"Make-Not-Buy" Challenge - TOPS

Hello there! Have you missed me? Posting has been a little difficult recently as I've been working crazy hours with hardly a second to myself and the show has now opened too, but I have found time to plan what I want to do next for my "Make-Not-Buy" Challenge!

As you may remember from my last post I wanted to plan everything that I'd like to make in this challenge, as hopefully by planning I can also manage my time better and therefore get more done, so more clothes for me hurrah! The first of my groups (of which I have tops, trousers, skirts, dresses, knitting, vintage revamps and lingerie) to get the detailed planning treatment is tops.

Now when it comes to tops I'm usually a bit vague about what it is that I like! I spent the majority of my childhood living in t-shirts, and although they're easy and comfortable they just don't appeal to me aesthetically anymore, so I wanted to mix things up and create some beautiful simple pieces that I could wear instead of t-shirts for day to day wear. You may remember my love of my vintage revamped Red Blouse, I want to create a similar style but from vintage patterns, made from scratch by me. To find some inspiration I searched for images of blouses and shirts from the 1940s and 50s, my favourite fashion eras. Here are some of the best bits:

The 40s

Found here

Found here

I love the smart, streamlined look of the 40s. Blouses were mainly quite tailored and very chic. During WWII there was only so much detailing that was allowed on blouses, so many of the patterns from that era are clean and simple whilst still being pretty. I love the button up the back detail that is quite a common feature and I'm also a big fan of the shirts that have echoes of military uniforms.

The 50s 

Found here

Found here

In contrast to the war years of the 40s, the 50s embraced a more elaborate look in a time of peace and celebration. This included exotic shapes and more detailing, for example the large collars and cuffs shown in both the images above. I love this different look and would love to find so more interesting and intricate patterns on the 50s style.

When searching for possible patterns for my Tops section of my Make-Not-Buy Challenge I found some really gorgeous ones, but the following are the lucky few to be selected. Have gander, I'm actually thrilled with the variety!

Simplicity 4556, 1940s

Doesn't this the fourth view of this Simplicity pattern look just like the picture I posted above? This blouse is beautiful, I love it both with long and short sleeves, and isn't the embroidery on view 1 adorable? I think I will start with the short sleeved version, but I can't decide whether to add a collar or not...

Hollywood Pattern 1014, 30s/40s

I love the simple lines of this blouse, it's a lovely example of fashion mirroring a smart military-esque style. I also love how views 1 and 2 have a waistcoat look to them. I like the idea of view 2 in stripes. Plus, view 3 is actual an included crochet pattern, score!

Untitled, 1950s

Isn't this 50s pattern amazing? I would make every single version of it! I definitely want to start with view 1 though, probably followed by view 3. 

McCall's Pattern, 1950s

And finally this adorable embroidered 1950s blouse. It's the perfect example of 1950s decadence in clothing, just look at all those details! Views A and B are my favourites, I'll have to start brushing up on my embroidery skills :)

And there you have it, 4 projects for the tops section of my "Make-Not-Buy" Challenge! The next part of the process will be to select fabrics and then make up a fabulous spreadsheet with all the project details so that I can monitor my progress. Isn't being organised fun?!

I can't wait to get started, but for now I have shows to do and a 12 hour drive to the next venue tomorrow morning. Wish me luck! Byeeeee!