Melissa in Australia Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I have a cute shirt pattern from the 1940s it buttons at the back. I cannot decide if I should make it up with back buttons or alter the pattern to have the buttons in the front. I haven’t worn a top with back buttons as an adult. But have worn lots of clothing with a back zipper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 The only clothes I've had with buttons in the back were some dresses from the 40's (costumes). I had to have help dressing. I would not willingly make a pattern like that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 If you have somebody to button you, yes. I can see it being a pain if you don't have someone handy most of the time, but it's also a very distinctive look and the shirt will look quite different if you change that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 My mom had those in the 70s/80s when I was in primary school. I had to help her with the buttons. The issue we had with buttons at the back versus zipper or hooks is when leaning on a chair back. Its less comfortable. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 Is the shirt black and are the buttons silver? 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dianthus Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 Post a picture of the shirt and we'll vote on whether it's worth the effort. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I bought sort of a Henley-type shirt that has a few buttons at the neck opening, but not all the way down the front. Didn’t even realize until I took it home that it has a row of buttons down the back. So I’m not sure this qualifies, lol. But I thought it was a cute detail and I’ve had compliments on it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewelma Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I had to wear a dress with buttons up the back as a bridesmaid for my sister's wedding. I was breast feeding on demand at the time, which made for a very unfortunate situation! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 30, 2022 Author Share Posted May 30, 2022 (edited) Edited May 30, 2022 by Melissa in Australia 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewelma Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 Those are some skinny waists! yikes! Time to remove some ribs. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 30, 2022 Author Share Posted May 30, 2022 (edited) I want to make view B but with the Peter Pan Collar in a cream floral Edited May 30, 2022 by Melissa in Australia 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 30, 2022 Author Share Posted May 30, 2022 (edited) 2 minutes ago, lewelma said: Those are some skinny waists! yikes! Time to remove some ribs. well the sketch is probably in the 1940s when people were on rationing Edited May 30, 2022 by Melissa in Australia 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 Only on dress shirts, only top buttons and I hated it. I’d change it if it’s not too hard. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 Yes but it was several sizes larger with elastic shirring around the waist and cuffs, so it looked purposeful and easy to put on. For that I’d instead make a hidden zipper on the side and sew the back closed. Or a back zipper hidden behind the buttons. Or maybe use a stretch fabric and choose a size with enough ease that I could pull it on overhead instead. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 30, 2022 Author Share Posted May 30, 2022 I don't do stretch fabric. I am trying really hard to sew with only natural fibers for environmental reasons. If I did a side zip I would still need some buttons at the neckline. maybe I will make it up with some op-shop bought material with back buttons just for fun, just to see what it is like having back buttons . I could use it as a gardening top. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 30, 2022 Author Share Posted May 30, 2022 I made some woman's land army overalls from a ww2 pattern the other week. DH , who in 29 years of marriage has never said anything looks nice before commented on how cute he thought it was. let me tell you though it is a pain to undo a dozen buttons on the side every time you need to go to the toilet. and none of the pockets fit a mobile phone 😄 15 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 5 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said: I don't do stretch fabric. I am trying really hard to sew with only natural fibers for environmental reasons. If I did a side zip I would still need some buttons at the neckline. maybe I will make it up with some op-shop bought material with back buttons just for fun, just to see what it is like having back buttons . I could use it as a gardening top. It’s beautiful and in trend with the current cottage core style. You could use a jersey knit with natural fibers but it wouldn’t have the same slightly formal effect. I would use it to wear on errands or church or events. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 2 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said: I made some woman's land army overalls from a ww2 pattern the other week. DH , who in 29 years of marriage has never said anything looks nice before commented on how cute he thought it was. let me tell you though it is a pain to undo a dozen buttons on the side every time you need to go to the toilet. and none of the pockets fit a mobile phone 😄 Gorgeous! Maybe a hidden side pocket sewn into the side or behind the bibb if you’re not opposed to the radiation near your heart. