Project - Feminine Tops

There's been a resurgence in soft, fluid tops on the runway and in the stores, and I must say I'm happy to see that! Button front georgette blouses, boho silk tunics, chiffon poet's blouses - the styles are endless. You can dress them up or down by pairing a feminine top with jeans or tights. Wear one to the office under a blazer with trousers or a slim skirt. I love the carefree style and how non-constricting they are compared to slinky knit tops or crisp cotton shirts. I made two of these tops recently from a vintage pattern - Butterick 6037.

A few modifications were made in the first top as I didn't have quite enough fabric. I omitted the facings and bound the neckline in self-fabric instead. I also included a center front seam to accommodate the neck binding.

On the second top below, I lengthened the sleeves. Otherwise everything else was true to the pattern.

 

Project - Vintage Button-up Shirt

I love vintage sewing patterns and have collected them for quite some time. I use a combination of vintage and contemporary sewing patterns for many of my projects. The style details of past patterns are unique and quite often you won't be able to find these little touches in modern patterns.

I wanted to make a casual button-up shirt and found the perfect pattern in my vintage stash.

Simplicity Pattern 7912 circa 1977

The thing that drew me to it most was that the blouse had raglan sleeves instead of the typical set-in style sleeves. Raglan sleeves are quicker and easier to sew - exactly what I was looking for. 

To shorten the sewing time even further, I used snap fastener buttons (no sewing on buttons and no buttonholes!). 

This pattern will definitely be one of my staple patterns for a classic, button-front blouse from now on!

DIY Vintage

Love spats but can't find them no matter how hard you try? Or perhaps you've seen an outfit on "Mad Men" that you'd love to re-create?  Why not make them yourself!

Many thrift and vintage stores sell fabrics and textiles from the past.  Women often made their own clothing back in the day, so don't be surprised to find retro barkcloth or polyester double-knit leftover from a sewist's past projects.  You can also find vintage sewing patterns, which are highly collectable these days.  I must admit, these are other addictions I have along with handbags and purses - sewing patterns and fabrics.

Below is just a small sample of items in my collection.  While I may not have grown up during those times, I am fond of the nostalgia that vintage items bring.

50s Rockabilly Top & Skirt Sewing Pattern by Simplicity 4290

Mod Go-Go Scooter Outfit by Simplicity 8095

Vintage Tapestry Fabric with Dandelions