Finished Gown

Here is the finished gown I was working on not long after our move. I finished it a few weeks ago and the kid has been loathe to take it off ever since (I'm sorta proud of this). It was obvious from her measurements and the pattern itself that this was gonna be big on her, I didn't have a problem with this as she can get more wear out of it. I did have to take a good 6 inches off the hem to make it short enough for her...lol. I left a good deal of length IN the hem so I can let it out as she gets taller (if that ever happens). It is a bit wrinkled in the pic because it had been put into a pile of clothes fresh out of the dryer. I still have some of the striped flannel left and want to make the robe for her. I think I am gonna use Lisa's idea and use some coordinating solid flannel to make the yoke of the robe. The next time I go to Joann's I'll take the remainder of the fabric with me to match it up. If nothing else, I can make the robe from white flannel and create a pillow for her out of the striped flannel.

I did learn a lesson about what type of trim NOT to use around a neckline. This was lovely trim that I found on clearance at Hancock's about a year ago. It had been sitting in my stash since then. It matched perfectly and so I put it to use. I'll have to get a more detailed shot of it to post. It is crocheted with lace run through the middle portion to make a woven look. It worked wonderfully around the arms but, not so well around the neck because of tension on the outer side of the trim, it causes the trim to roll up and sit funny. I also determined that I really dislike 1/2" buttons, they are just too small for my fingers. For any future projects, I'll pay special attention to the button section to determine whether or not I can make room for larger buttons.

All in all, I'm happy with the way the gown turned out and I am very happy that she likes it so much. I know I don't have much longer before she loses interest in the things I make her (the teen years are approaching way too fast for comfort). As much room as she has in this gown, she may be wearing it into her teen years...

My Day Yard Saleing!

So many patterns, so little time!  I had a good day yard saleing (o.k., I know this is not a real word but bare with me).  The lady was so tired of selling things, she gave me these things!  I could not in good conscious walk away without compensating her at least a little.  I gave her a few dollars for everything.  There are more patterns but these are the best out of the bunch.  What luck!  I love the Vogue Paris Original by Patou, so classy.  

I ended up with several very nice Vogue Patterns.  A short list as follows:

Vogue Couturier Design 

by Michael #2625

by Galitzine #2681

by Jo Mattli #2427

Vogue Designer Original

by Galitzine #1622

Vogue Paris Original

by Christian Dior #1447

by Guy LaRoche #2588

by Molyneux #1875

Vogue American Designer

by Bill Blass #2097

Vogue Americana

by Oscar De La Renta #2880

Update on My Vogue Project

I've got most of the pieces cut out. I ran out of fabric and have to go after more this weekend. The ladies at the fabric store near my home were kind enough to call around and find it for me when they were short on the amount I needed.

Giveaway Winner!

The giveaway winner is Sewducky!  You can contact me at ouchless_bandaid@yahoo.com  Thanks to everyone who participated!

I had pictures posted of the drawing process.  I'm having technical difficulties (as cliche as that sounds) and I have lost my photos.  I do apologize for that.  As there is no way to repost these photos there will be none on this post.  There is just no way to recreate them.  

OK, So I Got a Muslin Pattern

I'm gonna take the plunge and make a muslin.  I got the Butterick muslin pattern.  I found a certain lack of muslin patterns from a couple of the major pattern companies today when I went looking for one.  As soon as I'm finished with the '57 dress I'm going to begin my muslin.  I know I'm doing this a little backwards but I've never been accused of being organized, or normal for that fact.  Anyone else out there made a muslin?

My Latest Project

Here's my current project, it's laying out on my kitchen table as I'm typing this.  I'm making the short sleeve view with the pictured fabric.  I will post pictures as I make progress.

Look What I Found

I found this one tucked into a metal box in a closet about an hour away from home.  It's a 1964.

Just Because Pattern Giveaway!

Here's a selection of four patterns in varying sizes. I rescues most of these from a box full of water on an outdoor shelf at a small antique store in town. There is some mildew damage to the covers but the patterns themselves seem in good shape. I have dried and aired them out as much as possible. I'm hoping someone will enjoy them.

Rules of the contest: This will be a totally random drawing. All comments must be listed by midnight Central time on April 18. I will draw in the morning of the 19th and post the winner. The winner can then contact me through email for mailing information.

I will refer to the patterns as 1-5 in descending order.

Pattern one: W-23", McCall's Junior/Teen Skirt in three versions. Some mildew damage to cover with one corner torn and missing. There is a torn area in the middle of the instructions that causes a few holes that are identical in four or five places throughout the instructions. There is very little information missing from these holes. The pattern is uncut and still factory folded.

Pattern two: size 12, Misses' Coat or Jacket and Dress. There is no actual envelope for this pattern. There is a cutout that hugs the pattern with a picture of the completed pattern. The pattern is complete and still factory folded.

Pattern three: Jr. Petite, size 7jp, bust 32". Simplicity Junior Petites' Suit. This is another pattern that I rescued from a box of water. There is mildew damage to the envelope , one side is split but it still holds the pattern well. There is mildew damage to the instructions but they are still readable. The pattern is cut and neatly folded. It is UNCHECKED.

Pattern four: size 11, bust 31 1/2". McCall's Misses' and Junior Dress in Two lengths. Mildew damage to the envelope with a torn flap. Minor damage to the instructions. The instructions are still readable. The pattern is cut and neatly folded. It is UNCHECKED.

Pattern five: petite, size 6-8, waist 23-24". Simplicity Misses' Jiffy Front Wrap Skirt. Envelope is in great shape with wear and tear. Pattern is cut and neatly folded. It is UNCHECKED.

What a Dress

Here's an interesting pattern.  Too many bow for me but the one in the bottom left corner is great.  Not too much, not too little.  I think I ended up with this one in a trade.  

Hi, Hello, How Ya Doin?

Just introducing myself. My name is Rebecca, I love the vintage patterns and I love sewing. I'll be gradually building my "About" page and this blog. You've probably heard it said that "Rome wasn't built in a day". Not that I'm comparing my blog to the greatness of Rome, it's just that my computer stupidity paired with my slow pace makes for things to take time. I'm hoping to pick up a few people who are intrested in some of the things I am and get some discussions going. Comments are welcome and appreciated, suggestions are also.
I have been sewing for about nine years but still consider myself an amateur. I'm very critical of my sewing skills and think there is always room for improvement. I'm no fashion expert, I have my own particular taste that is maybe a bit on the eccentric side. I enjoy sewing for my daughter alot. She benefits regularly from my time in front of the machine. I hope to one day sew her wedding dress for her and all of my work will move me in that direction. Even better, since she now has her first sewing machine is that we get to work on it together.
I will be posting all sorts of stuff here from vintage patterns that range from childrens to mens to dresses and pajamas. I will try to bring in links from sites that I have found helpful or that I enjoy looking at. Someone else out there shares my sense of interest. It is a dreary day here and the perfect time to start this while I'm looking out the window at the rain and flowers. Hope to see you here!