It’s now actually, completely done! Since my last post, I bought some new buttons, sewed the button-holes, attached the buttons and made the hooks & eyes for the collar. I also managed to make some better pictures. So I can now present the front:
And the finished back!
The buttonholes were sown by hand. Mostly because I don’t trust my sewing machine. It has an automatic buttonhole function, but depending on the nr. of layers it needs to sew through it makes the hole smaller or bigger, which is not helpful. I also find I like the look of hand-sewn buttonholes much more, and it’s a relaxing exercise. The collar closes with hooks and eyes, because buttons in the thin lace wouldn’t work.
I’m still really happy with how the lace work turned out, so some more pictures, because it’s so pretty!
Finally, a shot of the inside where you can see the hem and the french seams (this one is on the lining). If you look closely, you can also see where I attached the lining to the main blouse on this (side) seam.
I also managed to get some pictures of the blouse worn! No detail shots, because that’s difficult when taking photos of yourself. I wore a short skirt which sort-of has the right silhouette and a modern belt, but it does the job of showing the silhouette. It has a slight pigeon-breast effect, exactly as it should have!
Apologies for the awkward pose in this image, but this picture shows off the silhouette best. I love how the width of the blouse helps to make the waist look small.
And one more, just because I liked the picture.
Some statistics:
Fabric: White cotton
Pattern: Wearing History Edwardian blouse, with extra width added to the upper sleeve
Year: ca. 1906
Notions: Antique bobbin lace, modern bobbin lace, bias tape (to finish the edges on the lining), buttons and hooks & eyes
How historically accurate is it: I’d say pretty good. The pattern fits, as do most of the materials. I did use polyester thread and I suspect the buttons are also plastic. I also inserted the lace by machine, which probably would’ve been done by hand at the time.
Hours to complete: Around 2 days.
Atelier Nostalgia 
Oh my gosh, I love everything about your blouse, especially the lace insets. 🙂 And it looks absolutely stunning together with the white skirt.
Thanks! It’s really too bad the skirt is polyester and stops at the knee, but it worked well for the photo ;). My current plan is a tartan skirt, but I might just have to make a white cotton one as well for summer wear 😉
I wouldn’t have guessed it was only that short. 😉 And why not make both skirts? I’m sure each will look lovely. 🙂
This is so lovely! The lace insertion is just perfect. A great inspiration for my coming project of sewing a 1912’s blouse.
Thank you! And good luck on your project!