We’re finally done with undies and can finally look at the real clothes from my Teens costume! About half the women at the Great War Gallop used the Folkwear Armistice Blouse pattern, which was both amusing and also interesting to see how they all came out. Christina and I (in the pic above) were complete pattern twins, and used the same blouse AND skirt pattern! She made the skirt with the overlay drape, and I did the version with patch pockets. 

I actually made this blouse last summer for Costume College to wear as part of an “adventurer” outfit, but I didn’t finish my jodhpurs in time, so the blouse has gone unworn until now. My recollection of making it is a bit hazy, but I remember it going together fairly easily, and the pattern has modern step-by-step instructions. Now that I’ve spent more time researching the Teens, I believe this pattern is a modern interpretation of the period style and neither the fit nor the construction are 100% accurate, but it is very close and is accessible to a modern sewer. If you can make a modern blouse, you can make this.

As with most everything I make, there are still a few finishing details that are still unfinished! Because it’s worn tucked in, I never hemmed the bottom edge, and the back gathering is secured with a safety pin instead of the cute little belt that it’s supposed to have. I will probably eventually add the belt but never hem it.

I do wish the center panel were a little higher – it looks okay in these photos, but my chemise & slip are constantly threatening to peek out the top. And I don’t love the wide neck (which is exacerbated by my using too-heavy interfacing), but seeing that most everyone’s versions have a wide neck made me feel better about mine. But overall I’m pleased with it. I’ve wanted to make this blouse for many years!!