Simplicity 5441 View Four.

I found some time today and some perfect fabric to make the retro simplicity 5441 blouse.

I got the fabric at Fabricland in a remnant bin for two dollars. I still have just enough fabric left to line a handbag or hem a pair of capris.

I decided to duplicate the original pattern pieces and use the duplicates instead of damaging the original pattern. This way I don't need to feel bad about cutting up a pattern that has made it whole through several decades. The original pattern pieces remain uncut and without pin marks in their original factory folds.

I marked my pattern pieces by sewing through them very loosely with contrasting embroidery floss right through the pattern and all the fabric pieces at the same time.

Then I cut the top loops of the floss.

Then separated the fabric pieces by snipping the threads in between the layers.

The pattern instructions are very easy to follow and I didn't have any problems with construction. Everything went as planned.

I really do love this fabric. It has just the right amount of glitter and it's light enough to wear on the most sweltering of summer days.

The finished shirt front. I didn't know if I was going to add the collar or not until the very end. I'm glad I did. The collar is my favorite part. The shirt is a little tight around my hips but I'm ok with that because I'm slowly shedding the extra plumpness. It should be long gone before vacation time. Mom suggested maybe making side slits on the next shirt.

The back buttons turned out much better than I expected. I did make them closer together than the pattern called for. I added two extra buttons. What do you guys think? Should I wear it with a skirt or capris?