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I have, but not like that. It was more of a fashion addition. The shirt had a little secret zipper so the buttons were ornamental. Those land girl overalls are absolutely adorable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I’d alter it to a side zipper and a neckline opening with one or 2 Pearl buttons at the back of the neck. I can usually manage a couple buttons at the back of the neckZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 A button or two at the neck is ok, but buttons too far down the bank can be very uncomfortable when sitting in a chair (or car) with a seat back. Both patterns are cute, but I really love the overalls! Maybe you could add a second, larger patch pocket on the left-hand side to fit your phone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarita Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 Even my wedding dress was faux buttons in the back. They hid the zipper under a flap of buttons. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I can’t remember as an adult ever having worn one, but I like the idea. I think it would look nice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drama Llama Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 6 hours ago, Melissa in Australia said: I want to make view B but with the Peter Pan Collar in a cream floral Could you do 1 real button at the top, that you could reach to open the neck enough to pull it over your head, and then decorative buttons down the back? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 Shell's that had ONE button at the top of the back - that is all I would even consider. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I'm with all those who say to only put a button or two at the neck. Leave a slit (with a turned facing) that goes down far enough to make easy on and off over the head. We had similar blouses in the mid-eighties, along with similar ones with bows at the neck. Before I learned to sew, I had a beautiful long-staple cotton one from Joseph A. Bank, back when they did women's clothing. (Don't anyone go off on a tangent about what that blouse style is called now...I don't know why, and it's probably for some reason I don't want to know about. 😉 ) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, Halftime Hope said: Don't anyone go off on a tangent about what that blouse style is called now...I don't know why, and it's probably for some reason I don't want to know about. 😉 I guess I need a hint. Edited May 30, 2022 by SusanC didn't want to sound too excited about something I might regret. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 10 hours ago, Melissa in Australia said: Yeah, that's going to look completely different and lose the vintage vibe if you put buttons down the front. I think you could get away with just a few buttons, enough to get it on and off, even if it calls for buttons all down the back. Using a zipper on the overalls you posted would lose a tiny bit of the charm, but it would still be essentially the same garment. whereas buttons on the front of this is going to be a different shirt altogether. I like the idea of a trial run with cheaper materials. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 30 minutes ago, SusanC said: I guess I need a hint. https://thebowtiegurl.com/history-of-the-womens-necktie-aka-pussy-bow-photo-gallery/ Well...it looks like the term p u s s y is innocent (regarding blouses) and not derogatory like I dreaded it might be. The first time I ever saw a blouse with a bow referred to as a "p u s s y blouse" (no kidding) was when Melania Trump wore one, and the reporting referred to it exactly as I wrote it before. I've worn many a blouse with a bow in professional offices, and I had never heard it called that, so I assumed that it had picked up a naughty name in the 25 years between then and now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porque? Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 No opinion on the buttons and I can't sew to save my life so no suggestions. But I love your fashion sense!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamerGirl Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 (edited) 11 hours ago, Melissa in Australia said: I want to make view B but with the Peter Pan Collar in a cream floral I had a frock with Peter Pan collar and buttons down the back when I was younger. I would love to wear what you describe as an adult. I would also love to see the finished product. As to answer your question, when I wear my ethnic clothes and several dresses they have buttons, hooks, zips or even bows at the back. Some of them like the bow or a zip is sometimes part of the design. I wear and have worn enough of them that I am quite adept at them. The stray cases is why DH is there for. In gatherings among friends or family, it is not unusual to ask someone (usually a woman) to fix a hook, button, bow or zip that has come undone. People don't balk at it and we move on. The reason I love back buttons is most of the clothes that have them are embroidered or have something in the front that will take away from the look. Sometimes they are hidden in the case of hooks mostly and sometimes zip. But if they are buttons they are usually part of the design. I have fond memories of my grandmother's button box and sifting through them to choose buttons when she made a dress for me. I am rambling now, but I would say back buttons for what you propose. Covered if possible. Edited May 30, 2022 by DreamerGirl 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 I have but I don’t have a large breast area c-cup, am flexible and fairly thin. I leave them all buttoned except the top two. Slip the shirt on, then button the top two with my arms behind my neck. I grab the color behind my neck and pull the shirt up, so the buttons are easy to get to. No biggie to me, but it is a combination of body style and shirt fit that makes it work. my daughter who has a larger breast area and is not flexible, could never wear a shirt with buttons like that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 1 hour ago, Halftime Hope said: https://thebowtiegurl.com/history-of-the-womens-necktie-aka-pussy-bow-photo-gallery/ Well...it looks like the term p u s s y is innocent (regarding blouses) and not derogatory like I dreaded it might be. The first time I ever saw a blouse with a bow referred to as a "p u s s y blouse" (no kidding) was when Melania Trump wore one, and the reporting referred to it exactly as I wrote it before. I've worn many a blouse with a bow in professional offices, and I had never heard it called that, so I assumed that it had picked up a naughty name in the 25 years between then and now. I figured that was what you were referring to but was too lazy to look for old illustrations of cats with a bow around their neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 For me- nope. I would make it with one button at the top. