Feeling so CapeAble

I've been itching to make a cape for the mild California fall weather and had seen some vintage designs that inspired me to check there first.  I went on the hunt for a cape pattern and stumbled upon Simplicity 5359.  The pattern includes two cape options (one with a collar, one without) and a wiggle dress.  I love the dress too, so I've put that aside for a future project. 

I made this out of a brown wool with a tan, satin interior lining.  The pattern was only a few pieces that were already cut out, so one tedious step omitted from the start!  More details and pictures are on my blog: What's Up, Cupcake?

I've been a busy little sewing bee

...the last few weeks. I've been completely MIA at my own blog because I was sewing like a mad fiend for the Pattern Review "Sewing For Children" contest. I've got three pieces left to make before the end of the month and then I'll heave a sigh of relief. In the mean time, I'll share with you what I've made thus far. Some of it is good. I can't seem to find any bad, but there is ONE fugly. But more on that later.
Let's begin!

Advance 8932
a jumper and blouse pattern.

This is a size 8 or 10, if I recall correctly and hails from the late 50s. I only made the jumper since my childrens' school requires *polo* shirts. Even for girls. Which is better than the button down oxfords *I* had to wear. But I digress. The fabric is a polyester spandexy suiting from Joann's. It was red tag fabric that I picked up for ~$2/yard. WINNING!!!

You can see the pattern envelope here, if you like.

Simplicity 8769
1970

PantDress without skirt

From there, I branched out into some super 70s awesomeness, also known as the "pantdress". Simplicity 8769 from 1970 was the pattern du jour. I used quilting cotton for the outer, juvenile apparel for the skirt and a vintage bedsheet purloined from my nana's closet (with her permission, I promise!) for the lining. I wanted to fully line it because who wants raw edges in their hoo-ha?

I used the owl fabric for the reverse of the reversible skirt. Buttons were from my stash as was the zipper. W00T! for using up stuff in my stash!

Moving right along... We've hit the 60s and the 70s, lets aim for another decade...

Simplicity 4870

Helloooooo 1940s. Now there are some little girls who can't carry off all these frills and ruffles. And to be honest, they CAN look a little dated. Luckily for my little peanut, that's not the case.

For this seafoam green number, I used another one of nana's purloined vintage sheets for the dress and lining. The trim is vintage deadstock lace! How awesome is that? Vintage pattern? Check! Vintage fabric? Check! Vintage trim? Check! Vintage button for the neck closing? Check!

This dress also came with the matching doll dress pattern as well. I took some liberties with the doll dress because I'd pretty much run out of ruffled part (the top of the sheet) and I'm a lazy cuss. I'm NOT going to put as much effort into a doll dress as I am a dress for an actual child. So I cheated a bit.

Simplicity 9529

Since we're like, totally sewing our way through the decades, like fer sure, let's swing by the 80s. They called and they want Simplicity 9529 back. This was a fun pattern to sew. It was all like, totally, a flashback for me. I think I owned an outfit very similar to this as a kid.

The skirt portion and jacket are fully lined with the raspberry fabric to keep the totally rad purple Star Trek TNG fabric from scratching the skin. And yes, I DID have to refrain from singing Raspberry Beret whilst I was working on this one. The skirt and bodice are all sewn together to give the impression of a skirt/blouse. The belt is detachable (and currently lost!?!). This beauty is dry clean only. Someone smack me back into sanity so I don't ever do that again for a 9 year old. But really the fabric was JUST too awesome AND I bought it specifically for my purple lover AND it was all red tag fabric, so what's a girl to do? I just wanted to have fun with it...

Simplicity 2007

I feel like I'm missing a decade in here or something. Let's see, 80s.... Check. 70s.... Check. 60s.... Check. 40s.... Check. That's IT! I'm missing the 50s. Okay. Here we go kiddies, let's take a trip back to the Nifty Fifties!

