Vintage Girl

Peachy Pair

2012-02-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

I really needed to curl my hair today

Over the last month I have been sewing about 5-7 hours everyday. Yes, my life is a bit slow right now in winter time, so I am putting my hands to work. The idea is to stash bust everything, that includes fabrics that are only so so and come up with as many combinations as possible for skirts and blouses. Katie from Little red squirrel is hosting a wonderful project called Stash Busters and I am on board with that. Tilly is also doing an interesting project that takes One week, One pattern and wearing it in as many different ways as possible. Well, to me these ideas got married, they are excellent projects together. Like Jane, I am a fan of the ginger so I am pushing the boundaries a bit and have made up seven ginger skirts. Yes, I love the pattern that much. For blouses, I am buying as many patterns as possible to try out different styles, I am still in the process of finding a few that I love. I can't wear a Chinese style blouse everyday! he-he. Anyhow, this blouse I made from Butterick 3696, its a simple button down thin collar. I am really happy with the outcome of both pieces, they are easy to wear and still look crisp and clean. I love peach, and to be honest, I wanted an outfit to go with my peach 50's purse. I love the little flowers behind the patent material. I'll see you soon with another ginger combo, made by me.

Gina

Buying Guide for the Vintage Handbag

2012-02-20T16:12:00.001-05:00

Over the next couple of weeks I am going to be posting about something very near and dear to my heart, the vintage handbag. I am very passionate about vintage purses. I have been collecting for about 10 years now. I am not an expert, just a person who loves to acquire, utilize and care for my collection. Along the way I have found there are some tricks to buying, cleaning, and making general home repairs in order to keep my bags looking their best. There are some detrimental mistakes one can make with caring for vintage bags, which I will be addressing in the next post. Today I want to share what I have learned about buying vintage purses. Most vintage bags fall into, but are not limited to, these categories: beaded, patent leather, fabric, wicker/straw and leather bags.

Knowing what to buy can save you time and money. Here are some tips broken down into the above categories before you make that vintage purchase.

The Beaded handbag:

The workmanship on these kinds of bags are generally intricate. They are mostly used for special occasions. Before buying a beaded handbag, take a close overall look at the bag's beads, are there any missing? Would you be able to find a matching bead if one falls off? Do you feel confident that you can sew or glue another bead on if needed? Is the bag in reasonable shape, take a look at the stitching, are there any stitches missing or loose? Does the bag have any odors that are strong that may bother you if you can't remove them? Are the beads smooth? Is anything catching your hand as you run across it? These questions will help you to make a quality decision and one you will not regret later.

Yes, they are all mine, this is only about 1/2 my collection.

Patent leather bags:

These are my favorite bags, but are more problematic than all the others in my opinion. Most of these types of bags have hard sides and bottoms to them. When looking to buy this kind of purse, first open the bag and inspect the corners of the flap area, are there cracks on the inside or outside of the bag's flaps? Generally, the first sign of wear comes from this area where the hardware and patent material meet.

Cracking means that the handbag has been used a lot or stored incorrectly, these cracks will shorten the life span of the bag. Next, it's a good idea to check the tightness of the hardware, is it closing tightly? Most bags have what is called the kiss closer that snaps shut.

Once the closer is loose, it's very hard to fix this problem, the result is that your bag may fly open on you at any time. Before you buy, ask the sale associate if you can put a few of your items into the purse, can you close it? I have noticed that if I over stuff a bag or if my items are heavy in nature, that the weight can make these purses pop open, even if they are not overstuffed. It's good insurance doing this little exercise to know you have a bag you can rely on to stay closed. Next, do you see any dents in the patent that bother you? If you look at a patent leather bag from the side you may find some denting and scratches. Unfortunately, the dents do not remove completely, but there are so ways to make them less noticeable. I have had some luck with scratches, but not tears in the patent, although there are repair kits. Finally, take a look from the side of the handbag. Does the handbag's lines still form a symmetrical shape or is it misshapen? I have noticed that these types of bags warp over time. Which means they will not look like a perfect triangular shape from the side.

Some have been stored incorrectly and problems have occurred. There are a lot of great bags out there, but there are a lot that look wonderful at first glance, but are full of problems.

Straw/ fabric bags:

Essentially you will be looking for tears, rips and worn out handles. Also, do the rub test, rub the fabric between your fingers. If there is a lot of disintegration, and the fabric is rubbing off into your hands the handbag may be in poor condition. Fabric does age over time and looses it's integrity. Weakened fibers generally won't hold up too long. Inspect these bags thoroughly and if they pass your test, You have a great find.

Leather:

Leather bags last for years. Mostly with these types of bags they just need a good cleaning. If there is any cracking/peeling or cuts in the leather, you may want to skip buying that bag. If you see fading around the edges of a bag, this can be fixed easily. I will be covering this in the repair post.

Linings:

Also, you may have noticed that I didn't speak about the linings of all vintage handbags. I never let that hold me back from buying one, because I replace them. Which I will cover in the repair post. If you are not into putting a new lining in, you will need to take a good look and sniff to see if this bags is going to be worth it. Stains in fabrics sometimes come out, other times they just won't.

Where to Buy the real thing:

Vintage purses are not like vintage clothing, they are easy to spot. Vintage purses feel heavy, the linings and inside zippers give them a way too. If you are unsure, ask. As you shop for vintage, you'll get a eye for it. Finally, even though I have bought several vintage purses online through Ebay and Esty, I have learned this is not always the best way. In general, I have limited myself from buying handbags off the internet because a picture can't really tell the whole story. I bought one expensive bag online and it was warped and wouldn't sit on the counter without falling over. The pictures looked great, but they hung the bag from a hook and never disclosed that the bag was warped. So I am sticking with going to antique shops and vintage stores. I haven't had a lot of luck at the thrifts.

