1944 Perfect Summer Shirt

Flashback Summer:  1944 Perfect Summer Shirt (Simplicity 1093)

Flashback Summer:  1944 Perfect Summer Shirt (Simplicity 1093)

Flashback Summer:  1944 Perfect Summer Shirt (Simplicity 1093)

(Before trying out a pattern, I always like to see if I can find a real made-up version of it.  Hopefully this will be helpful to some of you!)

I just adore this 1944 blouse pattern (Simplicity 1093) that I got from this Etsy shop.
I made the scoop neck short sleeve/sleeveless version (there aren't technically any sleeve pieces, no worries) that is in the bottom right corner of the pattern envelope, view 4.  It has two main pattern pieces with a snap enclosure on the side.  The blouse is pouffier at the top, but it is fitted around the waist for easy tucking (as you can see in the picture below).

Flashback Summer:  1944 Perfect Summer Shirt (Simplicity 1093)

It's a fairly simple pattern that is a breeze to resize because of its blousey fit, and I can definitely envision the nearly endless ways of easily personalizing and altering it with different necklines, trims, buttons, etc., and it's also really comfortable!  (I made it in cotton, and it's just perfect for warm days!) 


Flashback Summer:  1944 Perfect Summer Shirt (Simplicity 1093)

Flashback Summer:  1944 Perfect Summer Shirt (Simplicity 1093)

Flashback Summer:  1944 Perfect Summer Shirt (Simplicity 1093)

Things you should know about this pattern, however:
- The pattern doesn't have any lines or writing on it, only punched holes to mark different places (as is normal for older patterns, I discovered).  Personally, I actually liked this a lot better.
- The pattern pieces will require altering if you're any other measurements than the middle size because there are no lines marking different sizes like modern patterns have.  (I'm not very good at sizing, but I still found this simple to do because of the bloused fit.)
- Lastly, though there are instructions, they do make assumptions that you have certain sewing knowledge (like putting in a zipper), and it doesn't include a facing pattern piece for the scoop neck option.  It simply says to "make a bias facing."

For that, I used a tutorial to make my own bias tape (I didn't realize it was so simple!), and another to learn how to do a bias binding on curves (like the shirt's neckline).  It really wasn't too difficult once I got my mind wrapped around the concept!

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this pattern to you 40s lovers!  It's simple, period-normal design and fit is brilliant for the warm summer days coming up!

9 comments

  1. I really like it! The pattern sounds quite easy to follow, although perhaps one for me to work up to, considering my complete lack of sewing knowledge. I really want to learn, I wish it was a skill I had!

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  2. Terrifically cute shirt! Really, does fashion come any more darling than a rickrack bow? I rather think not! :) Fantastic work, dear gal!

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. I know, right?! The original pattern had that rickrack bow, and I thought it was so cute that I'd try it first before doing any other changes to the pattern!

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  3. Totally adorable! I have a similar 1940s blouse pattern that I really love to sew. Those no-sleeve types are the best and they're really easy to re-size too. Im going to hunt this pattern down!

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    1. Exactly why I liked this one, easy resizing and no sleeves! (Unless I want to add them with the other options.) Woohoo!

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  4. This pattern was actually rereleased as an 85th Anniversary pattern! Pattern #1692.

    http://www.simplicity.com/p-8463-misses-1940s-vintage-tops.aspx

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    1. Wow, well look at that! It's probably got different sizing and more instructions with the new one; that's a great option!

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  5. Hello, Emileigh! I was so inspired by your blouses made with Simplicity 1093 that I simply had to include you in my post on that pattern. I hope that is okay! I included links to your original posts. The post is here: http://midvalevintagepost.blogspot.com/2014/09/one-pattern-many-blouses-inspired-1940s.html

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