An 1890's Inspired Silk Shirtwaist Blouse

[@AprilAiteen]

I keep watching these videos in the hope that by sheer osmosis, I will become a talented ( or even mediocre ) sewist. Still waiting, but loving the videos!

[@gleann_cuilinn]

don't be so dismissive to yourself… i think these videos really do help! next time you try a new challenge, you might remember that you saw Closet Historian do something similar, and maybe it will make more sense.

[@eblake3617]

Same!

[@SandraL489]

If by osmosis you mean try a few of these yourself, yes, you will become a better sewist. I'm somewhere at mediocre myself after watching everything including Patreon exclusives and just playing with some fabrics.

[@katrinkoop8444]

Also here for the science of sitting and watching someone so skilled do the thing I'm at the moment still scared to try, but soon!

[@CS-lk2ys]

Same girl!

[@elinorpercival5249]

I never usually comment on videos, but I have to give you the credit you deserve! Learning from your videos gave me the confidence to try drafting a princess seamed waistcoat and bag pattern from scratch to wear for my friend's wedding. I received some lovely comments on my outfit, and it would never have looked as good without having you on in the background reminding me to clip my curves! As I was drafting I actually muttered "tape down those floops" to myself to remember to add the right seam allowance. I'm always bowled over by the beautiful things you create, and your skill in explaining your process means I'm many steps closer to making the kind of clothes I've always wanted! Thank you for all the work you put into these videos!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elinor! I hope you had a fabulous time at that wedding ✨

[@lucyj8204]

"I want to HAVE ONE, but I don't want to SEW ONE RIGHT NOW" - strong mood. Fabulous project, thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lucy!

[@aliloucreations1817]

I’ve been here well before you got your vintage singer , I remember you getting a machine off your dad as a present , you never used it much , then you used you mums over locker for some stuff , you have been my constant favourite channel for a lot of years ❤❤❤❤❤

[@phranerphamily]

It's because of her channel that I now own a 99K which I found for 40 bucks when someone was clearing out their house. I also managed to get a feather weight in the last couple of years. I've become a Singer maniac lol

[@katecapek3116]

​@@phranerphamilyYes. The vintage black iron Singers are wonderful. A second #15 model followed me home earlier this week... (No, I didn't need yet another black iron girl.)

[@phranerphamily]

@@katecapek3116 😂😂

[@trinketsmusings]

37 minutes of peace. Thank you. 💜

[@kristinamanion2236]

The result is beautiful. I am very impressed with the side puff for the sleeves. It was fun to see how to do that.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kristina!

[@tayet6875]

It is so fun to see the fashion plates and then see you using your standard bodice block to make those shapes. I learn so much about patterning from these pattern transformation videos!! And the fabric and resulting fit is, as always, delicious and stunning.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@Ben-kv7wr]

Closet historian doing some 1890’s I had to click the notif 🏃🏻💨

[@coreygilles847]

It's so beautiful! You look fabulous in it😊

[@Leanimal]

I’m really excited for your next chapter, though I know it’s hard to make such a major change. I’ve been a nomad for 10 years, and I miss seeing familiar faces from time to time. You’ve been a comfort through the years, and I wish you all the happiness! 🖤

[@anitahebert1511]

I have one of those old buttonhole makers but I was always too terrified to use it. Now I'm thinking to give it a try.

[@suno8911]

They look scary. After a few tries you will fall in love!

[@anitahebert1511]

@@suno8911 I did, and wow! 😍

[@bellysouk]

Stunning! I Historybound every day, so it's great to see a garment that can double as daily wear and costume garb. I vote YES on the black voile insertion lace project!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@agi2711]

I would wear this for ANY occasion! Awesome!

[@melissel5648]

Your creations are always breathtaking, by which I mean they're not only gorgeous but also get me every time with something I would have not suspected or imagined. Plus the fact that your videos basically taught/and are still teaching me how to sew, your channel is such a gem, thank you 🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Melissel!

[@thomascurb9006]

Wonderful as always!🤩 It looks great on you and never apologize for your body there is nothing wrong with it!💯😤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thomas!

[@kathrynmccarthy]

I'm loving the spooky vibes. This is how to start October off right!

