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A 1920 Ensemble

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This outfit is my foray into the world of the late teens and early 20’s.  I used two patterns from Past Patterns, dated to circa 1920, for both my blouse and skirt, while my purse was made from a tapestry remnant and Vogue #7252, from the year 2000.  My hat is a thrift store find which I decorated to make-do and my shoes are close reproductions from Jeffrey Campbell.  I used primarily cotton for all pieces – even thread!  There are so many fine details to this set – the blouse has my hand-stitched floral designs on the neck, shoulders, and sleeves while I used old original glass teens/20’s era buttons for the front closure of the blouse.  There are real brass buttons along the pocket panel of the skirt…and check out those awesomely enormous pockets as big as mini suitcases!  My background was one of the very first “arcade” indoor shopping malls in our country, a lovely Gothic place built in 1919.  To see and read more, please visit my blog post here.

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Two Versions of Butterick 4625

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I’m learning the benefits of sewing tried-and-true patterns, and Butterick 4625, dating from the 1980s is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  I love the fit of the blouse, the shape of the sleeves, and the collar options.  The top version is made of brown cotton I found at the thrift store; I added little sleeve-heads out of scraps of the same fabric to help the puffed sleeves keep their shape.  The second blouse is made of striped stretch cotton-blend shirting, also found at the thrift store.  I moved the buttons up slightly on the front band, and didn’t add any collar, but otherwise constructed it much the same as the first.  In both photos, I’m wearing my home-made blouses with home-made skirts, made from 1970s era Simplicity 7880.  For more details on sewing construction, and more photos of both blouses, please visit mrandmrsrat.weebly.com.

 

A 1920’s Blouse Done 3 ways with One Vintage Dress Pattern

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Three Blouses from One 1920's Dress Pattern

As part of my quest to build a “Miss Fisher” wardrobe, I’ve sewed up three little blouses inspired by separates her character wears in different episodes.  This post will show you the 3 blouses I have made, starting with one pattern.  The base pattern is the Vintage Pattern Lending Library 1920s Ladies Frock with Pleated Skirt Inset – Reproduction Sewing Pattern #Z2773.

Here is my Finished Blouse 1. I love it and wear it all the time!

 

For the first blouse the fabric was made from a printed stretch silk charmeuse and coordinating white silk habotai collar and tie ends.  I kept the tie exactly as on the pattern, making the ends contrast and the tie the same fabric as the blouse.

For blouse #2,  there were a few revisions to the pattern/construction – namely adding a loop under the collar to hold the neck tie, omitting the bottom band (with added length) and omitting the contrast tie bottom on the neck tie (adding length here again).

Close up view of front neck
Front view of finished blouse

Blouse #3 has to be my favorite so far.  It’s a departure from the other two but was easy to create using the same pattern. I sketched it after watching Series 2 episode 3 (Dead Man’s Chest) and decided to modify this pattern to get the look.  This version was made in a printed paisley cotton lawn and the flat piping was made from white seersucker scraps that I had floating around as well as white covered buttons (joining sleeve ends) that were also floating around in my stash. On a related side note, there was some great conversation about Miss Fisher’s blouses in The Miss Fisher Philes podcast , when they discuss this episode (Series 2 episode 3 (Dead Man’s Chest)), making reference to Miss Fisher wearing more separates than dresses.

If you would like to read more about how exactly I revised the pattern to create each of these looks, visit my blog post here.

See more of my projects and vintage inspiration on my blog or connect with me on instagram!

Thanks and Happy Sewing!

Jennifer Serr

Summer of Gingham (McCalls 6339)

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I just finished my second gingham project of the summer, McCalls 6339 from 1978.  I’m pleased with how it turned out.  It is comfortable and has some interesting details, like flat-felled princess seams, self-bias binding on the bottom edge of the blouse, and a darted, then gathered full skirt.  For more details and photos, please visit the sewing blog that I share with my husband: Mr and Mrs Rat

Easy 60’s Top (Vintage Butterick 3286)

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In my need for more separates in my wardrobe, I went through my pattern stash and found Butterick 3286.

Akram's Ideas: Easy 60's Top (Vintage Butterick 3286)
This top is a great wardrobe builder

This 1960’s pullover sleeveless top features a variety of necklines. I choose to make the shallow (almost bateau), which I find most flattering on me. is so easy to put together that after I quickly made 4 of them in one day.

The pattern itself is so easy to put together that  I quickly made 4 of them in one day.

