Making A Retro "Peasant" Blouse // Costumey Closet Staple?

The more epic the sleeves the better right? Right. Today I talk you through how I make my basic peasant blouse pattern with its simple draw string neckline and sleeve cuffs, and show how I go about sewing my blouses together on the lovely 99K that I can't stop using. It's much more cinematic anyway hmm? My pattern is mostly inspired by mid-century versions of this style from the 1940's and 1950's, but of course this style goes way way back into history and can "work" in a pinch for many different eras if needed. Also, yes, those are "onboard a pirate ship" sound effects during the patterning explanation, you're welcome.
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/Paper_c_13.html (not sponsored)
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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!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Jump to minute 10:07 if you'd like to skip the pattern drafting explanation! In case any of you are only here for sewing, AKA close up's of the Singer 99K ;)

[@chandlen91]

"Delicate Silk Situation" is my prog folk band name. It's HEAVILY flute based.

[@sarahc8862]

I so want to hear that now, i picture people in billowing shirts dancing in a field LOL

[@officert5147]

I love this comment XD

[@doblemaltita]

drop the bandcamp when you have it please

[@blackcatatelier]

The ribbon/elastic cuff trick was ingenious and I never would have thought of that. I'm definitely going to use that on future projects.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@marinary1326]

"Fencing duel, swashbuckling, seduce a maiden or whatever..." Well consider this maiden seduced :P Like, I normally hate yellow, but your extremely dramatic eyeshadow game here kicks butt! Between that and the vest and blouse, you look like the world's most dazzling pirate

[@adamreynolds9816]

Marinary Can I apply for that Maiden position? I am sure there are many applicants.

[@adamreynolds9816]

epic musical cue!

[@adamreynolds9816]

Down with the unisex clothing! What would this look like a a dress?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marinary!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I think it would work great as a dress!

[@lauraoergel6003]

This has so much of a lovely Bob Ross feel to it. You can draw a rectangle, I have faith in you! It doesn't have to be exact, just round off the top there for your neck. All of sewing is just happy accidents, that's what makes our garments unique

[@RobinT346]

a vest that matches my eyeshaddow SO BRIGHTLY is definitely a goal and something I realise is lacking from my wardrobe

[@poetmaggie1]

You folks are helping me to develop my own style, if it can be called that. I am fat, nothing in the store is wide enough or long enough or easy enough to put on, and I hate being squeezed. Now I have a dress pattern I like and I made a couple of short dresses for under the outside dress for winter or sleeping in.

[@Shahrezad1]

That's awesome that you're learning how to make your own clothes! Especially clothes that fit right and feel comfortable. 🥰 I honestly feel like nothing in stores is made to fit anyone. Blegh! I have an extremely short torso, so my ribs almost meet with my hip bone. Meaning that every shirt I will ever try on will turn me into a short little square. 🟦😑 ¡Viva la Revolución de Ropa! Let's all rock the boat with clothes we love that fit right, feel right, and aren't fast fashion! 🏴‍☠️

[@TheVelvetKitten]

OK. I'm going to clip my curves. You have convinced me. It was the look you gave me. Now, I will. Promise.

[@MandL1312]

That color of silk is to die for ✨

[@officert5147]

To dye for, even 😄

[@mohmeegaik6686]

You are the best teacher. Thanks Bianca.

[@Trystanstar19]

I'm literally waiting for some fabric to arrive so I can make a new peasant blouse and now I'm definitely going to use this tutorial cause this is simpler than the ones I've made in the past, but looks way better and there's no gussets hooray!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Kyle!

[@mmw55122]

"...true...epic..sleeveness" that is a true epic phrase!

[@melissab7789]

I'm loving the ambience sounds and music in the background while you talk, it just works so well! I find the editing of this video very relaxing

[@ajjones8013]

The creaking in the background made me uncomfortable, but I have the opposite reaction to ASMR type sounds (it gives me anxiety instead of pleasure). I do appreciate that she experimented though.

[@melissab7789]

@@ajjones8013 that's completely understandable, there's probably a balance to be found somewhere

[@FashionDivaNY]

I think the sound in the background was rain 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mélissa! It was a "ship at sea" sound effect for the pirate feel during the patterning!

[@caitmcg4382]

Love it! Gah, Bianca, you are a delight. Love the secret elastic drawstring combo, that's great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cait!

[@cb9825]

the shirt is amazing, but my main focus still was how perfectly your eyeshadow matches with the waistcoat!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It's a JDGlow shimmer shadow and this is simply one of my favorite colors

[@srossgower]

Same

[@swingularity1119]

Those sleeves have some serious billow and the elastic in the cuffs is genius.

