March 4th, 2010
[ click for a larger view. ]
This is a project that has actually been finished for a couple weeks, but because I kept forgetting to get photos, it’s taken me a bit to do a blog post! After seeing Reilly’s charming version of this pattern a bit back, I bought myself a copy of the reprint pattern–I couldn’t resist the easy-fit and elegant lines of the slacks! It’s taken me quite a bit to complete this project (it was just one of those things that stretched out over weeks; not because it was difficult, but that I just snuck in sewing in little slots of time), but was so worth it!
[ the reproduction pattern from the Vintage Fashion Library. ]
The slacks pattern, a reprint of an original 30s pattern, was like many from the era in needing some fitting modifications. What is commonly referred to as the “diaper look” among many vintage seamstresses; older pants patterns often have very long crotch seams. Sometimes this results in pants that look like they’re hanging around your knees! So I tend to automatically adjust the crotch length before I begin. I also reduced the amount of width in the back upper legs and front inner seam. This helped create a more fitted backside, which I find is just more flattering. The usual waist and hip adjustments were made too, along with raising the front upper edge a bit to accommodate for my long torso and high waist.
[ click for a larger view. ]
The final pants (after a muslin fitting!) were made from light-tan linen/rayon blend. I thought about doing a darker, more “practical” color, but really had my heart set on a light colored linen. White or cream doesn’t work with me–I’m too clumsy to be trusted not to get anything on a light colored bottom within the first five minutes of wearing! So tan was the next best thing (and also fit into the “practical” category as it goes with a lot in my wardrobe). The belt buckle is a vintage shell one I bought on Etsy. Perhaps one of the biggest design changes I made with this pattern is to move the zipper from the front (originally the zipper is installed along the front over the hip) to the left side. The original look seemed too sporty for the more sophisticated fabric color, plus I like side zippers!
[ sorry things are a bit wrinkly--I was just sitting at my computer before I took these! ]
These are super comfortable–I could seriously wear these forever! lol. I would say they’re akin to yoga pants in the softness and looseness of the cut. Plus, I love how flattering the shape is, compared to most slacks. The 30s definitely knew how to cut pants for a woman’s shape!
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Posted to: sewing. | 52 lovely thoughts
March 3rd, 2010
[ sneak peek of my weekend sewing. ]
Thank you everyone for your great music suggestions yesterday! I spent way too much time on iTunes, adding things to my wish list and whittling down what I want to buy. hehe! Now I just need to make my final decision… But I shall want for some new music no more!
[ just needs a couple star appliques (on the way) to complete the collar! ]
Saturday dawned cold and dreary, but I was cozily tucked away in my little corner with my sewing machine and Lauren’s reprint pattern for a 40s sailor outfit. I spent literally all of Saturday working on this pattern–I went in my “sewing room” before 8am and didn’t really come back out until around 5pm. It felt so nice to spend the day sewing though, not having had much opportunity for the past couple weeks.
[ buttons on the shorts. ]
These are just a few snippets of the final outfit, as I’m waiting on some buttons I ordered for the skirt. I found the perfect buttons shown above on a recent fabric shopping excursion, but there were only six–just enough for the shorts! I just can’t wait to have proper weather to wear the outfit (and take some full pictures to share!). Especially to wear this while traipsing around town with Sailor Husband. lol. I have just the accessory for this outfit: an old “dixie cup” hat that was my husbands (I get the old uniform cast offs. hehe!), so I daresay I will venture out fully attired at some point…
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Posted to: sewing. | 22 lovely thoughts
March 2nd, 2010
[ click for a larger view & my rambling comments. ]
I had plans to show you some of the outfit I spent the weekend sewing, but my camera battery decided to die. So while it’s being recharged, I thought I’d share some inspiration with you! I went through a phase (well, I think I’m still going through it; just with a slight lull) a few weeks back where I couldn’t watch enough Ginger Rogers movies–especially those from the 30s. Part of it was the movies themselves (I love those sometimes witty/silly 30s flicks!), and part of it was to see what Ginger was wearing. I flip flop around a lot as to what classic movie starlet’s wardrobe I’d love, but right now if you asked me I’d go back in time and steal her wardrobe! hehe!