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazelAnne Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 My hair sometimes gets caught in buttons in the back of shirts. Not a huge issue…but would probably deter me from putting buttons there if I didn’t need to. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 Which fabric Shoud I use? I like the first one, it was what I intended to use the second fabric I got at the op shop and don't like as much, but if I don't like buttons down the back wouldn't waste nice fabric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 Just thought the second fabric is most probably vintage. I am sure my grandmother had pillowslip out of similar fabric when I was a small child Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyH in NC Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 I think they are both pretty, but I love the first fabric. I'd probably use the second one until you know if you like the buttons on the back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 The first one. The second fabric reminds me of the bed set my now passed elderly neighbor had. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 24 minutes ago, itsheresomewhere said: The first one. The second fabric reminds me of the bed set my now passed elderly neighbor had. Yes well the reason I got the second one is because it reminded me of some pillowcases my grandmother had when I was a child. You have convinced me. I will use the first Thank you 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 Sometimes you can leave it partially buttoned and pull it over your head, instead of buttoning/unbuttoning every time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 didn't have enough of the first fabric. 😮 will look through my stash and find some 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 I voted yes but the top I'm thinking of has a roomier, almost boatneck style, so the buttons don't need to be done/undone to slip it on or off. Those patterns are very cute! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamerGirl Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 12 hours ago, Melissa in Australia said: didn't have enough of the first fabric. 😮 will look through my stash and find some The first one is really pretty. It would make a really lovely dress. Will there be enough for a sleeveless blouse with a Peter Pan collar and buttons down front instead ? You could use plain white for the collar. Or it will make a lovely frock with a Peter Pan collar for some little girl in your circle. In any case, please show the finished product. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 On 5/30/2022 at 4:00 AM, Melissa in Australia said: I don't do stretch fabric. I am trying really hard to sew with only natural fibers for environmental reasons. If I did a side zip I would still need some buttons at the neckline. maybe I will make it up with some op-shop bought material with back buttons just for fun, just to see what it is like having back buttons . I could use it as a gardening top. I keep thinking of this comment that you could use it as a gardening top! I can’t imagine wearing something like that for gardening but I am a dirty, sweaty gardener who comes in covered with “bits of nature”. I only use breathable easily washed fabrics that move with my body for that purpose. And even then I save my “grubbies “ for gardening and then shower and change afterwards. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 3 hours ago, Jean in Newcastle said: I keep thinking of this comment that you could use it as a gardening top! I can’t imagine wearing something like that for gardening but I am a dirty, sweaty gardener who comes in covered with “bits of nature”. I only use breathable easily washed fabrics that move with my body for that purpose. And even then I save my “grubbies “ for gardening and then shower and change afterwards. I live an extremely isolated life. Way in the middle of nowhere. I hardly talk to anyone outside household members or people on this forum. I love looking to me pretty. I guess I like living in my imagination. at the moment I am into clothing from the late 30s early 40s. So I make pretty tops to garden. I garden some every day. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 4 hours ago, DreamerGirl said: The first one is really pretty. It would make a really lovely dress. Will there be enough for a sleeveless blouse with a Peter Pan collar and buttons down front instead ? You could use plain white for the collar. Or it will make a lovely frock with a Peter Pan collar for some little girl in your circle. In any case, please show the finished product. It is winter here at the moment so I am wanting a long sleeve top. I most probably will make that material into a really cute puffy sleve top from a pattern I have from the 30s 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted May 31, 2022 Author Share Posted May 31, 2022 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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