[@CarynOMahony]

I am in love with this blouse. I must immediately make one in every colour and then find a reason to wear them with my black velvet corset. Also, I am here for more spooky season costumey stuff.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Caryn!

[@mariebray9831]

I'm here for the Singer 99K, amazing machine, wonderful engineering.

[@raraavis7782]

I've never been into the more stereotypical peasant blouse type outfits, but you sure make that thing work. Love, how elegant/dramatic it looks the way you style it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rara!

[@thecadaver]

Hell yeah upcoming costumey videos! Tbh I'd probably watch you make stuff from any era/style. Fun fact: the way you sew on the sleeves here is how you sew sleeves on Barbie-sized clothes. May or may not be thinking of making little pirate blouses for dolls now

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Holly! Barbie sized blouses sound so cute!

[@rubytat5092]

I was thinking the same...1 of a kind fabric augmented dolls Pirate attire and so much more.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Permission to make sleeves without gusset granted. Thank you!!

[@vivienneandersson6019]

Proclivity for pyrotechnics! Love the alluring alliteration Bianca!

[@ellahopkinson]

I see you've moved on from treating your new sewing machine gently and gone back to your default living on the edge style of sewing straight over the pins 😂 you are braver than me, love this blouse and your makeup btw, beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Shhhh don't tell everyone!! ;) Thank you!

[@vickifischer-rasmussen3850]

I get quite nostalgic seeing your vintage sewing machine. I first learned to use a singer treadle machine when I was about eight. I was so excited when Mum bought an electric sewing machine. Thanks for this video. Although I learned to sew early and made a lot of my own clothes for many years, I haven’t had time for sewing since about 1994 when I had our eighth child. I am now retired and need to relearn a lot. Particularly drafting and adjusting patterns and the order of assembly. I also watch some other you tube sewers and am amazed they draft directly on the fabric and never a pin in sight.

[@sherisaunders1517]

I would love to see you create costumey things! I can hardly wait :D

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sheri!

[@airwavesintheair]

YES! I was just watching your other video in prep for making one of these! So glad you've made a separate video on it! I'm utilizing the chill in the air (and those Joann's sales) to make one in black flannel of all things. Between you and Bernadette Banner, I'll have poofy shirts for days!

[@ladystitch-a-lot]

Now I wanna make 1 or 4 and a vest or 3 to go with my skirts

[@maryblaylock6545]

A capital idea! Have fun!

[@samwhyatt8685]

EVERY sewing project requires epic music! This is the Way 😆😆😆

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Indeed!

[@coffemuse]

Love the blouse and the pyrotechnic propensities!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lilianmiramontesjr.7550]

Bianca! I cannot handle how beautiful your eye makeup looks! Its gorgeous!

[@anm8rchick]

i am here for the flounce

[@margaritagerman]

I know this is not a current video, but I had to comment. Thank you!!! I do so appreciate your clear directions and explanations of how and why. I really wanted a pirate shirt. I had not found any in the local thrift stores. Can't afford online shopping. (Once you open that door it so almost impossible to close it. ) I have several old sheets in appropriate colors that are going to soon be pirate shirts. They will go so nicely with a walking skirt type skirt and a sun hat for the extremely warm weather this summer. 🤗

[@borealchorusstudio]

OHHHH, I LOVE those sleeves!!! That yellow/gold vest is fantastic and thank you so much for another awesome tutorial. BTW, great shoes, too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@vitaminb12_]

as a beginner sewer your way of describing things is soo incredibly informative and really nice to follow. thanks for this video, definitely inspired to try and sew one of these myself! xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sharonwerner2419]

I always find it amazing how much variation is possible with simple shapes and imagination to make clothes.somtimes I think we just make clothing overcomplicated .thank you for those of us that like simple easy to put together clothes that we can personalise.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sharon!

[@aliloucreations1817]

I love this , I think I want one in deep red/ maroon too as well as black white, summer colours , this is fantastic thank you ❤️❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you AliLou!

[@breeinatree4811]

I know I'm saying the same thing as everyone else, but I love the way you did the cuffs. How clever.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Breandan!

[@albinocavewoman]

You don't need a screwdriver to lower the presser foot pressure on a 99K. The knob at the top of the presser foot (the one on the back part of the nose) is what controls it and all you have to do is turn it counter clockwise to lower the pressure. If it won't budge, try dripping a little sewing machine oil in there.

[@bearert]

Ah! Love your green eye make up! 💗 Very sassy!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ladywoodelf]

Thank you for showing the drafting. I'm just starting to learning more intermediate sewing like sleeves and darts through you tube and this is very clear.

