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!

Just in - Vintage 80s toys

Retro Fraggle Rock cars and Glo Bug! Don't they just bring back fond memories of your childhood?!

Fraggle Rock car toys - came with McDonald's Happy Meals back in the 80s

Glo Bug - glow in the dark

Add a chain

When I saw these vintage purses, it was like love at first sight!

Grey leather, basket-weave purse

Chocolate brown leather bag with pockets and flaps

They were vintage, so I knew no one else would have them. The only thing that bothered me was I felt the straps were too short. Determined to buy them anyways, I knew I would redux them to suit my style needs. After careful contemplation and planning, I decided to extend each strap with a length of chain. I chose a length of chain as it would add some interest to the bag in addition to extending the strap. 

Length of chain purchased at a thrift store, keyring end and hook came from a keychain I had.

Voila! Much more practical and useable after adding the chain.

Purchased D-rings and hook; length of chain purchased was a single strand which I braided with six strands to create a thicker chain.

Finished product. I use this purse a lot, and it is one of my go-to bags. The color and style is timeless.

I firmly believe that when you redux something, the end product should be functional, attractive and inconspicuous. Otherwise, if it ends up looking patched up like Frankenstein, it's not worth the time. Make sure that you plan accordingly and think through exactly what will work for your purse. Try it out some time! :)

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

Vintage redux

Sometimes I'll find a vintage gem and only like one element of the piece, or there may be damage that cannot be repaired.  When I do, I'll upcycle and redo it to suit my taste.  You can get really creative when you upcycle, and truly showcase your sense of style.  Change the fit, style or completely take it apart and adding new elements will keep vintage pieces fresh and modern.  I love the creative process, so I'm always brimming with ideas and projects that can be re-worked.

Here's a vintage evening purse that I spied, which immediately caught my eye.  The original purse was a very flashy, gold foil lamé material encrusted throughout with clear rhinestones.  Of course, not all of the rhinestones were intact either, so I knew I had to redux it for that reason, if not for the fact that the amount of bling throughout was blinding!  I decided on a basic black and white print to juxtapose the fancy rhinestone frame.  The pleats in the fabric create texture and interest, adding dimension to an otherwise simple evening purse.  In the end, I was extremely pleased to have conjured up such an elegant creation.

Vintage Redux Black & White Pleated Evening Clutch 

The thrill of the hunt

Over recent years, I've developed a fascination and love of vintage.  I bet you never thought that old handbag in your grandmother's closet could bring such delight to later generations!  In an era of excess and label-whoring, vintage finds are not only environmentally friendly, they're uniquely fashionable.  I mean, which stylish fashionista wouldn't want their handbag or shoes to be highly coveted by others?  I love being the only person, or select few who own a specific fashion piece.  People will stop you in your tracks, and ask you where you bought it.  Not only that, the "thrill of the hunt" keeps me addicted to scrounging for wonderful vintage items others have discarded.  Finding a bargain is one thing, but uncovering a gem in an unlikely place is...indescribable.

For example, when I found this CEM leather purse I was ecstatic!  The basket weave design and durable leather make it exquisitely unique.  The strap is super long so you can carry it as a shoulder bag or crossbody bag.


CEM Basket Weave Purse