B5007 mens western shirt

This shirt was inspired by some lovely Laura Ashley fabric I found in an Oxfam shop and by Mr Ooobops! desire for a slim fitting shirt with a large collar. I have never made a mans (or a ladies) shirt before so this was a real test of my patience! I am so relieved it turned out ok.

The instructions were very clear but didn't advise on how to finish seams. I thought the pressed open seams looked odd, even if they were hidden inside, so I created my first flat felled seams. It suited the double row of topstitching throughout and has generated a really strong seam down each side and sleeve which gives necessary strength for such a fitted shirt.

It is the most time consuming project I have ever worked on but mainly because I took it really slowly. There were so many instances where I could have screwed up otherwise!

I would definitely make another, with a few adjustments but right now I really need a break from sewing buttonholes and buttons!

More info and pictures over on Ooobop!

Two Muslins

This past week I tried my hand at a couple of vintage patterns, with pretty good results:

The pattern I used for the polka-dot blouse is from 1976, and the t-shirt pattern is from 1977. They were really easy to put together and not at all hard to understand.

As far as muslins go, I think they turned out very well. As usual, you can read more at my blog.

Hi There Everyone!

I’m Ashley, a graphic designer by day and obsessive sewist by night. I've been sewing garments for a little over a year now, but I'm completely hooked!  I find inspiration in so many things, from vintage sewing patterns, to fabric, to movies, to contemporary fashion.  I'm absolutely convinced that there is no better way to express yourself than with the clothes you wear.  So, what could be more expressive than making your own clothes?  I call my blog refurl, the name came from the idea of recreating (turning a piece of cloth into a dress, in the case of sewing).

Although I've acquired quite a collection of vintage patterns, I've only made one dress so far.  I call this my Vintage Introduction Dress.  The Pattern is 1970's Simplicity.  Other than adding the embellishment on the front, I made few alterations (only took it in a bit on the sides).

I'm very excited to be a new member of the Sew Retro Community!  I look forward to meeting you all and sharing in your fabulous projects. ;)

Lutterloh System International 1979 - Pics V

I am posting some more pics about the Lutterloh System... :)

What do you think of the last two patterns??So cute, huh?

You are welcome to my blog!!

Here am I...

Hi everyone ! My name is Sandra aka lasandrou from France ( so be indulgent if I make some english mistakes) . I have been reading Sew Retro for a while now and I decided to jump in the wagon.

Il like the seventies and even if I hadn't made up many pattern from this era, I cant' resist to buy a new pattern.

My last vintage dress was from Simplicity 7011

I sew in one morning to go to work in the afternoon:

This dress was quite easy to sew as there is just one piece and the facing :

You can find more details  about this dress and about me on my blog : " le fouillis de lasandrou " .

Lutterloh System Internacional 1979

Here is something I really would like to share with you...the Lutterloh System International, dated 1979. I bought this book in Your Pattern Shop a month ago... It is in perfect conditions, all the drawings well kept and Lisa added the Magic Scale to use the pattern.

For the ones of you who doesn't know what this system is I will explain briefly: it's a really smart way to create pattern! The patterns are in reduced scale (very little!!) but using the Magic Scale based on your bust and hip measurement you can draw the pattern on paper following few simple steps and then have a gorgeous outfit!!


Come and visit my blog to learn more!! :)