Fall for Cotton: Red and White Vintage Blouse

Fall For Cotton:  The challenge was to sew a vintage pattern or a vintage inspired design from any decade in the 1920's through the 1970's using only 100% cotton fabric.

The Pattern:  Simplicity 4750 from 1943.  I had recently purchased this pattern when the sewalong was announced so it was the ideal choice.   I think the print on this fabric is so cute and it was the perfect match for this blouse.  The decision was made - that was the easy part!

The pattern instructions were interesting but it was easy to make.  I decided to use plain white for the facing which opens out to be the collar.  I used red buttons and added a piping accent.

I have doubts about how often I will actually wear it.  There are some issues with it that I feel uncomfortable wearing.  It has these little tucks/pleats in the waist area which makes it so blouse-y that I really don't quite know how to fix and still keep it era appropriate. 

Yes, I know it's vintage and the style is what was worn at the time but there is way too much fabric for my liking.  Any suggestions?

Left untucked it looks like a nurses uniform hehehe!

I enjoyed using the vintage pattern and making this blouse.  If I can resolve the back fabric problem it will be a great little blouse to have in my wardrobe.

Thanks to Rochelle and Tasha for hosting this sewalong!  It was fun and I enjoyed seeing what other participants have made.