[@gabrieltobias951]

I Totally understand how you feel I have until the 26th to finish an evening waist coat for my tuxedo and will be traveling to look at homes the next two weeks and work my full-time job as well as travel for work during the week. You'll make it through, you got this

[@starlightone6948]

Looks very nice.❤️🇨🇦🐕

[@kjtherrick4031]

Gorgeous! I hope you get to wear this beautiful silk blouse A LOT. While househunting and buying is a very stressful endeavor, I hope you find a way to alleviate some of that stress.

[@AmyMLevy]

The blouse is lovely! I love the colors! I understand the fear of buying "sight unseen" - when we'd decided we were moving from Virginia to Kentucky (900 miles), we made the round-trip drive twice in three months to look at houses before we put in offers and neither of those ultimately worked out for us. We finally agreed to let our realtor view houses for us. A couple of weeks later, he video called with a house that had fallen through twice with previous potential purchasers because of finance issues and because we were all cash, he thought we might want to make them an all-cash, no-contingencies, 21-day-closing offer if we liked his video walk through (yes, taking advantage of desperate sellers....). Since the house ticked four of our five boxes, we made the offer for about $12K off asking, figuring that was how much we would have to spend to get that last wishlist item. Three weeks later, we closed and moved in. No regrets, but it was nerve racking figuring out what furniture would fit and what we had to get rid of before we packed up!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy! Spoiler alert: I bought sight unseen, I will make an update video when I close 😅😂

[@AmyMLevy]

@@TheClosetHistorian Congratulations!! Looking forward to it!

[@janebithell9662]

Bianca, I keep watching, hoping that one day I will understand all the magic you work on your patterns and be able to make my own clothes. To date I am just capable of a pencil skirt, pillow cases and quilt covers and menstrual pads for a charity. I live in hope as I admire your talent and beautiful finished garments ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

You can do it!! Practice invites confidence ❤️

[@2020Dumpsterfire]

It’s giving pumpkin and I love it.

[@marathorne6821]

Absolutely stunning! The colour is delicious 😍 and the 1890s styling is fabulous 👌 Wow! ❤ Good luck with the house hunting, Bianca. Can't wait to hear the fantastic news that you've found your dream home.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mara!

[@Susanfuzz]

Lovely blouse! But, my punkin love is back on the set!!!

[@donnalewis4895]

Blouses were so much more feminine back in the 1890's. Love this one and the color was easy to see what you were sewing. Lovely,Bianca. ❤

[@dalenewton6015]

Beautiful as always ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jessicapearcelamothe8484]

I love all the projects, but blouses are my favourite. Most practical for many too 👚

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jessica!

[@dominiquevaillant7331]

How did you know. How did you know I wanted to make a 1890s shirtwaist. This is fate

[@hannahstraining7476]

Ooohhh, yes, indeedy! You are styling that blouse hauntingly. Totally agree with using the darker side of that gorgeous fabric. I'm not a sewist, so I can just sit back and enjoy watching you work while my brain ponders on my latest artistic problem.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Hannah!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

That’s stunning!! Love your colour choice and the material!

[@phranerphamily]

I'm completely obsessed with it too

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Robin!

[@hawkinscsa]

You just amaze me on that blue patterning table of doom! One day I would love to make some of my own Edwardian men's ware. I keep watching!! ❤❤ And the finished product is beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

I adore my 99K, best machine I've ever used. Love the final product! Beautiful colour!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Gotta love a 99 ✨

[@annazann7236]

Every time I think I've already seen a similar project, you come with some really sleek (but new to me) construction technique. Amazing ❤

[@Hippiechick11]

Love the blouse! It is glorious!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Ventura0404]

OK I need that shirt. oh, love it.

[@ltellis63]

What a beautiful blouse! It could certainly be worn in the style of so many eras. I'm seeing it with a black capelet, lined in the same fabric, but with the more orange side showing. Just lovely! I'm sure you'll spend many a Halloween moment in this. 🎃🦇

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Such a caplet does indeed sound excellent ✨

[@woochles]

I love my Singer 66 and especially my 401A. I have the buttonholers for both. I even have the eyelet template!

