The Edwardian “Anne of Avonlea” Blouse

Ever since the first time I watched “Anne of Avonlea“, I knew I wanted to wear some “Anne Shirley” costumes!  There is something so refreshing about the embroidered Edwardian blouses (called “shirtwaists” back then), and the long, flowing skirts.  Like the Regency Era nearly one hundred years before, the Edwardian era followed an era of ridiculous fashion and brought a return of elegant simplicity back to women’s styles.  The “Anne of Avonlea” film costumes accurately depict what ladies wore at the turn of the century, with the corseted waists, heirloom blouses, and the occasional silk dress.  The Edwardian era is often confused with the Victorian era, perhaps because the late 1890s and early 1900s did have many similarities in style.  For the costume historian however, you must accurately classify anything past 1900 as Edwardian, even if you feel like saying “Victorian” about feathered hats, long skirts, and corsets!

While I love all Edwardian styles, I’ve always been particularly fond of the Edwardian blouses, so when Sense & Sensibility Patterns released their “Beatrix Shirtwaist Pattern” I bought it immediately!  The pattern gives the option for long sleeves, leg-o-mutton sleeves, or elbow length sleeves, plus either front or back button closures.  You could practically take any Edwardian blouse photo and copy it with this sewing pattern!

I chose the puffed elbow length sleeves and the back button closure, and the whole blouse was a breeze to put together.  While most blouses were tucked into a skirt and gathered at the center front for the classic “pouter pigeon” look, I preferred to wear this blouse untucked with a belt as the pattern suggests.

This reminds me of the blouses which Tevye’s daughters wore in “Fiddler on the Roof“!  I’ve always loved Hodel’s belted blouse which gives a mock “peplum” look, and when you use a ribbon instead of a firm belt it lends a very heirloom look to the outfit!

I trimmed the sleeves and collar area with crocheted cluny lace, though for a more elegant blouse you could use valencienne or English netting lace.  The fabric itself was originally a white embroidered lawn by Robert Kaufman fabrics which I dyed using the “IDye” in ecru.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!