Also, a slightly off-topic question: what music are you enjoying right now? I have an iTunes card I’ve been hoarding since Christmas, unable to decide what it is I’m really in the mood to buy, but desperate for something new. lol! I listen to a little bit of everything (early jazz to 70s hard rock and beyond), so I’d love to know what is on heavy rotation in your music right now!
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Posted to: vintage inspiration. | 49 lovely thoughts
March 1st, 2010
(Otherwise titled: It Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive or Complicated)
I admit: I am most definitely not a notions junkie. Although I love the idea of tons of notions and tools to make my sewing easier, both budgetary constraints and storage issues tend to win out! I’m more of the mind that fancy stuff can be acquired over time and you can still produce beautiful projects with just the basics. I often get emails about what sort of tools are necessary for starting to sew, or what sewing machine I own. Surprisingly, I do not have a super-duper new machine; all of my sewing machines (with the exception of my serger) are hand-me-downs. I have a 1950s cabinet model Singer that was my grandmothers, my mom’s late 80/early 90s mechanical Singer (my “primary” machine) and my mother-in-law’s 1990s Kenmore. Since I don’t quilt or do machine embroidery, I find the older machines work just as well for me. Granted, I don’t have things like fancy automatic bobbin winding and my machines may be a bit loud compared to newer models, but they still work!
If you’re just starting to sew and on a budget, I’d highly recommend looking into getting an older machine, rather than a newer “budget friendly” model. Many of those lower end machines will not take as much of a beating as more expensive ones that have higher quality parts. Vintage machines, many of which are still in perfect working order, are usually quite reasonable and were made to last. I’ve seen ones at thrift stores–complete with their cases, attachments, and manuals–for under $40. (Check your city’s Craigslist, flea markets, yard sales, Ebay, or even just put out the call among friends and see if anyone has an old machine sitting in their garage you can have!) You will want to make sure that the machine is in working order (it may just need a tune up; check you local sewing shops for names of service shops that repair sewing machines), that the power cords are still in good condition, and that if it’s missing any attachments or the manual, you can locate those online (Ebay is great for attachments, while Google is fantastic for locating old sewing manuals that have been digitized). Also take into account the functions you will need (or think you will need if this is your first foray into sewing). Check to make sure the machine does the stitches you require (some older ones only do a straight stitch!), but also does it do buttonholes (or have a separate attachment for those)? How fast/slow does it go? Can you do blind hems on it? Will it be able to handle varying weights of fabric?
Aside from a sewing machine, there are a myriad of other tools that are out there for sewing. Some are more necessary than others, and a lot of these are based on personal preference. Here is my list of tools that I can’t live without, followed by an “optional” list:
>> continue reading guide to sewing: the tools
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Posted to: guide to sewing, sewing, tutorial. | 26 lovely thoughts
February 26th, 2010
[ be sure to click for the sources of these gorgeous images! ]
Wow. Thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my pincurl post! I worry that saying this too often comes across as “fake”, but I genuinely mean it, and feel so blessed by each and every comment left on all of my posts. Thank you!
The last weekend of February… can you believe it? That means spring is just around the corner! I’m gearing up to jump headlong into my spring sewing. I sadly have not been able to touch any of my sewing this week, and I’m starting to feel twitchy and need to get some in for my “sewing fix”. lol! I’m hoping this weekend I’ll be able to knock a few things out, or at least make a large dent in them.
[ sportswear styles from May 1947. click for a larger view. ]
A project on my to-do list for this year (at some point! lol) is to make myself a pair of 40s/early 50s jeans. The kind with the topstitching and back pockets, that can be rolled up and would look super cute with a pair of saddle shoes! Ambitious, yes, but Lauren’s post on her experience last year inspired me to try it (even though it’s a challenge). I’ve been going through my stash of images and found this scan from 1947. I have to admit, I’m rather inclined to recreate the entire center look: plaid shirt, rolled jeans, and penny loafers. It’s still on my “dream to-do list” (rather than the “real to-do list”, which encompasses all the projects I have materials for), but wouldn’t this be the perfect weekend outfit?
Have a lovely weekend!
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Posted to: vintage inspiration, weekly inspiration. | 8 lovely thoughts
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