[@katynosework]

Luv this shirt sooooooo much! Classy and fiery 🧶❤️‍🔥

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Katy!

[@deborahhouse9569]

Beautiful result. Inspired to do a liberty print one.

[@clairewulf]

this garment is the first time i've felt anything for victorian fashion. well done! it turned out beautifully!

[@felicitym4296]

Gorgeous colour! I have learned so much from your videos. Recently accomplished a pair of pants that fit and cut-on sleeve tshirt. I'll try your wrap-back top in a woven soon. Thankyou for empowering us all to have a go at drafting our own designs 🎉

[@tierneykurfess2618]

This blouse is beyond stunning, and i LOVE the fabric choice. Also, anti-chub rub shorts are a vital staple of my wardrobe, have 0 shame, Thighs are a glorious thing that come with some repercussions. Anti-chub rub Shorts are friends.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! And agreed ✨

[@debraking7412]

OMG, I love the finished blouse. You are such a clever girl. I hope you find your new home soon. X

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debra!

[@Cutondogor]

So. there I was working out the panels for my 3-gored half-circle skirt with the 10 cm lacing section at the back and I felt as if I could hear this voice behind me. What was it saying? Oh yes - "add the seam allowance". Which I did. a) I cut out those pieces with, I kid you not, a 1mm slice left between two of the panels and b) it was not suddenly 6cm too tight for my waist. So thank you!

[@TrixiaDK]

I love it. Gorgeous ❤

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😀

[@Carrieliney]

I have a similar buttonhole device but it's modern, for use on a modern machine. The buttonholes are... fine, lol. They don't look great but they're good enough for most applications and it's so easy that I usually use it unless I'm trying to make something exceptionally fancy.

[@frazzledhaloz3184]

Gorgeous ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lyraserpentine894]

How lovely!

[@jakimcmurdo4810]

Beautiful and so Halloween or autumnal as usual you make it look so easy to pattern and sew and wear it so elegantly thanks for sharing 👻💀😁❤️🇬🇧

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jaki!

[@celticgoddess81]

Man! Bianca! I don't need another shirtwaist (goes looking at silk)... This one came out fabulous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! We all "need" another shirtwaist 😅

[@CozzyJay333]

Beautiful.

[@angelagrimes8237]

Wow! Beautiful! That looks great on you! Thank you for sharing the process!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Angela!

[@drhelenloney1426]

Good luck with the house hunt, I’ve done it remotely as well. Lovely 😮.

[@envy2481]

This is my favorite.

[@LeeLee86]

Nothing wrong with talking about chub rub shorts!! Not tmi either! 😂 some of us have thighs too!! ❤

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Thank you for suggesting a solution to the "I like making buttonholes but they always look atrocious cause I need to do about a thousand more by hand and who's got time for that" issue I have, hidden buttons!!! Or maybe one of these days I'll have enough money to get my herd of sewing machines properly serviced, at least three of them should be able to (though one of those never will, despite what it SHOULD be able to do because bad design). Ooh, fun sleeve design too, might try that next time I sleeve. Maybe something to go with my Vitorian Walking Skirt (which just needs hemming, I'm almost done, honest). And I can't help but wonder what a shirtwaist dress made like this would look like... I totally understand using the antique machine, I adore my 1914 hand crank machine. No nasty machine whine like my 80's Singer-from-Heck... I almost came home with a 50's Singer this summer but I think it needs a new motor so I need to research whether that would be worth doing.... I did grab the zigzagger attahcment for it because I have a friend with one like yours so it will actually get used. I have high hopes for my latest acquisition, a late 60's/early 70's Kenmore that should do All The Things and is not built stupid like my late 70's Kenmore that's now internally gunked together and can't do anything more than straight and zigzag... I made two swimsuits with the 60's Universal machine this summer with not too much argument.

[@mce1939]

Love when you make blouses. They always look so nice, and are a great vintage/vintage inspo wardrobe addition.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@beatricenowell8207]

Hi Mz. Bianca, great content as always. You're able to spot the best fabrics online. I seem to find ones that look excellent in the advertisement but mediocre when received - in real life. 😏😳😏Loving the color of this choice.👍🏼 I've got to join patron again. I watched a couple of times but still missed a step of the center front closer. 🧐😟🥴I would have liked to see how it worked after completion, not while you were wearing it of course. I hope you find a house soon as no one needs the additional stress, plus north east prices.... Thanks for the video.💜💜💜

[@vivienkoles1880]

Both sides has such good colour, I probably could not choose. That blouse is reaaaaaally pretty. 🧡

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vivien!

