50s Peplum

I have a little thing for 50s peplum tops.... well maybe it's more than just a little thing. I've been day dreaming about having one... or more. As it turns out, I'm not the only one who is having thoughts of bygone fashions. I've notice that modern designers like Giambattista Valli are too.. how fun!

Here's my reveal:

Now the backstory:
Would you believe that this top started life as a curtain panel. It lived in my sewing room for several years, stuffed in a drawer. I have no idea where it came from and had no real use for it as I had only one. The poor darling was starved for sun and fresh air, I am sure.

I have noticed lately that retro styles are on the comeback and there have been several times that I've seen a top or dress and the first thought that crossed my mind was, "Is that drapery fabric?"..... oh how fun. After all, if the major designers are doing it, why can't I?

But what about a pattern.... well I didn't have one..... but I could Frankenstein one together.... and that's what I did. Of course I made a muslin. I started with Simplicity 1755 for the bodice:

For the peplum part I simply cut two widths of the panel. I like the peek-a-boo effect of hi-low peplums so I cut the front higher.

The drapery fabric is thick enough that it has great body all by itself but to help it along I used an old technique that's new to me. I read on another blog.. wish I knew which one... to cut the bottom seam allowance of the bodice longer than the seam allowance on the skirt. Then use the extra from the top to wrap around and encase the seam. This also gives the skirt a bit of lift.

I'm really please with the results..... but where in the world am I going to wear this? I suppose that I could play Mrs. 50s Housewife and do some vacuuming.. Lol

Happy sewing to you.