Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Pattern Review: Simplicity 3883 Poppy Shift

Here's another from my slew of pattern reviews I've been meaning to post for months now.

Last year, I received two cuts of Marimekko fabric as a present. I was worried about messing it up, so I ended up sitting on it until the beginning of this year. Since they're both such bold patterns, I really had no idea what to do with them. At about the same time, I stumbled on the Rosie Wednesday blog reviews on the Simplicity 1960s reprint of this shift dress. I'd been wanting to make a 1960s shift for a while, but was concerned that it would not be flattering at all, but the reviews came back positive for this pattern, so I decided to go with it.

I originally intended to make the long sleeve A version, but wasn't so sure how the broadcloth would behave as a sleeve. Next time, I'd use a better fabric than broadcloth- so basically any other fabric.

3833 Misses' & Miss Petite 1960's Vintage Dresses

Pattern Description: 3833 Misses' & Miss Petite 1960's Vintage Dresses

I made View D

Pattern Sizing:14-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very simple

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Fabric Used: cotton broadcloth and Marimekko cotton print. I received the Marimekko fabric as a present, and wanted to use it without it being overwhelming (plus I had a small amount), so I paired it with black broadcloth from Joanns.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I left out the back darts.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I made this dress specifically because I found several plus sized and larger end of the scale bloggers had made it successfully. It is very flattering, which is not always the case with 1960s shift dresses. I would definitely sew it again. It's a great basic dress that could have a lot of details added to it.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Pattern Review: Simplicity 1325, Sari Jacket

I finally got my ass in gear and took photos of the things I've made in the last few months, but despite the sunny day and high temperature (ew), my room was very dark. Garg!

1325

1325 Misses' Pants, Jumper or Tunic, Jacket & Top

Pattern Description: Misses' separates includes a knit crew neck top with long sleeves, a flared jumper dress or tunic with plunging v neck, pants and open front long sleeve jacket with ribbon detail.

I made the jacket.

Pattern Sizing: 14-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Pattern went together very easily. The shoulders came out a bit boxier than I would have liked, but does not detract from the finished look.

Fabric Used: A long "sari"-like skirt I found at a thrift store for a quarter! The sleeves are made from the skirt's lining, as I didn't have enough of the main fabric.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I left off the ribbon detailing and the back darts due to fabric restrictions.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew it again, with the correct amount of fabric and add in the back darts. I plan on making the jumper at some point was well. Easy enough for beginners.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

...-

At my size and level of broke-assed-ness, it can be really hard to find vintage pieces, especially anything prior to the 1980s. Locally, the market is completely over-saturated with buyers for vintage items, so it's even more hard to find really good pieces that aren't out of my price and size limits. Shopping online is a good source, but even then, it can be hard to tell when it comes to size and condition. One category that seems easier to find for me is accessories. I think that those people who are interested in accessories are a smaller portion of vintage fans, more likely to be more invested in vintage clothing than those who are just into the look for the trend. I don't mean to come off as condescending at all (though I realize that's kind of how it sounds)- everyday people are just more likely to buy and wear a vintage dress than a hat, or jewelry.

That's fine with me! Accessories are typically cheaper, can be worn with vintage or modern clothes, and most importantly, are typically not sized! Let's face it, with my completely rectangular Flintstone feet, I'm never going to find vintage shoes, but hats, jewelry, bags, scarves, ect, ect, ect are something that I always see in vintage/thrift/resells shops, and are usually priced very well.

Anyway, what I'm taking a long time to say is that one of the things I've been collecting for a while are pins. I like that pins are a solid way to wear vintage without feeling like you have to be dressed head to toe to get away with it (hats can feel that way sometimes). While I've gotten quite a few over the last couple years, something I've recently become interested in are war-era Sweetheart pins. There's a really great couple of posts over on Emily's Vintage Visions talking about them (plus her great collection!). Several months ago, I found one in an antique store, but unfortunately when I tried to put it on, it broke! I was able to fix it with some of the ol E6000, but I'm to afraid to touch and mess with it. I mean, it is 70 year old plastic. I'm not surprised that it broke.

Even though it just sits on my shelf, I still really like this one. It combines the "V" for Victory motif, with the patriotic colors, and another pin-style favorite of mine, wire names! This one was for "Evie", though the font is sort of hard to read.

The second one I just got a few days ago off Ebay. It's silver(toned?), featuring a Air Force officer's hat along with the V motif. I love that it's also personalized, in a way, showing the rank and division of military the wearer's son/brother/husband/younger lover was associated with. This one is in much better condition, and I can actually wear it. I'm afraid these are becoming my pokemon- I'm scrounging for others everywhere I go. Gotta catch 'em all!

Friday, April 10, 2015

Season of the Interrobang

First and foremost, I feel it necessary to bring attention to Ted Chaough's swinging bachelor mustache.

That being said, how in holy hell is it April already?

I've been extremely busy this past month, yet still haven't bothered to photograph any of the things I've been making. I really want to post about them and write up reviews, but I've been doing other things like accidentally ordering "large" beverages from the coffee stand near my doctor's office (and when I say large I mean like a gallon and a half), being woken up way before the crack of dawn by my hippie commune neighbors' chickens/roosters, and actually finding some good stuff at Goodwill(?!?!?!). This Monday, I'm going to actually take pictures of stuff. Yes. Maybe.

Anyway, if you follow me on pinterest (which if you do, I'm sorry), you may have noticed that I'm actually spending a majority of my hours knee deep in midcentury party dress patterns that I'll never find in my size. I'm going to a friend's wedding later in the summer, which I've been told will be erring on fancy, dress-code-wise, so I'm slogging through the patterns that I have to see what I can rustle up. I think I've decided on one, but I'm not totally sold on it. Of course, I've found a ton that I'd love to make on pinterest, but alas, until I learn to grade patterns, I'm pretty much up Pete Campbell Creek*.