[@FlickiChicki]

I love 2 of my 3 vintage ladies - my 221 however refuses not to make horrid thread nests and snap any thread I try so she’s back at the professional for service after just being there. But my new love is my modern Pfaff Performance 5.0 who does everything and then some. The IDT for piecing batiks has me smitten.

[@Ventura0404]

Oh that fabric is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous

[@creepycutiecrafty]

I love your sewing machine and the buttonhole adaptor. It’s such a joy to watch it in action - you mention how it sounds though, and although I’m sure I’ve heard a Singer of that type in action before, I’d love to hear it in action. Let us share your joy! 😂 The fabric has such a classic, slinky feel to it. It’s beautifully constructed. Your expertise is always impressive. I hope your home hunting gets easier. Good luck with it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I need to record the sounds of sewing, but it means I can't listen to Florence & The Machine at max volume while I work then 😅 Would slow me down without my copywrite protected jams ✨

[@creepycutiecrafty]

@ that’s fair! 🤣🤣 (I’ll have to try and buy one maybe… )

[@ritasemones9865]

Beautiful blouse! I know it was a difficult choice which side to use, but I think your option was the best. Love your style!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@tinaloveless4895]

Looks great!!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Wow! I love that blouse and color on you. It fits you so well. It is clearly one of a kind. I love old Singer Sewing machines. Your Singer 99K is a beautiful sewing machine. I have a short neck (which has gotten shorter as I aged). I would not be able to wear a collar like that.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Arvetta!

[@Drgn8DDragonsDungeon]

can't pause the hallowe'en sewing...!!! Hopefully you can get like a video call or something to get some showings :) very excited for you in the next stages of your life!! :D

[@anamkhatri9874]

This silk is delicious!! The gathers really show it off. Absolutely stunning ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@neocat81]

turned out sooo pretty!!! i love watching you and i have learned sooo much watching this channel. this is sooo gorgeous!! can't wait to see what's next!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@pdxcyn]

This is gorgeous! Hope you find the perfect house to match the blouse😉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@clear-springBahar]

Oooh yes👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻👌🏻😍😍🤩🤩beautiful. You did it again. Your are unstoppable💪🏻

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@blktauna]

To me its dead 80s. Big sleeves for the win! Looks great on you. All set for October use.

[@mariontilton8494]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marion!

[@58Kym]

Perfect for Halloween! Looks beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@SandraL489]

Re tucking into chub rub shorts: I found this information on wearability extremely useful as I don't wear such short blouses normally but want to make one now.

[@angiebaby3942]

Love it ❤

[@reeree6682]

Beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sherrillsturm7240]

DEFINITE YES!

[@debraanneclark2188]

The final result was gorgeous it worked really well with the pencil skirt

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debra!

[@kerry00]

I love this so much! Thank you for making the scary parts of sewing seem less scary! I just finished an Edwardian shirtwaist blouse, and I ended up putting the sleeve on wrong, two times in a row. Very frustrating. And buttonholes never seem to come right. You've inspired me to practice more. Thank you! And your blouse is absolutely stunning.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kerry! I used to dread buttonholes before this ancient little contraption, it has made all the difference for me 🤩

[@gleann_cuilinn]

"side puff, not height puff" i could not agree more. tall sleeves require equally tall hair!

[@joecoloff4247]

Wow!!! That is stunning

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Joe!

[@JinnyCJ]

Stunning, it looks amazing on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jinny!