[@BettsiLedesma]

I'm so jealous of the way you sew over your pins! I swear my machine knows when I've left my pins in and is determined to punish me! I love your blouse!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Bettsi! My machines and I have an understanding ;)

[@margiecook6379]

You make it look so easy! The elastic and ribbon is awesome!

[@DawnYarnDoll]

YAY! You inspire me to sew more amazing things and be more creative than I thought possible. Thank you for being you! Sending endless blessings and well wishes xo

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dawn!

[@madamrockford2508]

After sewing for 50 years, 40 of which I was an independant professional, making only custom, one-of-a-kind, garments, all period clothing & accessories, I was happy to find an easier & much faster way to make seam binding. Of course, for the past 2 years, I have dedicated myself to maling my own wardrobe, finally, and now having 52 ensembales dating from Roman/Trojan jumping to Medieval thru to the Gay 90's, mostly I am an early 18th century pirate. I have only 2 garments to make neither requiring seambinding, but I have a dozen Corsets & Bustiers, most of which need theif cheap & throughly useless plastic boning replaced with spring steel boning, & that means new seambinding throughout, so Yeah!

[@lisaneedsaname]

First of all, you are so freaking gorgeous! Second, I really wish that I could pause the video to take notes without KZbin covering half the screen. They really need to fix that. Third, thank you for this video!!! This is my next project and I really didn’t want to deal with some of the other patterns I’ve found. You made this so simple!!! I love what you do and appreciate you sharing your knowledge and skill with us!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@Shahrezad1]

THANK YOU! I am self-drafting a Garibaldi-style blouse (think 1860's) and every person that I saw making something similar just talked about the pattern and never showed how they drafted the pattern, themselves. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So. A huge thank you. I can now go make my sleeves. *Bows deeply*

[@laurenragle5228]

The sleeve trick with the ribbon and elastic is genius! I definitely need one of these for my wardrobe now.

[@TropicanaThunda]

Yes a billion times yes. I’ve been on the hunt for a few days to find a good peasant blouse pattern. I have some nice purple cotton fabric and I’ve been so scared to mess it up. If this one will work good I’ll make one or five in different colors and have a full fall wardrobe of them to pair with my 18th century stays and the new corset I intend to buy. And your sewing machine is beautiful I love it and that shadow paired with the vest was chefs kiss.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Emily!

[@frankieb43]

Gorgeous. Love epic sewing music. xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Frankie!

[@jenniferakin7203]

Absolutely stunning! You are the bomb.com! Wonderful outfit and your eye makeup is on point!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jennifer!

[@sonder3806]

You have great taste and all your projects are done so well. But also, everything looks good on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sarahk8053]

This is the blouse of my dreams but I never knew quite how to go about it. You just made my year.

[@Cagletb]

I loved the epic music! It was fun! I would love to make this as a nightgown.

[@e_viola]

Genius cuff ties. Gonna use that idea

[@nailzbyangela]

Easiest peasant top I’ve seen done!!! I love it 🥰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Angela!

[@rc31802]

Love this style of blouse! Your makeup is gorgeous.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rose!

[@ashesnegron3632]

Found your channel from an Enchanted Rose Costume video. I love this community

[@krose6451]

So grateful for this. Finally found fabric I like at the thrift store to make a few of these. Looking forward to experimenting.

[@flyingpanda3997]

Silk is the worst. Whenever I am afraid to clip 'aggressively' into a seam allowance or corner because the fabric is a pain, I fuse a small square of light interfacing to that spot to reinforce it and then clip without fear. Love your eyeshadow and big sleeves.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@marjorythrash1045]

I expect some of the original measurements were based on the natural width of fabric as it came off handlooms. I thought most of those antique table top or floor looms were 27 inches, but evidently some could go much wider.

[@jaynawilliams8797]

As soon as you started the epic music I hit the like button. Love your videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jayna!

[@LualaDy]

I loved the music editing in this one!

[@michellecornum5856]

We need a holiday. Spoopify away! Love the blue pins for the Blue Patterning Table of Doom! Stay well!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@Susanfuzz]

I have a set of bias folding tubes that I inherited. They are definitely uni-taskers but they DO THE JOB! Maybe you can find some....

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I do indeed have one of the aluminum tube things, but I just prefer to pinch bias tape myself as I find it faster I'm afraid!

[@mollymodica9578]

Excellent tutorial!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@blue_mara]

Exciting things. Spooky season. YES.

[@ReinaElizondo]

Your tutorials/videos are so helpful and descriptive. You make drafting feel way less complicated. Also, you're a delight. Thanks for the outfit goals! I was tempted by the white blouse version, but now I'm absolutely in love with the black. Plus that gold vest!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Reina!

