Making A Bow Neckline Blouse // TCH Archive

Ready to travel back in time? I wanted to share this video in particular because I have had several requests for this neckline style over the years! I also show how I'd make a hidden covered front placket with snaps and matching covered shoulder pads as well. I still adore this impressionistic silk blouse! Original air date: Feb 16, 2021 on Patreon
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Thank you Patrons!
Need to make a block pattern? There are many options, and I talk about several in this playlist! : • Making a Bodice Block ...
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.3dcartstores.com/Pa... (not sponsored)
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Want to help me continue making more videos? Listen to me ramble on in a monthly podcast? Watch an additional project video each month? Peruse my Patreon here: / theclosethistorian
Instagram: / theclosethistorian
Pinterest: / bmesposito
But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@judithdutton4631]

Once, while living in New York, I went to a designers studio and rang the bell. I explained that I could not possibly afford to shop there, but I had always wanted to see what one of the studios was like. The man who answered invited me in, and then turned a couple of garments and showed me how it was sewn! ( The place was deserted) he seemed to enjoy showing me around. I don’t know how I got the nerve to do it, but it was a lovely experience.

[@simonecummings9157]

That is a duckin' cool story!!!

[@liav4102]

Artists love most people to appreciate their work by buying it but an interested and appreciative audience is a decent second

[@valeriacavalloro2729]

I had the weirdest moment: I forgot that there was a moment where we were all making matching face masks, it took me a minute to understand the words "face masks" (I was trying to bring it back to "facing" and obviously it didn't work) - like a properly freudian memory loss. By the way, beautiful blouse, very very elegant, thank you and thanks to the patrons for giving us the TCH archive content!

[@chaeburger]

Face masks haven't gone away at all! They've only become more necessary. Well-fitted N95/KN95 respirators are best!

[@valeriacavalloro2729]

@@chaeburger Yes, absolutely! I didn't mean to imply that we don't need masks anymore, I was referring specifically to when those of us who know how to sew were sewing masks like crazy (now I just buy them in boxes).

[@chaeburger]

@@valeriacavalloro2729 yes it's so much nicer to be able to just buy them!

[@Puppy52]

Ps: thank you Patreons🥹❤️ good luck with house hunting!

[@armedvsokord]

I agree. Both in supporting where I cannot and I'm sharing what we could not see before.

[@adamreynolds9816]

Yes thank you , love it with the updated look.

[@sennievee6833]

I love putting on TCH and roaming around the house doing chores ehehe

[@marathorne6821]

The timing of this video is amazing! I've spent the last several hours drafting, cutting out and sewing a tie piece onto my pussy bow blouse muslin. An old sheet doesn't quite have the drape or "cache" of silk, but until I've tested the pattern that's as good as it gets 😂 If my eventual blouse turns out half as chic as yours, I'll be a happy camper...

[@twinnish]

It will be amazing!

[@MaryWalsh-ux6oj]

Beautiful blouse! When I first saw the fabric I thought, " That print is ugly! Too busy with muddy colors!' But I watched the entire project because I do love a pussy-bow blouse, and I knew I would learn some valuable techniques from you. However, the finished product was a work of art! The way you cut out and mismatched the two ends of the collar fabric came out perfectly! (I always forget about turning the pattern piece upside down for one of the two sides of the body!) I especially liked the symmetry and the subtlety of the pattern across the back. And I absolutely, absolutely loved the versatility of the many different ways to tie the bow! By the time I finished watching your project I was filled with total admiration for your consummate skill! You seem to have a second sense and make it look so easy when you make adjustments to your basic block and pin it to your fabric. I felt triumphant when I reached the end of your delightful video! It is rare for me to change my opinionated opinion, but I love it when someone challenges me and I am able to change my perspective!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mary!

[@jaded_gerManic]

Thank you B and Patrons! I look forward to supporting the channel financially after my student loans are over and done... 💜👾💜

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Gainsborough has been described as painting clothes with people in them rather than painting people in clothes. I do love how he paints fabric.

[@luminariastormreaver]

I would love to see this blouse with the bishops sleeve variation. Happy house hunting!❤

[@mandycollins8795]

I would also like to thank the patreon patrons! Also, this blouse gives me strong 90s 3D vision puzzle images. Thank you for posting this! Edited to add: I love how this turned out! I need to make one!

[@panacheluxury4262]

These blouses have always been a favorite and were so popular in the 80s. The design and fabric selection are just beautiful, Bianca. I am a Cancer too. So, yes, we do have excellent memory, lol. Happy house hunting! P.S. Thank you, Patrons for allowing Subscribers to see Bianca's projects!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I have been lucky to find a couple great bow blouses from the 1980's at the thrift store, nothing like a silk blouse for under $2!