[@suno8911]

I have a Singer 201k (1954) and invested in the buttonhole attachment. You are 100% right, the absolute best machines and most beautiful buttonholes! My modern heavy duty machine has been sleeping in the cupboard and might remain there for the next several decades. I cannot believe how well this machine works. It gets through everything! It never flinches, or jams,or refuses to sew. And it is so much quieter. I also never thought I’d be a vintage machine user but once si got one I was hooked. Yesterday, I noticed a 1940s manual Singer 99 at my local thrift store and had to stop myself… especially since I also have a Japan badge Zigzag deluxe from 1955 in the other room, and another 201k in the garage. 😂 My ONLY complaint with the buttonhole is that being a low shank there is virtually no room for the fabric. That is a bit of a hassle and sometimes really annoying. Any tips would be welcome!

[@deenormus1975]

Ooo, mama the color & fit of that blouse is DIVINE

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@js8971]

Gorgeous.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Tesco191]

Absolutely beautiful blouse and your instructions as always very thorough ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@suzannethevenot2208]

Beautiful as always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Suzanne!

[@Spookysewing]

Man, you are so freaking wicked. I'm just gonna state this. I have been looking at my local library for resources, and sadly I have found only one. Would you happen to have any book recommendations for undergarments from 1750? I know it's specific, but anything in that time frame would be amazing!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

If you don't hear anything, Abby Cox would know.

[@Spookysewing]

I love her! I have the one pattern where she is on the front, and I didn't notice it was her until this week! Also sending good vibes for house hunting!

[@melissel5648]

I haven't checked but fantastical follis may have one or a few videos about that. There's also a book that has patterns from various centuries that seem to reference in the field that I've seen many historical sewing youtubers have talked about. I'll come back if I find the title again.

[@christajennings3828]

Love this shirtwaist. It may inspire me to make a similar one. Gorgeous fabric, again. I got right on Silk Baron as I was watching, but they don't seem to have that fabric any more. They do have a green figured silk now, called Nixie. I take it back, following your link, I finally found it! Not only that, I found Lancelot, an emerald green version.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christa! They have a bunch of yummy colors yes, I wish they would do an olive and black though 🤩

[@TheFreckledLassSeamstress]

Stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@janevacani6789]

I was telling someone today about my collection of 17 vintage Singers, they didn't understand why I would collect them but that's ok, when you know you know 😉

[@lesleyharris525]

This turned out beautifully, if the scraps are enough how about a new lantan bag ? ❤

[@tambriggs]

Love the blouse, def. On my to-do list (but necessarily in black or forest green). BTW, added some comments to your Pinterest board about some of the French fashion plates. I've been looking for a Fench-English textile glossary, but sofar haven't come across anything which also covers historical fashion. It would definitely be useful to me, and I suspect many others, so if anyone has a worthy link, do please share. Re the househunting, don't sweat it. When you know, you'll know. You'll fall in love, warts (or leaky roof, as in my case) and all. It is both a blessing and a bane and *things will go wrong*. Otherwise you're in the market for a boxy bungalow. Keep the faith. xoxo

[@Myssmynx]

Oh man, I think ANYONE who's sewn anything has attached the wrong bits together at some point. My worst was a pair of MC Hammer pants in a yellow & fuchsia floral knit (it was the early 90's)... 4 meters of fabric for the pants alone, and I sewed the gigantic crotch seam to the leg seam. The fabric was so friable we had to make a special 4 hour round-trip to the nearest fabric store, where they had more thankfully. One of those things that lives rent-free in my head any time I'm putting a project together.

[@IAmCraftingAgain]

Would love to see you make anything worth insertion lace

[@marati11]

hi :) i just discovered your amazing channel and i'm a fan already ! i love everything i've seen so far, the way you talk and explain, (for one i don't have to turn X2 speed !) you are amazing ! thank you, i will follow you from france :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Merci! I always turn everything else on 2x speed as well ✨

[@Kennikus]

amazing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Eliza-br2so]

you can use those vintagd buttonhole attachments on any domestic sewing machine, not just old ones!

[@phranerphamily]

I want to see that new Delineator that you purchased! This not only is a beautiful project but I am in love with that fabric! Also over on your Instagram I have not seen enough cat pictures recently just thought I'd put it out there 😊😂 And one last funny thing my husband walked in all I was watching this and he goes how does she keep from stabbing herself with pins? oh she has it going fast as he answered his own question.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Also at this point getting poked by pins is so much a part of daily life that it doesn't bother me in the least 😂

[@rd6203]

💚