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Vintage Inspiration & Fabrics for the Greta Blouse & Dress

I love a good basic pattern that you can hack the life out of and make all sorts of versions for all sorts of occasions. It becomes a tried and true friend of sorts. And simply using different fabrics and embellishments can completely change the style and feel of a garment. Because Greta is such a timeless style, you can adapt both the blouse & dress and fill your wardrobe with myriad versions, just by making simple amendments and gorgeous fabric choices!

I've picked some favourite vintage dressmaking inspiration from Pinterestland and selected some gorgeous fabrics to inspire your Greta makes.


This 1940's Hollywood pattern is fabulous ~ how lovely are the illustrations! You would simply need to create a short sleeve pattern for the sleeves and extend the blouse version down to the required length, which here is just below the knee. Wear with a tie belt or a vintage big buckled belt and straw hat. Perfect for Summer outings!








This pretty floral viscose from Missy Mop Fabrics would make a lovely version of the Greta hack outlined above.

Cool and airy with just the right amount of vintage inspiration. It makes me think of cucumber sandwiches and elderflower champagne and I have no idea why!
















For me, Summer is all about a good stripe {deckchairs, a stick of rock, my sunburn!} and a cooling cotton seersucker is the most sunshine perfect fabric of all. This colourway from Minerva, is called Aloe, which couldn't be more apt if it tried!


It's also perfect for the striped version of the dress on the vintage dressmaking pattern shown below.





I would love all the versions of this 1950's tiered sundress, and although this one is fitted and the Greta isn't, there's still some lovely fabric and embellishment inspiration to be had. Again, make a short sleeve version and cinch in with a belt. Or make a 2 piece outfit ~ a short sleeve Greta blouse and a Calypso skirt. The Calypso is my lovely vintage inspired tiered skirt and is available as a PDF download here.


These BEAUTIFUL Tana Lawns from Liberty are just perfect for the Greta or the Calyspo skirt. I would like them all!


The original inspiration for the Greta was East European traditional costume, most particularly Romanian embroidered blouses. They were a huge trend in the 1930's and 1940's and pattern companies sold embroidery transfers for them. If you're a dab hand at embroidery, then make up a short sleeve {or long sleeve for that matter!} Greta blouse in a cotton lawn and embroider away. If time or ability is lacking, then use a pre~ embroidered patch. I'm a huge fan of Ellie Mac and these patches caught my eye on her website ~ She sells out quickly though so you have to be fast!


And I know the leopard isn't a traditional flower motif but that's the joy of making your own~ you can do as you please!


And Missy Mop sells this lovely floral version in her shop! The trimmings section is really rather delicious so check out her carefully curated selection of sustainable fabrics and trims.




A fabulous dressmaking pattern from the late seventies/early eighties and again, you can make a version of the Greta blouse and use the Calypso to make a tiered skirt. If you add an extra ruffled tier to the skirt, you'll get a maxi version like version 1 above. Use a lovely white or ivory linen or double gauze to recreate the look!


I found this beautiful dark floral on Fabric Godmother which would make a beautiful Greta blouse ~ I really think I'll need to save some pennies to buy this as it just looks so perfectly vintage!

Make up the Calypso skirt in linen in a complimentary colour and you're there. This look also takes you into a more Autumnal interpretation of the Greta I feel.




I don't tend to wear earthy colours as a rule, as in version 2 above, but I love the idea of the Greta blouse cinched in with a tie belt over a Calypso skirt {and it would work for jeans or palazzo pants by the way!} These Liberty silks would all work beautifully, give you that 70's boho edge and would work together if you wanted to do a bit of pattern {mis}matching!


I hope I've given you lots of inspiration and ideas for your Greta makes. I certainly have over inspired myself as I basically want to make everything I've mentioned ~ Oh dear! I had better start saving!


If you do try any of these ideas, please tag me on Instagram with #thegretablouseanddress and #taradeightonatelier


Happy Sewing!


Love, Tara x



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