Akram's Ideas: Easy 60's Top (Vintage Butterick 3286)
It’s also a great fabric stash buster project

The pattern itself is very similar to Simplicity 1364 (a re-issue vintage pattern), which if you recall I made 4 of last summer. The only main difference is that Simplicity 1364 is supposed to be slightly more fitted and includes a back zipper. The Butterick 3286 pattern is a looser fit with both the back and front pieces cut on the fold.

Akram's Ideas: Easy 60's Top (Vintage Butterick 3286)
This sleeveless top is great for summer weather

I really like the casual look of this top and being sleeveless it’s a great top for summer.

This top is also very versatile as it looks great with a pair of jeans or with a stylish skirt. When paired with a cardigan or blazer the top works well for wearing to the office.

Akram's Ideas: Easy 60's Top (Vintage Butterick 3286)
While casual, this top can be easily dressed up

I’m really happy with how this pattern came out and I glad to know that this is my second pattern this year that counts towards my #VintagePledge.

For full details about making this dress  be sure to see my full blog post at http://akramsideas.com/vintage-butterick-3286-is-the-perfect-summer-top

Late Summer Muslin (Simplicity 7880 and Simplicity 8356)

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This blouse and skirt are both made form 1970s-era patterns, and have become favorites in my summer wardrobe.  I made them from unbleached muslin bought on sale at JoAnns fabric stores.  They wash well, are light and breezy on hot days, and only get softer with wear.  For more information about the patterns and construction, please come visit the blog that I share with my husband: Mr and Mrs Rat.

Gingham! (Simplicity 5900)

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I’ve been sewing with so much gingham this summer!  This particular checked cotton, which I bought on sale in the LA fashion district for 99 cents a yard a few years ago is especially light and perfect for the hot days of late summer and early fall.  The 1980s-era pattern I used to sew this blouse was a surprise: the sleeves are very puffed!  And the fit is quite good without any adjustments—you know how wonderful that feels for a seamstress!  I’m wearing it with one of my 1970s-era Simplicity 7880 skirts, made of $2 a yard black poly-cotton broadcloth.  For more information about the pattern and the construction (and more photos), please visit the blog that I share with my husband: Mr and Mrs Rat.

Gertie Keyhole Blouse, New Book for Better Sewing

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Hello, everyone!

Long time since I’ve shared a project on here, but I haven’t been sewing too much lately 😣

Anyway, the last thing I worked on was the Gertie Keyhole blouse from the New Book for Better Sewing.

Gertie Keyhole Blouse, Vintage on Tap | Vintageontap.com

The pattern itself requires some pattern drafting!

It was a transformation from the Bow Tie blouse from the same book.

Essentially, you have to move the bust dart to the shoulder, and gather the shoulder for a cute rusching detail.

 

Gertie Keyhole Blouse, Vintage on Tap | Vintageontap.com

Five rows of gathers, and a keyhole cut out from the neckline- super 40s!

 

Gertie Keyhole Blouse, Vintage on Tap | Vintageontap.com

Absolutely LOVE how it came out– I’ve worn it at least once a week since I made it haha!

 

Anyway, more photos including a sewing tutorial (!!) over on my website.

All in all 10/10 in terms of how much I love it 😎

(Definitely recommend it for daily use! I wanna remake this in some yummy silks!)


Vintage Denim (Simplicity 8458 and McCalls 2592)

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I’m wearing two new vintage sewing projects in these photos: my peplum top made from the late 1960s/early 1970s pattern McCalls 2592, and a 1950s skirt from reproduction pattern Simplicity 8458.  For more details about the process of sewing each pattern, please visit my sewing blog.  Please click here for more information and photos about the skirt, and click here for more information and photos about the blouse/jacket.

Smooth Sailing Sport Togs – My 1940’s Outfit

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Pictured here is a 1940’s (or late 1930’s) outfit that I sewed up using the Wearing History Smooth Sailing Sport Togs Shirt and Trousers pattern.  After surfing all my hearted patterns on Etsy, I just kept coming across this pattern and thinking about it.  Then I started seeing other versions of the same pattern popping up on some of the people I follow on Instagram. The trousers looked good on everyone, so I decided to give it a spin.

Smooth Sailing Sport Togs Blouse by Wearing History Patterns

This pattern is available in paper form or as a digitally downloadable file.  I chose the downloadable file because it was less expensive and I would get it delivered right away.  The later being more important. That’s funny, actually, because I did not end up sewing it right away.  Ha!  assembling the pages to create the pattern was clearly explained and took me about 45 minutes to complete (both top and pants).

