maybe not.

Have you ever picked a pattern because of lucky numbers or anything?
My favorites numbers are 13 & 42; if I found a pattern numbered 1342 (or 4213), I think I\’d have to check it out at least 🙂

xoxo

ps: american readers stay warm during all these cold fronts and snowstorms! southern hemisphere readers, spend some time in the sun for all of us snow day sewers stuck inside!

Comments

Laura says

February 25, 2015 at 10:26 pm

This looks really great! It's so nice when you find something you can make which you can also fit right into your day to day outfits. I say, looking longingly at my wardrobe of impractical dresses!
diana massey says

February 27, 2015 at 2:30 pm

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
diana massey says

February 27, 2015 at 2:30 pm

This blouse looks very nice on you. I believe that the pointed flat collar looks less school uniform to me than the peterpan. If the fabric was a fun color or print I don't think it would be as reminiscent of a school uniform to me even with the peterpan. Looks great! Excited to see all the versions to follow.