This here is probably my second favoritest kids' outfit I've ever made in the history of ever. Check OUT the mad plaid matching skillz! Now I know that some people think matching plaid is of the debbil, but for me, it's like.... I don't know how to describe it. It just is one of the most soothing things to do. Which means I'm officially nuts. Or something.

This is my daughter's favoritest - even more than the purple - outfit I've made for her. What I love is that when sewing vintage patterns for her, she's a straight 7/8 and not a 10/12 like the RTW stuff you find in stores. She's freakishly short for her age (just like her mama!) so I've pretty much given up on RTW for this kid anyhow.

I especially love the side invisible zip and the back bow detail on this one. You just don't see stuff like this at the local Big Box Mart.

And now, for the pe-ayce de ray-zis-tahnce...

McCall's 4672
1942

McCall's 4672, overalls and jacket. I'm giving you the big version of the picture so you can really take in the details:

Self-covered "stealth" buttons that are matched to the pattern of the fabric so you just don't see them.
"Stealth" pocket on the jacket.
Chinese dragon that goes across the front from one leg to the other.
Fu Dogs that face each other on the jacket front.

Longevity symbol

overalls without jacket

How cool is THAT? Now that you've seen the good... Brace yourself for the fugly. Because, friends, it just ain't a pretty sight.

1962
Toddler Maternity Pattern?

Yeah. Not quite the result I was looking for. This one did not pass go, did not get entered into the contest. Why? Well, despite the awesome fabric, it just wasn't *right*. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And this was a BIG lose. Laura Petrie might have been able to carry this one off. Or even Lucy Ricardo as maternity wear. But even with dupioni silk(!) and awesome stretch check fabric that feels like taffeta, this outfit wouldn't make the grade. And the shame of it all is that THIS pattern is one that I really, really, really wanted to make up. I'm not even sure I'd resell it, it's so bad. Plus it's missing a couple of pieces.

***And might I say I REALLY hate Blogger's method for inserting photos into posts.

McCalls 8560- 1960s Robe

Here is my pattern, McCalls 8560, from 1966. I made it out of pink and brown plaid fleece.

I chose the full length robe, as this is meant for fall and winter, and made the sleeves full-length instead of 3/4.

 It has a weird collar that reminds me of Star Trek, but it's great for a robe! It had very clear instructions, also.

 It only took a few hours to make and it's one less unused pattern sitting in my cabinet!

More goofy pictures on my blog.

Summer Holiday Dress!

I made this dress a few weeks back from some incredible vintage fabric I'd had stashed for longer than I can remember. I'm so grateful to my former-self that I didn't go crazy with the scissors, as I'm so happy with how this dress turned out, I can't imagine I would have done it justice previously.

I'm obsessed with late 1950's/early 1960's styles, but despite my ever-expanding collection of vintage patterns, nothing quite seemed to fit the bill. So I hashed together the pattern for this by adapting and frankensteining elements of some newer patterns, which thankfully worked well with a bit of tweeking.

I decided upon wide shoulder straps so I could wear a normal bra without the straps on show and ruining the effect. I also added a contrast red ruffle detail to make the whole thing pop a little bit more.

Check that fabric!!!! Don't you just want to be hanging out at that little bar there?! I know I do. Hanging out in an inferior bar in this dress will have to suffice instead.

For full details on this creations, check out my blog post.

Many thanks for all the inspiration you all give me, happy (retro) sewing!

Zoe xxx

Sixties Styles This Summer

Here are some of the dresses I've made from 1960's patterns and blogged about lately.

Simplicity 7120

Simplicity 6634 from 1966

Simplicity 7075 from 1967

All of them were very easy to make.  The only consistent change I made to the patterns was to lower the waist dart and bust dart tips by about half an inch to an inch  -- those 60's styles had some high dart points!

They're all a bit different from my usual style since I hardly ever use prints, but I'm really enjoying all of them.  The slightly fitted skimming style has been very comfortable this hot summer.