Smooth Sailing Sport Togs Blouse and Trousers by Wearing History Patterns

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!! This pattern is great. I would and will make this again, maybe adding pockets to the pants and also adjusting the fit in the armholes.

For more photos and my complete pattern review, visit the post on my blog.

Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!

December Red – a 1930’s Red Wool Ensemble

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This outfit all began the fabric. The print (Asian Art Deco?) from this quilting cotton was irresistible and there was just enough of it (left to purchase) to scrape out a blouse. It seemed so suited for something 1930’s, but is a quilting cotton, so not terribly drapey. I already had a very long length of wool crepe that coordinated, so I knew I could make something to go with the finished piece.

I went in  search for the perfect 1930’s blouse pattern, to start, which proved to be a little easier said than done, as I had trouble finding a blouse pattern that suited the fabric. I did settle on a gorgeous 1930’s dress pattern with a fabulous neck bow, that could be converted into a blouse and skirt. Next up, I searched for a coat pattern and ended up finding all my patterns in the same place. Yay!

The Dress Pattern (above) that I chose to adapt to a blouse and skirt, appealed to me, at first, because of the bow, but also because of the angled shaping of the front opening and V-shape at the center front on the skirt. Because of the minimal length of fabric, I knew the fuller sleeve was not an option.  The short puff sleeve seemed more flattering as well, so I did end up using it in the end.

The Coat pattern was an easy choice.  I love that it had some flair to both the sleeves and the bottom edge.  It seemed a very easy and less formal design that would pair nicely with the finished skirt and blouse.

Each piece turned out very well and I’m excited to wear them all to a Caroling party next weekend.  The Red is VERY festive, don’t you think?

If you would like to see more of how I adapted the dress pattern into a skirt and blouse, some great sewing techniques for the coat and all my resources for the entire ensemble, please visit my blog.

Until next time, Happy Sewing!

xo

Jennifer

1930’s Green & Peach Ensemble

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Have you ever come across the perfect fabric that goes with another fabric you’ve been waiting to do something with?  Well, this darling plaid came into my life and I just had a to make a new outfit around it. It’s a synthetic charmeuse, which is not a regular go-to for me.  I much prefer silk.

However, when I saw this plaid which was printed on the diagonal, it really screamed 1930’s blouse, right at me!  AND it matched perfectly with a beautiful green wool that’s been waiting to be made into something for quite some time.

1936 Ladie’s Skirt #T1047

The emerald green of the wool is one of my favorite colors and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make this skirt, for which I had a pattern waiting in the wings.  I’ve used this pattern twice before, once recently using a wool tweed and made slightly shorter.  It’s the Vintage Pattern Lending Library – 1936 Ladies Skirt – #T1047 – re-sized to fit my body measurements.

I used the re-issue of Simplicity 8247, to make my blouse.  Using Version C, I shortened the dress at the hip line to create the blouse.  It worked out very well.

For more photos and information about my hat and bag, visit my BLOG.

Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!

Jennifer

My new spring outfit

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Hello everyone,

since it is so quiet here, I decided to write a short post about my new favourite outfit for spring. The whole look started with the idea of an green outfit inspired by Karlotta Pink’s latest fabric collection. The colour of the print is quite difficult to describe, but it was very important for me that the colour of the skirt would make the colour of the blouse shine.

The pattern of the blouse is self-constructed, because I had fallen in love with a no longer available Simplicity Schnitt 1624. A very similar pattern was reissued by Simplicity, but due to my last experience I became a bit cautious with regard to fit. It should be a figure-hugging blouse and not a nightgown.

The Blouse

For this reason I set about reconstructing the pattern myself. That sounds a lot more awesome than it was. Since I prefer to adapt existing models out of pure laziness rather than develop a pattern myself, I am not particularly experienced at it. The drafting was quite easy and there were only little to adjust – for more information on drafting the blouse check out my blogpost here.

The Fabric Desaster

I wanted to use a lime green satin for the skirt, because it is always available at my regular fabric shop. They didn’t have the fabric at the time, but it was supposed to arrive soon. No luck. (They still don’t have it.) Then I went on a fabric shopping trip to Zurich and I was sure I’d find something. But: Nothing.

A little annoyed and under time pressure, due to to a sewing blogger meeting, I ordered 5 different green fabrics. I didn’t want “okay”, I wanted perfect (at that time I was really obsessed with the right material for the skirt). And in the package were even three possible fabrics. I then decided for the most harmonious combination with the kiwi green cotton-linen blend.