[@kymberlys]

For me, this was just a reminder of all the beautiful new tattoos you've gotten since then! This blouse really shows off the lovely art on your arm, and I love those shoes too!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yes far more floral arm now 😂

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I'm not a big fan of bows, probably trauma from the late 80's, but I enjoyed having your voice as company while doing laundry. 💜

[@ambercolby5527]

I always think pussycat bow blouses look so chic and charming (and who doesn't love anything named after adorable kitties?) I made one in a beautiful rust colored charmuese last year, and this video just reaffirms that I need to make more!

[@chermarano]

To remember which side the buttons should be on , remember men are left over.😊

[@janicecroft2304]

This comment made me laugh out loud lol

[@rd6203]

😂😂

[@MLEbug]

would it ba weird to ask for a video of you cleaning and oiling your machine? I'd love to see that on an antique machine!

[@Hippiechick11]

I'm a Cancer too, and I remember what's important. You remember what needs to be done, not necessarily what was done. Ove your channel, love your style and I'm learning and relearning how to fit to me rather than generic patterns that fit everyone but not well. Good luck on your house shopping!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@jessicaneal8553]

Go you on house hunting, and thank you to patrons for saying yes to sharing this content! With regards to alarms - I have regular repeating alarms, so I have to turn them off to sleep in. Also, I've found it takes me less time to check the alarm is set than it does worrying if it's set and all those hormones keeping me awake longer afterwards.

[@elizabethbeierle7464]

This is lovely!! I agree with you on the versatility. I hadn’t considered how many ways one could tie a bow neck line but, as always, you continue to inspire ever more! Thank you for sharing from the vault and all the good house hunting juju!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@frannygrace2191]

This looks beautiful on you. Good style for you! I made one years ago and hated it--I don't wear high collars and found the bow was too fussy for me. I totally enjoy your videos and during ones like this, I like to do some hand sewing, mending, etc. I really enjoy your voice and sense of humor. I hope you find the house of your dreams soon!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@janevacani6789]

Love how the back worked out with the lighter band in the centre, very shimmery looking!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Makes me feel like a leopard shark or something 😂✨

[@katynosework]

The AIO sleeve was perfect for this. Light and airy fits the fabric. It is magical and I’ve honestly never been so excited for a result/showing!! Most Delightful 🐆🦚

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Katy!

[@evadeleon3009]

This is FABULOUS!!! and you're right, it's super versatile styling wise. Great work as always :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Eva!

[@MartaAngelo98]

Good luck from a fellow house hunter!!! Florence’s suburbs are fully insane rent-wise (damn you airbnb), I have tricky times ahead 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[@user-tv5up1uu4x]

I so look forward to your posts every few days, you explain construction details so well and I actually learn from them. I'd never have attempted to create a basic bodice block and never was brave enough to deviate that much from commercial patterns without your encouraging words. I'm sure you hear comments like this all the time but I really, truly appreciate your work. Thank you Bianca!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@coffemuse]

This is especially nice, as your aesthetic is much less vintage these days (no shade, it's all gorgeous!). But this feels like classic TCH and more like the clothes I make for myself. Thank you, Patrons! (I'm a Patron myself, but in the 'cheap' tier).

[@AleesaTana]

Hahaha, your arm is so naked! I really want to get some silk in that weight to make myself a button-down shirt. I made myself a shirt with some poly-chiffon, and its slightly scratchy and I miss some silk shirts I had in high school. Thanks for sharing this video, good luck with your house hunting!

[@kaytiej8311]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It makes the options endless for a bow blouse.

[@franziskaibes6265]

B:I like simple things Me: sure darling. Always making stuff with twenty-more pieces, weird angles and many small details. Very simple. I love it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Guilty as charged 😂✨🪡

[@annechenlowey7462]

Nice to see past projects, and how they look now years later.

[@molnotmole3428]

This reminds me of an English teacher I had. She was obsessed with the OJ Simpson trial (was a current event at the time), diagraming sentences & wearing the largest pussycat bows one has ever seen. If she didn’t diagram sentences about court or wear a bow, something was amiss.

[@paintingwithnicole]

what a beautiful video!!! definitely adding that to my (seemingly endless now lmao) to-do pile...... it's always such a delight to see your work!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nicole!

[@lupinotuumlunam]

When you are matching the artwork you are going to see you have reached peak matchy matchty.

[@norabrice]

These are one of my favorite style blouses as well. As always your step by step work is very appreciated & inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nora!

[@tiffanytomasino335]

Thanks to your generous patrons and also thanks to you. All the luck on the house hunt ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tiffany!

