So I was strolling through JoAnn Fabrics the other day on my lunch hour trying my best to avoid the fabric section.  Let's not kid here I didn't try really hard at it.  I always have to visit the clearance section and my no buy rule has pretty much went out the window.  So I came across what I thought at first glance was a hideous jungle print.  Something I would of never looked at twice if it wasn't for Jungle January going on right now at Pretty Grievances.  My blog roll is swimming in  leopard, tiger and zebra prints that have opened my eyes to stepping out of my own comfort zone.  If anything @ $1.50 a yard and being a shiny polyester this would be good for a muslin.  So I bought a couple yards anxious with how it would turn out.  I chose to make Gertie's Portrait Blouse...

If you don't have Gertie's book you should really really get it!  It's jammed packed full of Gertie's own vintage patterns and variations.  This is the first pattern I've make from the book besides drafting my own peter pan collar with her instruction.

This top was easy peasy!  A total of 4 pattern pieces all cut on the fold.  I mean how much easier do ya want.  You could trace, cut and sew all in one day!  Sweeet!  There are bust darts, front and back tucks for hugging your curves and a side handpicked lapped zipper to keep in line with the vintage feel.  I opted for an invisible zipper well cause I'm lazy.  The seams are all finished with pinking shears also to keep in line with the vintage feel, seriously..not because I'm lazy!

I cut a size 2 based on my bust size.  Next time I will cut a size larger and adjust if needed.  The armholes are a little tight and  I was only able to use a 1/2 inch seam on the sides or it would of been too tight in the waist area.  You can see it is really short so I will add about 3 inches to the length as well.

I rather like it with this orange cardi.