Simplicity 4077: a pink blouse

I have this darling green floral fabric that I want to make a very pretty blouse out of, but rather than run the risk of it not turning out correctly the first time, I used this pink that I had in my stash to make a "trial" blouse. This trial turned out good enough and better to wear!

I made a few minor changes to the pattern, some unintentional. I changed the collar so that it barely meets in the front. That gap at the neckline on the pattern front really bothered me, so I fixed it! I used snaps instead of buttons and added some ties to the back. I should have made a slightly smaller size, so the ties help bring it in a little, too.

The pleats on the sleeves are not stiched down except for some little hand stitches inside. Next time, I think I will change the sleeves quite a bit, but for this one, it's alright. The little sleeve snaps are useable.

The finish on the collar was the unintentional alteration as I misread the pattern instructions (the first in awhile I've actually bothered to read them on a modern pattern!), so I had to make that nice little bias tape to enclose the collar edges. I can't complain though as it gives such a nice touch! I decided to finish the sleeve cuffs the same way.

I have yet to start the green blouse...

Pardon the dust!

I'm trying to fix the incredibly small font in my posts prior to being out of town for a month, but it is not working! At the same time, I figured an updated look would be nice.

Any ideas?

Summertime tiered skirt

I had every intention of posting several projects over the last few weeks, but I had problems uploading the pictures correctly and have just now tried again after figuring out what I was doing wrong! :D

I traded some fabric with my sister for this skirt as it isn't her color anyway! She had intended to remake it identically anyway, so I did it (which is why it shows up here). I usually put invisible zippers in skirts, but I just used what was there. If I recall correctly, she used Simplicity 5752.

Vintage Crochet: Seafoam

Seafoam is quite a fitting name for this lacy confection! Completed just last week.

I pray it survives a very long time...

Simplicity 2681: Vintage Nightgown

This nightgown has been planned for many months, but just recently became a reality. I really needed to get back into sewing after my first trip, so I thought this would be a good one to begin with. Time-consuming tracing of the vintage pattern kicked it off!

I'm off again...

...without my sewing machine. *tear*

But...really, I have found that it's not practical to take a sewing machine along while visiting family. Sewing always gets aced out, because I'd much rather spend time with people when I am around those people. Ya know? 'Cause... like... I don't see them all that often anymore.

I take my youngest sister with me. *happy dance* It was absolutely thrilling to surprise her with a packed suitcase!!! Her face was priceless.

Lots of emotion today, as you have proof. Ice cream is in order. ;)

Project salvage: Retro dress to a skirt!

Before:

My younger sister made this charming dress from a vintage pattern, and while the first from it fit correctly, this one did not. More's-the-pity. During a much-needed wardrobe consultation session with her older sisters, she decided to let me work some magic with it! ;)

Because of the strange method the vintager's had for inserting zippers, I had to narrow the skirt down, which actually turned out to be very good. Using the scraps that little sis had leftover, I inserted the opposite stripe in the skirt. Then I hemmed it and managed to cut the waistband from the extra I cut out of the skirt. I salvaged the invisible zipper from the dress and used a blue piping scrap from my older sister. Some seams, hand sewing and pressing later, and the Cinderella skirt was ready to wear!

It's definitely a favorite-forever project now!

In progress: Blue and Yellow Afghan

Itty Bitty Baby Dress and Panties

When Lauren posted this dress pattern on her blog, I knew I had to try it! I cut up a very unflattering linen gingham jumper for the main part and some scraps of muslin for lining. I had to purchase more grosgrain ribbon, but I think the effect is worth it! For the panties, I used a Simplicity pattern.



Everything (save the buttonholes) were hand sewn; french seams and all! It took me a few weeks amongst several other projects to get it completed, but it was worth it!

I want to make a matching little boys suit now. :)

I just had to take this test when I came across it!

145 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Vintage Crochet: Pinwheel

No pictures of the vintage pattern, just of the finished project. I am so thrilled that I was able to complete this one is such a short timeframe! Probably one week from start to finish and then I almost completed a much larger one and got halfway through yet another before I ran into problems with it. :)

Since I couldn't decide which flowers I liked better, I've just posted both! :D

I prefer fabric on laundry lines over laundry on laundry lines,...

...don't you?! :D

Because, once dry, it is ready to be used in a marvelous creation, while clothes are just ready to be worn again. So, you see, the former is just so much more exciting!

Home Sweet Home

I'm home!!!

After three and a half weeks away, it feels good. Very good.

I'm looking forward to sewing again! I've missed it a lot, but have been quite productive while I was away. Still, nothing beats sewing with a machine and the rapid projects that can be turned out. Yep, between catching up on all the reading done around here, all the fabric purchased and projects planned, I shall be quite busy. Quite busy.

Simplicity 3750 - Pink plaid summer blouse

Ever since my younger sister purchased this pattern, I knew I'd have to make it.

First in blue to make sure it would fit correctly.

I wasn't going to make it before my trip, but I came across a cute pink plaid blouse online and decided to go for it. So I made all the changes I wanted and started it. I finished it up the next morning! :)



Simplicity 3750

Vintage Advance 2249 - Forties Afternoon Dress

I have completely fallen in love with this dress. It's so elegant!

There was no instructions with the unprinted pattern, but it wasn't too difficult to figure it out. I used a sweet pink floral cotton print that I found on clearance at Joanns and lined it with muslin. There is a left side zipper opening that has an invisible zipper and the back ties define a shape so that it doesn't look like a twenties dress. Six pink buttons and pale pink rick rack finished the look.

First the bow, then the front collar and darts detail. Lastly, the back keyhole opening.