So here it is, in all of its 1980s shoulder-padded dolman glory. And if you think this is hilarious—
Look at this:
But in my time-warped way, I still kinda love it. Just not enough to wear it in public.That's OK. It got its fair share of wearing, and then some, back in 1985 or whenever it was I bought it. (And it's not shiny, like it looks in these pics. Weird how photos change some fabrics.) My personal color palette hasn't changed much since then either, which makes sense since *I* am still the same color, give or take a little gray and some wrinkles, and much smaller hair.
Here's a couple more shots, one showing the deep pleats on the side front.
And the other showing what a pain in the @ss it was to get in and out of this thing, plus the sleeves also had three small buttons up each to give it that very fitted look at my wrists. But the fabric (silk) is still in great condition. The whole blouse looks brand new. Well, except for that 1980s thing it has going on.
Moving ahead to 2011, I present the HP Pussycat muslin. This is a straight 16, except for the sleeves. I had to add 2" to those, but they sewed in with no easing required. Yay Trudy!
I think the only "alterations" I'm going to do are (1) add some length at the bottom, (2) add a little extra length under the bust on the upper bodice, and (3) take some ring out of the bell sleeves. Hah. I slay myself. Or, I might just elasticate the wrists and call it done. The neckline isn't as low as the pattern illustration (but since when do those HP drawings ever ring entirely true? Ring! Hah. Get it?), but I really don't feel like altering it so it's going to stay as drafted, at least in this version.
I'm going to cut the good stuff right after dinner and maybe I'll have a new blouse by bedtime.
Debbie, you are looking so healthy and happy!! Love the fabric of the 80s blouse.
ReplyDeleteThe 80s called and they want their blouse back...hehehehe! Hope you get some good sewing done...a new outfit on Monday morning is always a good thing!
ReplyDeleteToo funny! I actually like the shape of that blouse - minus the big 80s shoulder pads. I'd forgotten about those horrible back button blouses!
ReplyDeleteI thought you were going to say, "And she said, 'Get away from her, you B****!'"
ReplyDeleteI have a very soft place in my heart for dohlman sleeve blouses. Lurve (!) the Pussycat blouse on you. It will be fab.
Hope you get to enjoy some quality sewing time this weekend. Glad the muslin worked out so easily.
ReplyDeleteI love the HP blouse. How did you pick your size? Upper bust, or full bust? TIA, I want to make this now that I have seen you in it. Maybe if I make it too I will lose all those extra pounds and look as good as you!! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAndi
Love that!! haha I totally loved the 80s hehe.
ReplyDeleteI started following your blog a few weeks ago and I have to ask,, what are you doing to lose that weight so fast!! You are looking great!
Love the 80s blouse!
ReplyDeleteThe HP blouse looks like it has great potential. But so does the 80s number. It's fun to see the shoulder pads, but can you take them out and really try it on? I bet you could wear it as is. It's good for your shoulders to do those buttons :-), and besides you can just undo some at the top to put it on.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you removed the shoulder pads, if there would be a way of wearing this blouse now. The line of it isn't that bad but the shoulder pads... cringe... I used to wear them too and the big earings in solid colours...
ReplyDeleteI really like the HP blouse. It's very flattering. I made a muslin a while ago and it was just huge. I need to revisit it because it's cute as can be!
ReplyDeleteI think you look good in that 80's top. Looks like great fabric. I think the muslin for HP top looks good.
ReplyDeleteYou are looking fabulous--even in the 80's shoulder pads! Thanks for modeling for us.
ReplyDeleteThe 80's blouse is right in style now. But nowadays it would be made in a knit fabric. I think you should wear it with some sexy cage heels!
ReplyDeleteLove the skirt pattern, hope to see it on you soon. The blouse, a 16, congrats on such a huge success.
ReplyDeleteoops, the last comment was from me Laceflower, my DH had his account still open.
ReplyDeleteLF
You are looking great. The 80's blouse, not so much. The Hot Patterns blouse makes you look much trimmer.
ReplyDeleteThe pussycat blouse looks great! I may have to dig my pattern out and try it. I made some of the patterns when they first came out and had alot of fitting issues, so haven't even tried that one. I think I may have to give it another look.
ReplyDeleteOMG, Working Girl! I loved that movie so hard back in the day. I'll have to rent it again soon.
ReplyDeleteThe HP muslin looks great! Good luck with that one.
I had a very similar blouse - purple - back in the 80s. I actually loved my clothes back then - wish I still had some of them!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteI sewed a very similar blouse to this in the 80's except it was a lovely blue poly micro-fibre type fabric. It was my first experience with dryer spots from fabric softener sheets ;( Took all kinds of trouble to get the darn greasy spots out and by then I couldn't look at the darn thing. Besides the high neck made me feel strangled! Memories!