[@TSD0416]

Greetings from Canada. Just wanted to say thank you and how wonderful your sewing videos are. A+ for the tutorial, A+ for your humor, A+ for step-by-step explanation of the pattern and sewing sections. A+ for the final reveal and presentation. I love all your videos and the tops, skirts, dresses and costumes you make. If you would kindly also step into sunlight to show us what the garments look like in day light, that would be most appreciated and I could see all the fun details that you put so much time and effort into making. Many thanks in advance and keep up the excellent work.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@TSD0416]

@@TheClosetHistorian 🥰🥰💕💕

[@kckazcoll1]

I love how your silk doesn't appear to fray! I'm using a polyester based satin that frays like a b**** and I used tissue paper for stability when cutting it out and will also do the same when sewing it. I also love how your blouse turned out, especially when worn with the bow tied lower in front :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Silk crepe de chine is super nice to work with, just too dang pricey of course! 😅

[@michellecornum5856]

Gorgeous fabric! Love that you did a pussy bow blouse. I am so trained that they are only in white and shades of cream that it blows my mind to see one in any other way! Absolutely LOVE this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@soozlillend]

thank you kind patreons

[@amber_kitty8782]

This is perfect bc iir there was a resurgence of these in the 80s (my wardrobe goals)

[@aubigney]

you and your videos are such huge sources of inspiration for me. whenever i'm feeling creatively bereft, i'll turn to sewing videos, and yours are always at the top of the list. i've made a basic bodice block using a bastardised version of the method you show and it's worked out really well! the dress i made definitely does look homemade, and it doesn't help that it's out of rayon and crinkly as all get out, but it's the best thing i've ever made and i'm so so happy with it. thank you so much Bianca!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! Darn rayon is often a wrinkle monster for sure ✨

[@lynn858]

I have a bow blouse where the bow is threaded into loops in the collar stand (it's just the stand, no "collar"). I discovered it like it best with the neck pinned open in a v, with the bow tied above at collar height, creating a peak a boo.

[@blackhannahofficial]

Looks just as beautiful in 2024, as the day you made it. Have fun on your house- hunting journey 🤗

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@pearlkoning1275]

I have been sewing for 57 years and your pattern making skills are amazing to watch and learn from!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@creepycutiecrafty]

Thats such a beautiful slinky shirt. The neck tie is very dramatic and elegant. I thought the pattern would be too busy and overwhelming, but the way you’ve used the stripes and the cut it seems so much more delicate. Lovely work.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@julianachandler2975]

Love this blouse. Thanks also for the bonus of how to make shoulder pads. 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Juliana!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Very lovely! The print really works so well with the pattern. Thanks for learning us see it! I would have thanked actual group of people who said it was ok but spell check and dyslexia are fighting. So I'm ignoring them and carrying on as if this is normal, which sadly it is!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Robin!

[@damogranheart5521]

You had Kate Moss held up as your example. We had Twiggy! And straight hair! I had curly hair and a figure. High school was hell. You look lovely in that blouse and the skirts! Happy thoughts for finding the perfect place for you. Safe travels, too!🖖📚🫖🐈‍⬛🥌❄️🧘‍♂️

[@SandieMitchell]

Beautiful blouse; I remember wearing bow blouses and loving them! I would love to see you make the dress this fabric was intended for.

[@susanjohnson5824]

Love the bow in the back what a great idea

[@daseineschaf]

Wow that print is so cool! I need more time to sew, I now want to make a piratey version of this blouse! (slightly stiffer fabric, large sleeves...)

[@LenaTate]

I want to make a bow neck dress soon, so this is really helpful!

[@DAYBROK3]

on looking at the inside of high end clothes in shops. you know that those rich women inspect the hell out of those clothes, and they would be more than happy to help someone in the fashion schools as they may hire them to do alterations.

[@Joo6240]

Love the fabric ❤ Lovely blouse they are "in" spring season

[@marcco44]

great idea Ms. B!!! keep us updated on the house hunting please!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marcco!

[@rd6203]

That fabric has me envious as nobody's business!! So lovely

[@JP-vs3sv]

Gorgeous! If i understood correctly you just sewed the darts to the waist and they are open below that. I dont always want a waist seam so this is a great alternative. You dont show the blouse untucked though. Are you happy with how it looks? I know you have enough on your plate right now, but if i could put in a request for a future video (here or patreon) I would love one on different ways to extend a bodice into a blouse.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yes the darts are left loose, like a pleat really, from the waist down. I wouldn't wear this particular blouse untucked, as it is quite short, but I usually leave shirts looser if I make them longer than the waist, like the button downs or pirate-ish shirts I have made kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJi7XmChjruKgsk 😅

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

I adore dressing to theme, way more fun

[@kathrynmccarthy]

Such a beautiful blouse! I love how it drapes. Also love the different ways you can style it too

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathryn! Silk crepe de chine is so lovely to wear, I wish it weren't so pricey 😂

[@Joo6240]

Forgot to say Thank you 😊

[@wandapapineau6154]

I so love watching you.❤😊😮

[@katealtschuler2880]

Love the custom shoulder pads!

