Designs weave in and out of fashion through the decades and sometimes even hundreds of years. The simple pullover style of this ensemble’s top has been worn for centuries, yet it is as pleasing today as it was in the 1930s when this example was made. You could easily wear this exact look while walking on the beach in Italy or shopping in town. Or, you could change the fabric to fluid black crepe, embroider it and a matching skirt with tone-on-tone thread, and wear the ensemble on New Year’s Eve. The top’s hand-sewn edge finish yields smooth curves with colorful topstitching. Read on to learn more about this edging method from Threads #195.

Part of this timeless blouse’s charm is the hand embroidery, fashioned in No. 5 pearl cotton, and the coordinating hand-finished edges. The simplicity of the execution is fetching. The flattering round neckline and interestingly shaped…