The Armistice Blouse from Folkwear Patterns

From the time period around World War I, two items I inherited from my Grandmother. I never knew her, she passed in March 1919 from the Spanish Flu.

Many patterns in this category (historical recreations) do not reveal design lines with much detail. On this one, I see shoulder adjustments, via gathering or pleats, side seams that can be widened or narrowed, and the possibility of adding a bust dart. That little front panel, that buttons on the left side is just ripe for decoration. That could be lace, embroidery, pin tucks etc. and I plan to do that. Bodice length, as well as sleeve length, are not out of bounds. One thing I have discovered on these patterns is the bicep size often needs to be adjusted for me. My shoulders are small, from there, well, all kinds of things happen! I want to make this blouse to wear this brooch.

Fanny's initials. Different documents state that her middle initial was M. another one D. I have no idea. The last name is Gallagher. There is no living relative who can clarify this.

It doesn't get more classic than this. This period of time, shortly before or after WWI was a turning point in women's fashions. I looked at this pattern some time ago and passed on it. Jumping back into garment sewing is something of a challenge. I resumed a few years ago, enjoyed it but then the quilt fabrics were calling my name again.

The back of the locket holds a little diamond chip.


Reviews for this pattern are limited but all positive. When I am researching a pattern I study the line drawings. First just for design and second for opportunities for adjustments. I am rather dismayed that most modern patterns are essentially blocks. Blouses are two pieces and a sleeve, often no darts or fitting lines. And therein lies the difficulty for an older woman, with a changing skeletal configuration. I will play, adjust, try but not sure if I will make it to wear. We will see.

The inside, empty. There are some signs of wear so something was in there at one time.
 
Fabrics. I am on the hunt through the stash as well as online. The stash is significant and I will most certainly muslin this shirt. I am excited. 

• I have been studying the era, the styles, those who costume, and recreate as well. Laugh not sewing sisters but I am also scanning the Downton Abbey episodes depicting this era for ideas. Golly, I am surely living in the wrong time!
• One, well, two interpretations of this pattern, HERE!

• This was the era of my Mother's Mother. She was way ahead of her time. The only daughter of a landed Irish Farmer, she was one of the first certified teachers in Western Pa. She marched in parades fighting for the women's right to vote.  She died in 1919 of the Spanish Flu shortly after the both of two children, my mother who lived to be 96 years old and a boy, Jennings, who passed shortly after his Mother.  
• I have a few photos of her in smart clothing, hair poufed up as a Gibson girl, and a Mona Lisa smile.  My mother gave me two pieces of jewelry that belonged to her. A locket and a brooch. They are cherished possessions.