Hi! I'm just getting started with retro sewing

My name is Jenny and I'm a long-time lurker. I started teaching myself to sew clothing last summer, and I'm completely hooked. (Ok, I had one semester of sewing in home ec, but I don't think that really counts.) I'm in my late twenties and I live near St. Louis, Missouri. I sew because RTW never fits my tall, pear-shaped body, and my sense of style keeps drifting away from mainstream fashion.

I've been recording my creative project experiences since last summer at my humble blog, Chronically Uncool. My projects typically include home decor, junk shop furniture rehab, and sewing. I also have a whole category of posts called "Whining about my giant ass", but I won't be offended if you skip those posts.

So far my retro sewing experience has been limited to these projects:

Simplicity 3673, 1950's dress/jumper Simplicity 3673 in digital camo Simplicity 3673 with altered neckline, in red silk dupioni
Variations on Simplicity 3673: digital camo and red silk dupioni


Simplicity 6778 (1974 vintage), button front skirt Simplicity 6778, vintage, in leaf print cotton
Simplicity 6778, from 1974. My first vintage pattern!

Right now I have this one on the cutting table (View 3):

Style 4408 (vintage 1973), dress

Figuring out how to adjust the pattern without messing up the bodice line or the pleats has been a good mental challenge, and I'm finally ready to cut it out. I'll post pictures here when it's finished.

I'm also considering making a retro, pin-up style, one piece swimsuit this summer. I know it's going to be a stretch for my limited sewing skills, but I love a challenge. Has anyone here ever done a swimsuit? I would love to hear from you. Please take a look at this post and let me know if I'm crazy or not.

I'm looking forward to sharing my retro sewing project with you here!