[@shananigans0117]

Perfect way to fall asleep to your lovely voice

[@sewmatology]

I’m obsessed with everything you make ❤️‍🔥

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@liav4102]

Did I buy fabric today inspired by the thumbnail? Yes yes I did lol

[@ShellyParchman]

Heh, can confirm those older machines can sew right through a finger

[@aprildriesslein5034]

Aaaaaahhhh, I love it so much! I wanna make one in lavender linen.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Do itttt! Thank you!

[@birdiebee7449]

This is one I definitely want to make. Thanks for sharing!

[@alisonfarrow66]

Love this thank you ❤❤❤

[@simonemacandrew]

You're so creative!

[@deborahjalving5892]

Wow! Thanks Bianca! I’m totally going to make this!

[@maej1260]

Thank you!!!

[@mandylavida]

Just lovely, como siempre.

[@raquelseydewitz491]

Great make

[@marcellacruser951]

Love this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sistersarann3819]

Very classy :)

[@thomascurb9006]

Beautiful 😍!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thomas!

[@reeseoroni]

Okay. I want to make this. ❤

[@Floridiansince94]

Beautiful blouse! And the music!!!!! Great content!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@bravehearticus]

Gorgeous blouse

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@chaeburger]

Welcome back to the channel, Bob! Good luck with house hunting!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It's making it's way back slowly but surely 😂

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jenn!

[@carolbarbee5653]

Really nice blouse ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carol!

[@hilmaallen1302]

It is a really beautiful blouse.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@liesbethverhaeghe8252]

For your astrology you need to look at your sun, moon, rising sign and the planet that rules your first house(aka the natural planet of your rising sign) ex gemini first house means mercury (in which house and sign is it placed in your chart?). Most of the time there needs to be an emotional attachment to relate to a memory so you can remember them (at least that’s how I experience it as a cancer sun and third house cancer). So you are not a bad cancer😉 and there is so much more to you then just your sun sign❤.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I am a cancer sun and moon, really doubling up on the cancer over here 😂 virgo rising keeps me organized at least 🤣

[@bethliebman8169]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Liked the idea of a matching facemask. Thank you for posting this archival video--great blouse---do miss your 2024 tats.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yes I forget how empty my arm was 😂

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I hope you have had a good time looking at houses. I remember the fabric, but I don't remember the blouse at all. Funny that. I didn't like the fabric then and I don't like it now, but that's just me being orange and green color adverse. Those make me looking really ill, and I'm just a little envious that all colors look good on you. Or have you ever used magenta and cerise close to your face? Those are colors that works very well on me, but just like you I dress in black. Go figure. Yours, Ann

[@denisenorton1922]

Another beautiful blouse and definitely worth a try, please could you tell me where you find epidemic sounds, as the background music is so relaxing ❤

[@anymoose6685]

You have a very nice voice for video.

[@Puppy52]

Yey!😍

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Watched a programme about John Singer Sargent on YT today. Poor Madam X, her dress in the portrait was sublime. Would you make the dress !!????

[@Rotten_Ralph]

A different channel did a Goop order for testing, and the $900 trousers were completely unfinished inside. They were just loose it was ugly

[@twinnish]

Kelly doesn’t really care if you look at clothes so long as you aren’t trying to shove it in your bag. In the really high-end stores, you just say you’re looking and then you look don’t worry about it. I had to do some work in one of those stores that required me to be a lucky Lou and I was dressed for going into convenient stores because that was my majority of my job, but I also had to go into Neiman Marcus. I think if you just told him the truth, they would be fine, but you don’t need to tell him anything.

[@pennydreadfull]

Just a quick question, why not a French seam on the shoulder wouldn't that be a bit easier?? Fabulous as always!❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I would probably have done one if I made this now, I used to be very anti French seam as I find them annoying 😅😂

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I made myself two of these blouses. Mine were long sleeved. I could not keep either of my blouses tied at the neck.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Hmm! Must have been a particularly slippy fabric!

[@christinamarierivera7150]

on seam finishings- most vintage couture is finished by hand and or French seams today- unfortunately MOST pieces are overlocked and unlined 😢

[@simonecummings9157]

Is there no one who customizes thread or zipper colors? No small etsy shop?

[@traveliowa301]

Which fashion school did you go to?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Woodbury University, Colorado State University, American Intercontinental University in London for a semester, chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne for a summer, all over really!

[@aprilgreen2006]

Have you ever made a quilt with scraps from the cloths you make?

[@lillianelliott5624]

My rolled hem foot hates me.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

All rolled hem feet are evil, so anyone who can make them work has magic powers 😂