Welcome spring dress!

Hi all!

Because I'm lucky enough to live in the southern hemisphere, I've made a welcome spring dress using the 1950's pattern, Simplicity 2535.

I'm a bit in love with the japanese cotton I used. The colours are amazing, and it was a dream to sew with.

The dress is fully lined with cotton, and has contrasting red bias tape (which is totally supportive of red lips and nails, hurrah!)

I altered the neckline because the gathers weren't working for me. Cue date with seam ripper.

For a full review and more pictures feel free to head over to my blog Curves, Patterns, and Pins. 

There may also be a giveaway of this pattern in the next couple of days so you could make your very own *wink wink* (subtle?)

Check the technique

Sadly this post comes with no pictures, but a request for advice, and an invite! 

I'm starting a new challenge called "Check the technique" where I attempt to check off a list of sewing techniques not yet tried, and I was hoping that you could help me.

Firstly, are there any vintage or heirloom techniques you can suggest?
Secondly, any good tutorials you know of? Maybe you've done one yourself! My first challenge is grading a vintage pattern (32 bust? Ha! As if), but any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance! I promise I'll have something super vintage and fabulous to show off very soon.

Reana Louise x

Ps. This challenge is open to all! If you want to participate, please jump on over to my blog to find out more. Hope to see you soon!

Vintage inspired Mad Men Dress

Hi everyone! Here is a dress that can't really be classed as vintage, but is vintage inspired (does that count?). I also used some vintage fabric, which I posted about here

The dress was made for a Mad Men themed party, and I think it's something that Joanie would be proud of. It was also my first go at 'frankensteining' patterns together to create one whole outfit. You can read the full story and see pictures here at Curves, Patterns, and Pins! Reana Louise xo

Vintage Bikini- advice needed

Hi everyone!

I just got my gorgeous little 60s bikini pattern in the mail

I'm so excited and can't wait to start stitching! I'll be making the bikini and a 'cover up', and probably a matching head scarf so I can really rock the retro look.

The only problem is I'm having trouble finding a fabric worthy of this gorgeous pattern. Do you have any online sources, or really anything, that you could suggest? I've searched etsy and couldn't find anything that felt 'right'.

Feel free to comment here or on my blog Curves, Patterns and Pins where there are more photos and possible fabrics.

Thanks in advance!

Reana Louise x

New Fabric... What now?

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd turn to you lovely guys and gals for a little advice. I was just given this very beautiful vintage voile from my aunt, and now I'm a bit stuck in knowing what to make!

I love the idea of a vintage pattern, but I'm very new to sewing so I don't want to be over-adventurous and then end up wasting it. I would appreciate any suggestions, either here or on my blog Curves, Patterns and Pins where you can find more pictures and information.

Thanks in advance!

Reana Louise x