September project (kind of) Kitchen cutie
Alas, September...
Unfortunately, things got a bit crazy for me this month with all the travel and deadlines. Even though I bought and prepped my fabric and knew what I was going to make (apron!), I was never able to get to it. So no sewing all month for me.
Now I have to focus on my Halloween ensemble, retro style of course. So if there's an October theme I'll have to skip it, unless the October theme is to make something for Halloween!
Now I have to focus on my Halloween ensemble, retro style of course. So if there's an October theme I'll have to skip it, unless the October theme is to make something for Halloween!
...getting there...
Here is my July project. I might not be able to wear it this year (though it was 83 degrees last week) but at least it has been washed and dried and is all cut out. See?
However, the big news is that... surprise!!!
I am done with my August projects. Here is the proof.
Simplicity 5914
Here is the gray skirt, front and back and the back of the red skirt.
(At this point, I got frustrated with setting my camera up for the timed shots and besides the front of the red skirt looks exactly the same as the back anyways.)
Here they were hanging in my closet last week to let the hems stretch.
Finally, the hand sewn hems.
In addition, I did start planning my September project. This one is very simple. It has been laying low in my sewing drawer for over a year, ever since I found this incredible fabric at Old Navy. It was actually a skirt, a 13 1/2 inch long skirt. No wonder there were so many on the clearance rack!
Well, when I held it up to waist to see just how short it was, my first thought was "cocktail apron" Not the apron that you actually cook in but the one you change into when your guests arrive and all that's left to do is make a mighty fine cocktail. I definitely see mine worn with cigarette pants and ballet flats.
However, the big news is that... surprise!!!
I am done with my August projects. Here is the proof.
Simplicity 5914
Here is the gray skirt, front and back and the back of the red skirt.
(At this point, I got frustrated with setting my camera up for the timed shots and besides the front of the red skirt looks exactly the same as the back anyways.)
Here they were hanging in my closet last week to let the hems stretch.
Finally, the hand sewn hems.
In addition, I did start planning my September project. This one is very simple. It has been laying low in my sewing drawer for over a year, ever since I found this incredible fabric at Old Navy. It was actually a skirt, a 13 1/2 inch long skirt. No wonder there were so many on the clearance rack!
Well, when I held it up to waist to see just how short it was, my first thought was "cocktail apron" Not the apron that you actually cook in but the one you change into when your guests arrive and all that's left to do is make a mighty fine cocktail. I definitely see mine worn with cigarette pants and ballet flats.
Sept. Project
Sept. Project
Here are the pictures of my finished project. I had to enlarge the pattern, which worked ok, but I managed to make it a bit too big in the top. I had problems with the collar, cause the instructions weren't too clear. The ties didn't turn out even, and the pattern didn't call for double-siding them, which I would probably do next time. Anyway, it's pretty comfortable and perfect for wearing around the house.
A fall jacket
This isn't in accordance with the theme, I know! But I already have retro curtains and napkins, and I think any further incursion of kitsch would make my modernist bf revolt.
This is simplicity 4047, in a vintage mohair boucle, and I am in love with it. The pattern was actually really easy to make and I banged it out pretty quickly last weekend and have barely taken it off since. I felt guilty buying another swingy jacket pattern since I already had the Artful Dodger swingy jacket from hotpatterns, but I actually like this one better - the bias panels swing really nicely, and really pop in a pattern like this. There's a few more pics on my blog, as well as more ranting about how much I love this jacket.
How's It Going?
I just thought I would check in and see how everyone is getting on this month as it's been a bit quieter than normal!
I have a family do to attend this weekend but my sewing plans for next week are to finish off my dress from last month and then make this month's project, I have a pattern from the 50's for pajamas that I am going to make for my husband, I'm really looking forward to it.
I also wanted to gauge opinions as to whether monthly themes are the way to carry on. We have had a lot of votes for the last two winning themes but very few projects from them and I'm wondering whether they are hindering rather than helping things, I'd love to hear what you all think and any ideas as to how you'd like to see things run are also greatly appreciated.
As always, please post photos of anything retro that you've been working on whether it fits with the theme or not, it's all greatly inspiring and I love seeing it, it makes me want to get sewing which is, afterall, what this group is really about!
Thanks to you all for participating, we're so glad you're here!
Anna
I have a family do to attend this weekend but my sewing plans for next week are to finish off my dress from last month and then make this month's project, I have a pattern from the 50's for pajamas that I am going to make for my husband, I'm really looking forward to it.
