tedious
( click for larger view.)
My latest sewing project has been slow-going. For some reason I used to be able to whip through grading a pattern up a few sizes in a day, but this time I’ve been really taking my time; making sure I’m doing my calculations right and enjoying the process. Because I really do love the fiddley work of tracing, slicing a pattern apart, and resizing it. Which is almost a must to know how to do when sewing with vintage patterns!
( click for larger view.)
This particular pattern I’m grading is something I picked up late last summer when I went to visit my dear friend Jenny Rose. We went on a thrifting adventure one day, and amidst a pile of ugly 80s patterns, I found this gem! As-is, a 30” bust is far too small for me, but the style is darling and perfect for some fabric I had stashed away. I picked up some lining last weekend, and as soon as I finish grading this (almost there… just the skirt pieces really!), I’ll be cutting it out of this beautiful cotton eyelet I have been hoarding for at least 3 years. It’s about time I used it!
If, perchance, you’re interested in how to size a pattern up (or down!), I have found these links here and here invaluable.
Posted on February 19th, 2009 to sewing.
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inspiration week #71 »10 lovely thoughts to “tedious”
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Sal says:
February 19th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Any kind of transposition impresses me. Oh, to have such skills! Can’t wait to see the finished dress …
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jassy says:
February 19th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
You ARE lucky to have such beautiful taste and sewing mojo. I can tell that dress is going to be totally sigh enducing because that eyelet looks gorgeous.
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Erin says:
February 19th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Beautiful! I once made a similar looking dress (though mine was strapless and had a tighter skirt) from white eyelet and bright yellow cotton lining. One of my favorite summer dresses until I grew out of it! (yes, it was a while ago…
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amy says:
February 19th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
thank you so much for the links. i have so many vintage patterns, but they are all too small for me. a 24 waist? not hardly.
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Jenny-Rose says:
February 19th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Ahh… I thought it looked familar! :> Yummy fabric, very “Casey” and very summery.
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NoirGirl says:
February 19th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Thanks for those super links! Pattern resizing has always scared me a little, but now I feel like I could actually do it. Your dress is going to be so lovely. That is a nice eyelet. What color is your lining?
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Mel says:
February 19th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Wow I wish I had the patience for resizing patterns! I really want to make my own slacks but I’m too lazy to resize the patterns. You seem so skilled at doing so! Can’t wait to see how the dress turns out!
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Marie says:
February 20th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Oh, I can’t wait to see how it turns out! The pattern looks really good, but it always looks even better when you make it and model it. I’m also so envious of your ability to sew!
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Kate says:
February 20th, 2009 at 2:35 am
I’ve been toying with the idea of making my own dresses out of vintage patterns for a few years now, and your site has really inspired me to take the leap! Thanks for all of your great tips, and those size links in this particular post should really come in handy
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(not so) random links | bits and bobbins says:
February 24th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
[...] of elegant musings passes on some helpful links on the subject of pattern grading (sizing)…here and here. good info to [...]
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