60's playdress

I just finished making a late-60's playdress with tunic, shorts, and some super-wide pants to wear as a coverup.  I'm going to be wearing this to a retro pool party later this month.  This is my first foray into 60's clothing, and I must say, I am quite hooked!  It was easy and fun to make, and I am so in love with the crazy prints of this era. If you'd like, you can read more about it on my blog, Festive Attyre. Thanks! :)

Two new dresses for me...

Now that it's turning into summer, my unfinished-basement sewing area (which is a chilly torture chamber in winter) is starting to feel gooood. So I decided to make myself a few more dresses while I've got the creative juices flowing.

First up, a 1944 housedress pattern (I've been yearning for a housedress for the longest time).

I fell in love with the diamond shaped pockets, like, instantly. I made this up in one of the prints from the new DS Quilts (DS = Denyse Shmidt, dunno why JoAnn's is being all coy about it) line from JoAnn's.

Nine buttonholes and a LOT of rick-rack later, here I am, all ready to start a scrap metal drive for Victory:

As you can see, the tops of those cunning diamond-shaped pockets flop over all the time. I knew they would. Before I wear it again, I'm going to put a vertical buttonhole near the top of each diamond and then the pockets will button closed. They sure are handy - I keep my cell phone in one pocket and my MP3 player in the other, which I am sure is what Simplicity's designers had in mind back in 1944.

My second project was a dress for my sister's upcoming wedding. My sister sews vintage dresses at a rate that puts me to shame (and I've pestered her many a time to join this site), so the least I could do was make one for her wedding. I actually started with this pattern (undated, but probably early 60s?) and then altered the heck out of it.

I used the short sleeve version (she's getting married in the desert, in the summer - thanks for nothing, sis!) and moved the zipper from center back to side so I wouldn't have to worry about matching a GIANT print. I scooped out the neckline, too, only I scooped it out too much and it showed my bra straps six ways to Sunday. So I made little inserts out of the few precious bits of fabric I had left and then sewed bows over them, because duh, bows are fun. I replaced the original skirt, which was pleated in the front and fitted in the back, with a nice full dirndl that used up most of the 4 yards I was able to scare up. Did I mention that I like to fall in love with prints long after they have gone out of production, and I had to hunt every dark corner of the internet to find enough yardage for a dress?

Here it is with the hat, the shoes, and the crinoline petticoat so you get the full effect. I think in the end it looks more Fifties than Sixties. I wish you could all know how unbelievably haughty I feel in this get-up.

Hi! The Sookie dress

Hi everyone! This is my first Sew Retro post. I am a fairly beginner sewer, I have been sewing for about 6 months now. I sew clothes for me and occasionally friends (though they have to be very patient as it takes me a long time to finish things!). I have a blog over at http://monkeysockslearnstosew.blogspot.com/.

Sew Retro was one of the first blogs I found when I started looking, and I was so inspired I immediately went and bought loads of vintage patterns off ebay, even though I was pretty much incapable of sewing them at the time! I can safely say that I have never had much difficulty sewing them, even the unprinted ones, the main problem is generally my need to alter them all to fit me. sigh.

After a couple of variable results, I finally got round to sewing the sort of dress that I wanted to learn how to sew in order to make-a 60s super fitted shift dress. I was inspired by the weekly challenge on Sew Weekly, to base something on a television character, and, as it was suddenly very summery, I went for a flowery sundress inspired by Sookie on Trueblood.

I used Butterick 2434, which is a fitted jumper (not sure what exact year) and made view c.

I had to alter it a bit with a slightly bodged FBA (eventually just fiddling about with my dressform) but overall it came out quite like the picture and worked very well.

Here is me posing in a graveyard for full vampire effect (except that it was a very sunny and cheerful graveyard!). I think its one of my favourite things I have ever made! More details on my blog.

1960's A-Line Skirt

Good evening!  Here's a little A-line skirt I made with the leftover fabric from my previous project.  It was my first attempt at McCall's 7978 from 1965, and it was so easy I've already got at least three more versions planned!

More pictures and information on my blog Handmade Jane.

My Very First Giveaway!

Hello all, I just thought I'd let you know that there's a great giveaway going on at my blog A Few Threads Loose.

