A shirtwaist is the original name for what we would call a blouse today. They are usually for summer wear, and are unlined and unboned and come in a vast array of styles. They can be made of any light weight fabric. Shirtwaists start to become popular in the early 1890s and become even more so throughout the next few decades, and are a staple for the working woman and the fashionable woman alike. It can be worn tucked into the skirt, or over the skirt, as desired.
For these shirtwaists, the center front is cut on the straight of grain, and is closed with buttons. The sleeve is the Large Mutton Sleeve popular in 1893-94. The collar is a stand-and-fall that looks particularly nice with a four-in-hand tie, similar to the men's ties of the period. The body portion is gathered to fit a waistband, with a peplum attached to the same waistband. The peplum can be omitted, if desired, to create a Spencer Waist. View A(left) has a plain front, and View B(right) has a front yoke with gathers at the center portion of the yoke.
For this pattern, please disregard any attempt at standard sizing. Everyone is unique in body type and size, and Truly Victorian has come up with a totally different way of managing patterns. Included are comprehensive directions on how to size and adjust this pattern for a good fit. Although they can't fit everyone, they have tried to do some of the guess work for you. These methods are a little different than what you may be used to, so please read them carefully, before cutting out pattern pieces. It is strongly advisable to make a mockup of the blouse, before cutting out your fashion fabric, to check fit. All of the bodice seams are true to the era, and it is designed to fit snugly over a corset. All sizes are included in the package.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bust | 30" | 32" | 34" | 36" | 38" | 40" | 42" | 44" | 46" | 48" | 50" | 52" | 54" | 56" |
Waist | 22" | 24" | 26" | 28" | 30" | 32" | 34" | 36" | 38" | 40" | 42" | 44" | 46" | 48" |
44" wide Fabric | 3 7/8 yards |