The polka dot top is close to done. Here is a peek at the most recent progress, which includes sewing the side seams and attaching the peplum:

I might be able to finish this weekend.

There are just a few more things to do:

❦ Put in the invisible zipper, which will involve ripping out some stitching, as previously mentioned;

❦ Add the crochet lace trim and facings to the sleeves;

❦ Sew the hem;

❦ Catch stitch the facings; and

❦ Make a matching belt with covered buckle (with a kit from A Fashionable Stitch).

And voilà! It will be done.

It fits perfectly across the bust, but the shoulders are off somehow. Mine are a bit forward, which I used to compensate for, but never found a decent way to do so for sleeves cut in one with the bodice. I also used to widen shoulders, but didn’t think I needed to do that for the larger pattern size I use now. Maybe I still do.

My next project is a loose-fitting blouse, the Sencha from Colette Patterns. Then I want to perfect a basic wide-leg pants pattern that I can make a zillion times.

But after all that, I think I’ll do another sloper (see Glossary). I haven’t done one in years. I’d like to really get a handle on the key pattern alterations I need to make for fitted tops and bodices from the Big 4. I’d like one nice woven white cotton blouse that actually fits correctly and is comfortable to wear! Such a thing is impossible to get in the stores.

It might be time to buy some gingham.

Tagged: 1950s, sewing, Simplicity 4047, vintage