The giveaway includes a lovely vintage pattern, a vintage edition of Work Basket Magazine from 1960, some great retro fabric, and some cute buttons to top it all off.
The pattern is really cool.  It's called a "Scoop Neck Skimmer" and it's printed by McCall's for mail order.  It's a size 10-12, Bust 31-32 and is uncut and in factory folds. (Don't you just love being the first person to use a pattern?)

Stop by and enter to win!
Happy Weekend!

60'S GINGERBREAD DRESS

I just finished this gingerbread patterned dress that I made from the Simplicity 3929 pattern from the early 1960's. A really simple silhouette but so versatile! It was really easy to make - I just had some trouble with the gathering of the waistline. The threads ended up breaking but I got there eventually! I'm so happy with the end result and just feel this is going to be one of those dresses that I end up wearing almost too much because it just works. I have to say that it looks nothing like the dress in the picture on the pattern. Slightly exaggerated skirt compared to the real deal!

I hope you like the dress as much as I do! More pictures can be found on my blog pretty odd wonders.

Sofia x

1960's pattern giveaway.

To celebrate reaching 100 followers I want to do a little give away. I have not yet gotten around to sewing this pattern yet, and with the current to-do list I have set for myself, it seems this beautiful pattern won't be sewn anytime soon! Such a shame for it to be sitting on my shelf unloved... I want to give it a new home!

Entry is open to anyone, you don't have to be a follower of my blog (but if you are you get two entries).

Check it out at my blog,

Sam xox

A vintage dress, some antique underwear, and a new project...

I just started a new sewing project yesterday, an 1870s corset. You can read all about the project so far at my blog.

I wore a fun, 1960s vintage dress while I was working on it, too!

The picture uploader isn't cooperating right now, but you can see pictures of my dress, my project and some antique edwardian undergarments in my collection on my blog.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!
-Evie

Valentine Theme Apron from Simplicity 4479 - undated pattern

Red & Gold scroll heart shapes cotton print paired with gold tone silk dupioni to create this vintage inspired frilly Valentine theme apron. My first time using this pattern so maintained the sizing and not many changes to the original details of Simplicity 4479
However, the waist tie was kept small and the shoulder straps were cut in 1 piece instead of two. Always needing to add an original touch, met that need by creating a hair bow to compliment the apron.
Apron front view:

Apron Back View:
Well this is a very slim dressform, and still the back does not close nearly as tightly as the pattern shows Whoo Whee - this one size fits all pattern, really only fits a slim person. Waist 24 to 28 inches. Well gosh, I have not seen that size in 40 years. So it will take some revisions to make this style fit a wider range of body sizes. :D

Still, it is cute as is and will look lovely on a slim frame. I think it will be worthwhile to revise, alter and update this pattern. The frills are enchanting. It was fun to make the ruffle, even though time consuming. My ideas are: to lengthen the bib to come higher and look more flattering on a fuller bust; to increase the width of the center panel just a tad; to make neck straps that tie/or a halter strap, rather than shoulder straps; keep the waist tie narrow.

For those of you who, like me, revel in details, construction specifics on my blog.

Enjoy!
Jane of Felt Sew Crafty and A Tranquil Nook

60s Style Mini Dress

Last night was Geelong Malanka, (a Ukrainian New Years Eve celebration). This Malanka party is fairly relaxed & so the dress code is more semi-formal, the girls tend to wear short party dresses & the boys in a nice shirt & tie or maybe a suit. This is the dress I wore, these pics were taken in the hotel before we left.

I bought the sequined & embroidered lace when I was in Shenzhen last August. Given the fairly ostentatious design of the lace I wanted to have something fairly simple, so I went with as 60s style mini shift dress. Here's a few detail shots of the lace.

In order to get the pattern matching up (somewhat) at the seams & darts I had to do a bit of applique work. For instance in the picture below half of the blue flower was originally trapped in the dart. It looked really weird so I cut out the flower from another bit of lace and hand-stitched it in place.

For more information, check out my blog.