Grünes Set 5

 

In the end everything did go as planned. The blouse was a fast sew and the skirt did go together easy too.

If you wish to see more pictures and read the whole background story (there were more drama than mentioned in the text), you can hop over to our blog PeterSilie&Co or directly to the longer blogpost.

Till next time,

Sabine

Vogue 7331 Shirt and McCall’s 4022 Jean Shorts

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I finished my jean shorts, and a button down shirt to go with it using 1950s vintage sewing patterns; Vogue 7331 and McCall’s 4022. These are really practical and wearable, I’ve already worn the shorts a hand full of times.

My shirt is made from a swallow print navy cotton fabric with black buttons. I’m pretty happy with the way this turned out, this was my first attempt at making a shirt, the instructions for this were really basic although YouTube videos were helpful in how to construct a shirt.

 

 

These are my second pair of shorts made from McCall’s 4022 and I see making more from this pattern. I love them – the pockets are huge! They’ve really comfy in a blue denim. I also had a go at top stitching at the pockets and around the waistband – it could be neater but it really adds a pretty detail.

Autumnal Green (Simplicity 5204, Simplicity 7880 and Simplicity 8611)

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My most recent outfit is all homemade out of 1970s sewing patterns: the skirt (Simplicity 7880) and blouse (Simplicity 8611) both in a size 8, and the vest (Simplicity 5204) in a teen-sized 11/12.  If you want to see more photos and read more details about my sewing process and thrifted accessories, please visit the blog that I share with my sewing husband: Mr and Mrs Rat.


Creating a 1930’S Capsule Wardrobe

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Last Summer I started creating a 1930’s capsule wardrobe with several different pieces of coordinating fabric. I’ve been adding to the wardrobe this year with separates. Currently, my capsule consists of 2 hats, 2 dresses, 2 bags, one blouse & one skirt. I have enough fabric to add a jacket (with a cape) another skirt, and another blouse.

The fabrics & patterns I’m using are:

Lavender Cotton organdy – Nanette Blouse by Wearing History pictured above

Heavy Suit weight Silk Twill in cream with peach and lavender striations – 1930’s Ladies Skirt T1047 from Vintage Pattern Lending Library pictured above and possibly for the future jacket (Decades of Style)

Lavender Rayon Crepe and with coordinating Silk Charmeuse – Vintage sewing pattern reproduction 1930s 30s dress sewing pattern afternoon tea dressLady Marlow Patterns on Etsy

Peach, gray, lavender and White Dot silk crepe de chine – 1930’s Everyday V-Neck Tea Frock Vintage Sewing Pattern – Ready Printed Pattern – from My Vintage Wish on Etsy

Off White Linen – 1930’s Skirt made from 1930’s Everyday V-Neck Tea Frock Vintage Sewing Pattern – Ready Printed Pattern – from My Vintage Wish on Etsy – I have not photographed this skirt yet.

This project is lots of fun. I inherited most of the fabric from one estate and creating a whole coordinating wardrobe from it has been a joy.

If you would like to see more of my process as well as progress shots and videos on how to do some of the more complicated sewing, please visit the following blog posts:

Creating a 1930’s Era Capsule Wardrobe Part 1

Creating a 1930’s Era Capsule Wardrobe Part 2

1930’s Capsule Wardrobe Separates

Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!

xo Jennifer

1957 outfit

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voor2 With the end of the year getting very close, I was keen to try and complete my goal for the Vintage Pattern Pledge after all. And this outfit really helped to achieve that!

rokI found this wide wale corduroy and thought it would work nicely for a pleated skirt. Because of the pledge, I looked for a vintage tutorial and found this one, from February 1957. Which happened to include instructions for the belt as well.

The next issue of the same magazine (Dutch ladies’ magazine Libelle which, at the time, was published weekly) contained this image in the mailorder pattern section:

outfitPleated skirt, gathered belt (check and check) and a normal-for-1950’s blouse… That looks great!

blouseSo, I went in search of a blouse pattern and found one in the sewing magazine Marion from March 1955. I changed the collar to suit my purpose but other than that, I made the blouse exactly as designed and drafted back then.

achterAnd this is the result. Not quite as luxurious as the inspiration (which looks like it’s mostly made from silk) but still colourful and fun.

You can read more about this outfit on my blog and I’ve made a little tutorial for that belt here.

 

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