[@meamela9820]

Oh that music! And yes, doing black on black is hard. I am seam ripping black on black as I watched this.

[@mandycollins8795]

Oh my gosh, those elastic cuffs are genius!

[@dianarutecki9810]

Thank you . Gorgeous for this summer.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

I like these peasant blouses much better than the contemporary patterns, which are almost all off shoulder or looks bad with shoulders covered. I don't think you're a lazy sewer. You think out your projects before getting started. I've yet to see you run out of fabric during the layout or cutting, which leads to a wonky garment. You finish the seams and do a good job of construction. Some of these vloggers who have all kinds of sponsorship and create patterns for one of the big four. Short on fabric that creates a wonky layout, unfinished seams, garment not draping on the body as it should and just overall shoddy workmanship. Your videos are fun because the end result is a garment done right and I enjoy them immensely.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@squareroutevintage7590]

I love this video! I love a billowy sleeve and the epic music accompaniment. I absolutely adore your eye makeup as well. 🤞I hope we can get a makeup tutorial vid in future.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@xkimmixstarrrx]

I love you, I love this blouse ... I have been searching for this forever...Thank you!!! 💗💗💗💗

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kimmi!

[@crystallionaire]

I thought way too long and hard on my ren faire outfit when I should have just come here lol I watched this before but it didnt occur to me that I could just lengthen it into a dress like you mentioned. I'll be here for a while haha thank you for this!

[@mollymoon510]

Super excited for costume-y things!!

[@RetroMinnie87]

I LOVE the epic sewing music!!!

[@lynnmoehrle]

Just perfection!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynn!

[@Venya9]

I mean the fashion is fabulous as always but your eye makeup is to die for! Love that colour combo.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Jollymadhatter]

Love the pirate blouse, your fabulous set and can’t wait to see what you will be doing for spooky season! 🎃🍂👻

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@brittanybrown744]

YAS MORE COSTUMEYYYY! Can't wait ❤

[@chrish2277]

I *AM* here for the epic sleeves! Thank you

[@kckazcoll1]

thank you for simplifying the pattern drafting for this style, Bianca. I have wanted to make the short sleeved version of the peasant blouse for a while now :)

[@panacheluxury4262]

Lovely! I will now count this as part of my sewing projects. 💞💞💞

[@gothempress]

Perfect timing on this blouse. I'm 100% making one of these.

[@CatherineBeverly]

I haven't even gotten more than a minute into the video and already: 1. you are so talented and skilled; 2. you have a fantastic eye for makeup; & 3. you're so pretty!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Catherine!

[@MagpieRat]

So I went and got a notebook and pen, got my tape measure, took all my measurements, followed the instructions exactly - aaand it turns out my pattern is identical to yours. Good to know in the future I can just copy your measurements without all the fussing around! 🤣

[@Gryffindame]

I made a peasant blouse for Hobbiton recently and I REALLY want to incorporate it into my everyday wear haha thanks for reading my mind!

[@margaretsolomon5053]

Soooo cute! Love your makeup!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Margaret!

[@PassionForOldFashion]

Uuuhm, yessss, my next project💓

[@kzisnbkosplay3346]

I seriously need to sit down and make like 10 of these in different colors. I love these so much.

[@mandycollins8795]

I'm loving the epic music with this. Thank you for this project! I love that this style of blouse can be used in many different fashion choices!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amanda!

[@nancyruizalvarez4982]

As always, you blow me away! the blouse is gorgeous and the whole look with the skirt (and your makeup) is fabulous!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nancy!

[@glitterdarla]

I'm loving all your vests!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@jessieupton4643]

Epic sewing music - who knew?! I LOVE it. Sewing really is and adventure and deserves its own sound track.

[@verdondamayes-cooper8532]

Outstanding work as always you never disappoint, simply gorgeous and that makeup is sensational. Love, love love.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Verdonda!

[@sharpduds]

Last time I was this early I was rolling my eyes at the Captive Visiters at Mount Vernon

[@auranah_was_taken]

Those sleeves are epic 🤯 I need to make myself a blouse like that. It’s going on my long list of things to sew 😅

[@heyhiyeshello]

This video was so helpful, thank you so much for posting it! I've looked at lots of peasant blouse patterns/tutorials, both vintage and modern, and yours was by far the clearest. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

That blouse is to die for!!!! It is so amazing!!! And as always you look gorgeous! !! When its safe to go out into the world again you are gonna rock it!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

Came for the epic sleeveness, loved the Epic music! truly love the hidden elastic! brilliant idea!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!