I also wanted to gauge opinions as to whether monthly themes are the way to carry on. We have had a lot of votes for the last two winning themes but very few projects from them and I'm wondering whether they are hindering rather than helping things, I'd love to hear what you all think and any ideas as to how you'd like to see things run are also greatly appreciated.
As always, please post photos of anything retro that you've been working on whether it fits with the theme or not, it's all greatly inspiring and I love seeing it, it makes me want to get sewing which is, afterall, what this group is really about!
Thanks to you all for participating, we're so glad you're here!
Anna
Shoes and Vogue Variation
Since so many of you asked about my shoes I thought I'd post the answer: Clarks Bostonian! I got them a year ago at some outlet mall in California and can't remember the style name. They are SO SO comfortable! And they have a rounded toe, so I'm not doomed to have the same toe-crunching sufferings as gramma (which resulted from a host of 1950's shoes). Call me Imelda, but I want a pair of these in every color. As it is, I currently base my wardrobe around the shoes, 'cause if it don't match, the feet ain't happy!
I got married in these shoes (which were purchased for the occasion) and a version of that same Vogue pattern done up in rust dupioni. I lengthened the skirt, removed the straps on the pattern and added a halter-strip thingy. I added a lining with some tule to make it poufy without being itchy and put three covered buttons on my bum to attatch the train, which was my brain child design-wise but ultimately Mom's applique masterpiece. Mom can rock the hand sewing like a needle-wielding ninja. The hat was the result of a last-minute millinery urge that could not be supressed. As if the impending wedding didn't give me enough to do...
I got married in these shoes (which were purchased for the occasion) and a version of that same Vogue pattern done up in rust dupioni. I lengthened the skirt, removed the straps on the pattern and added a halter-strip thingy. I added a lining with some tule to make it poufy without being itchy and put three covered buttons on my bum to attatch the train, which was my brain child design-wise but ultimately Mom's applique masterpiece. Mom can rock the hand sewing like a needle-wielding ninja. The hat was the result of a last-minute millinery urge that could not be supressed. As if the impending wedding didn't give me enough to do...
Introduction
Hello all you retro crafty people!
My name is Angela (AKA Humblestumble). I've been sewing for about 2 years off and on and I've been trying to teach myself how to sew. I've got a lot more knowledge now than I did when I first started sewing, but I still run into a lot of "small" problems which become huge problems for me because I don't have anyone around to ask "Why do you think this happened?" I've sewn a few dresses, pillows, bath mitt, pants, purses, and so on. Most of the garments don't fit me, but I am teaching myself how to alter and adjust clothes and patterns, or trying anyway.
I'm 19 years old, going to be 20 coming up soon. I am also contemplating joining American Sewing Guild. I started to learn to sew because I wanted to sew my own retro wardrobe since 7th grade. I have graduated high school and still don't have a retro wardrobe of my dreams yet. "Yet" being the key word ;)
I love the 40s-50s, and even some 60s.
I don't know if I'll be able to join you guys for this month's challenege, but I hope to be joining you all eventually. It's so WONDERFUL to discover this group! (via fedoralounge.com) I hadn't known that there was anything like it!
I look forward to reading through your posts and discovering more people who share my passion of retro clothing and sewing.
Nice to meet you
Angela
My name is Angela (AKA Humblestumble). I've been sewing for about 2 years off and on and I've been trying to teach myself how to sew. I've got a lot more knowledge now than I did when I first started sewing, but I still run into a lot of "small" problems which become huge problems for me because I don't have anyone around to ask "Why do you think this happened?" I've sewn a few dresses, pillows, bath mitt, pants, purses, and so on. Most of the garments don't fit me, but I am teaching myself how to alter and adjust clothes and patterns, or trying anyway.
I'm 19 years old, going to be 20 coming up soon. I am also contemplating joining American Sewing Guild. I started to learn to sew because I wanted to sew my own retro wardrobe since 7th grade. I have graduated high school and still don't have a retro wardrobe of my dreams yet. "Yet" being the key word ;)
I love the 40s-50s, and even some 60s.
I don't know if I'll be able to join you guys for this month's challenege, but I hope to be joining you all eventually. It's so WONDERFUL to discover this group! (via fedoralounge.com) I hadn't known that there was anything like it!
I look forward to reading through your posts and discovering more people who share my passion of retro clothing and sewing.
Nice to meet you
Angela
SewZanne's Fabrics Discount Code
SewZanne's Fabrics are offering 10% off for sewing bloggers through to the end of the month, you need to enter the code blog10 to get the discount. They ship internationally too and accept Paypal.
You can find them here.
Anna
You can find them here.
Anna
Greetings!
Hi folks! My name is Rachel and I currently live in Houston, TX. I'm new to Sew Retro, but have been reading about your projects for the last month. Oooh oooh! I thought, I have an August project!
I fell in love with some lovely songbird upholstery fabric and whipped out good ol' Vintage Vogue pattern 2267. An adventure was finding complimentary fabric for the dress. Had to settle for two extremely sheer cottons on top of one another, but I was ultimately pleased with how everything came together. The top layer falls 4 inches short of the bottom layer. Trimmed with ribbon, this made the stripe at the bottom of the skirt.
I experienced the greatness of using fancy upholstery fabric when I splashed coffee down my front at the wedding to which I wore this thing. Wouldn't you know it? It beaded right up and wiped off with a napkin! These pictures were taken post-coffee incident, and there is no trace! There are bold and unapologetic wrinkles, however, as I have just returned to Houston and grabbed the dress from my suitcase for the sake of documentation.
I fell in love with some lovely songbird upholstery fabric and whipped out good ol' Vintage Vogue pattern 2267. An adventure was finding complimentary fabric for the dress. Had to settle for two extremely sheer cottons on top of one another, but I was ultimately pleased with how everything came together. The top layer falls 4 inches short of the bottom layer. Trimmed with ribbon, this made the stripe at the bottom of the skirt.
I experienced the greatness of using fancy upholstery fabric when I splashed coffee down my front at the wedding to which I wore this thing. Wouldn't you know it? It beaded right up and wiped off with a napkin! These pictures were taken post-coffee incident, and there is no trace! There are bold and unapologetic wrinkles, however, as I have just returned to Houston and grabbed the dress from my suitcase for the sake of documentation.
Is it too late for an August project?
I really did finish it in August. It just took me a while to get it documented. I think my daughter needs one size for width and another for length. We wear our dresses long so I automatically adjusted the skirt length. But I assumed the sleeve that fit widthwise would fit lengthwise. Obviously, the sleeves are too short. She loves it anyway.
The pattern is an oop Simplicity Gunne Sax.
hawaiian hunks
i got this vintage style fabric yesterday for mod*tot's uncle. he vacations in hawaii frequently + his bathroom is decorated in this style. i can't think of anything to make for his bathroom. i'm thinking pillow cases or lining it with a soft fabric for a sofa throw. this will be my first project since my mastectomy 2 months ago. my arm is still messed up, so i'll keep it simple.he's going to laugh when he sees this fabric :D
september project :: refab
refab has household stuff made of vintage fabrics (inspiration for this months project).
i like their snake draught stopper + chicken doorstop.
mod*mom
September Project
Sew Retro September Project
This pattern has been on my to-do list for so many years that it's going to take a lot of enlarging to make it fit now! I found the fabric in the bottom of the storage bin. I'm not sure where it came from, possibly my mother.
Yes, August is over...but
I'm still plugging away. A few work and school things pulled me away but my August projects are nearly done.
fabrics were cut out
zippers were installed
and the facing has been sewn in for the red skirt.
However, after having a very frustrating time with the red skirt's zipper I decided to put in the gray zipper differently. I was flipping through Wendy Mullin's book Sew U at the bookstore and decided that instead of doing the lapped zipper that the pattern asked for I was just going to do it the easier way, as a centered zipper.
So by doing the zipper, then the facing on the gray skirt and a few hours (maybe days) of watching TV and hand sewing the hems, I should definitely be done this week.
Lisa
fabrics were cut out
zippers were installed
and the facing has been sewn in for the red skirt.
However, after having a very frustrating time with the red skirt's zipper I decided to put in the gray zipper differently. I was flipping through Wendy Mullin's book Sew U at the bookstore and decided that instead of doing the lapped zipper that the pattern asked for I was just going to do it the easier way, as a centered zipper.
So by doing the zipper, then the facing on the gray skirt and a few hours (maybe days) of watching TV and hand sewing the hems, I should definitely be done this week.
Lisa
Summer's Almost Over
Hi y'all, I just got back from a week at the seaside - no internet, no blogging, just sun and relaxation. You've all been sew busy :-) Great to see there's a September project, pity I finished my retro pinny in August Ha! Maybe I'll go for the matching peg bag or a set of embroidered napkins? (something I could do on the tube, on the way to new job)...
New Pattern Shop
Macojero from Ebay has opened a new online store today! It's called Moms Patterns and there are a ton of great retro/vintage patterns there, all still at great prices.
Jen is incredibly helpful and if you're looking for something specific she will sift through her huge collection for you to see if she can find it!
Anna
Jen is incredibly helpful and if you're looking for something specific she will sift through her huge collection for you to see if she can find it!
Anna
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