It has been such a joy to carry a vintage purse everyday. Next post will be cleaning and storing your vintage bags.

Have a wonderful Vintage day!

Gina

Silk Mandarin Blouse

2012-02-15T12:53:00.004-05:00

I have a weak spot for the Chinese inspired blouses. The details of the piped, mandarin collars and frog fasteners just plain appeal to me. So last year, I ran across this piece of fine silk at the thrift. Although I was a bit intimidated at the idea of working with silk fabric, I threw caution to the wind and brought the 3 yards for a whopping 4 dollars. I was careful to line up the fabric's firer, red flowers front and center. I am pretty happy with the result and have determined that silk is easier than I believed it would be. The vintage, well made bolero is also a thrift find, but I refashioned it to suit better. It had a swing style that was unflattering on me, so I unpicked the lining and collar to adjusted it for a better fit. I whipped up the black ginger skirt this past week to match up with the blouse and bolero. The vintage pin , fan and 50's handbag complete the look.

Pattern: Blouse Simplicity 5098, Ginger skirt by Colette Patterns
Fabric: Silk for the blouse, Linen blend for the skirt
Make Again? Yes, for sure! I am wondering if the blouse might look nice in a solid color with contrasting piping.

My husband and I are doing our Valentine dinner this weekend, he said he could see me wearing this outfit on our date. So I think I am going to be wearing it soon. Maybe we'll go for some Chinese, sweet and sour chicken sounds yummy.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Sew Grateful Appreciation Blouse

2012-02-08T07:49:00.001-05:00

Nan from Nans News from the North sent me this lovely pattern. Thank you, Nan! Check out her blog, she has been sewing for many years and lives in Alaska. So today as part of my appreciation for the online sewing community I made up the 40's blouse pattern she sent to me. The oversize collar frames the face well and fit is comfortable. This blouse will be great paired with a skirt or some shorts. It's also easy everyday vintage styling. I am finding I need a few of these kinds of garments to live in. I have lots of dresses, but often times yard work, tending to the chickens, baking and doing life keeps me from wearing the vintage clothes I love so much. This is a great way to "go vintage" on a hectic day and still have some comfort. Even as I have highlighted Nan today, you too have been just wonderful beyond words. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, to all of you who have left me a comment, sent a email and offered your knowledge on your fabulous crafting/sewing blogs. I know I have learned so much from YOU! So keep those tips coming and remember you may never know who you have helped and encouraged along the way with your gift of creativity. Hugs to you all.

Have a great vintage day,

Gina

Springtime happiness, 40's blouse & skirt

2012-02-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it's not spring yet, but something bright and happy makes the winter blues go away. Anyone ready for spring out there? I am ready to step into spring with this new outfit. Love has hatched with this 40's blouse. The detail of the yoke back makes me smile. I did stumble a bit through the 1940's instructions, but am so glad I got through them because the blouse is so comfortable. I have total freedom of movement in the arms and back area. I believe the back yoke helps a lot. I have been making and enjoying separates lately. Right now the basic wardrobe builders are very important to me. Have you ever notice that sometimes it's hard to find the basics at the stores? Even just a plain black skirt with minimal design can be a challenge. So I am making Ginger skirts in as many colors as I can, stash bustin along the way. I have never worn white on the lower half of my body, (except my wedding day) but as I age I am letting go of the idea of having the perfect body and since made peace with my legs. So here's to freedom in not following my old "thin rule". If you don't know that rule. It goes like this, wear whatever makes you look the thinnest at all times and at all cost! I have lived this way and began to realize that I only wore black for years. How boring of me! So here's to breaking out the shell.

Have a wonderful vintage day,

Gina

Ahoy there! My sailor outfit

2012-01-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

This blouse makes me smile. Many years ago I worked on a cruise ship that floated around the big, blue ocean. It was a wonderful, adventurous time of my life. I guess the feeling of the sea has never left me. So in honor of that time, I made up this blouse. I have always wanted a "sailor" blouse and have never owned one. I am really happy with how this project came out. Have you ever notice that some sewing projects just seem to put themselves together? Most of my projects don't just fall into place, I have to do a lot of planning and seam ripping! This one was different and seem to have a life of it's own. It was just a lot of fun. I did change the sleeve a bit to be more flared at the lower edge. This pattern does not call for trims, but I couldn't resist putting on the vintage military braid I had in my stash. The navy, linen fabric was a left over piece from my ginger skirt, so now I have a matching two piece suit, so to speak. I thought about adding a red scarf, but opted for these cute, vintage buttons. This blouse was made with lots of ease and comfort in mind, because I plan on taking it on vacation. It looks really cute tucked in. I will be making this pattern again, maybe with in a knit. I have been sewing up a storm lately, so much that I have a ton to blog about. Be back soon with more.

Have a great vintage day,

Gina

Ginger skirt

2012-01-17T16:31:00.005-05:00

Last summer I started a project called Closing the gaps. For those of you new to my blog, once every new season, I take a hard look at my wardrobe. Looking for the "singles". You know the ones, those oddball garments that hang around in your closet. Ones that you can't seem to get rid of, but nothing matches them either. Well, I was in need of a navy skirt for a number of blouses that matches nothing. Even though it's not spring yet, I am determined to get my spring wardrobe together now. I am dreaming about smart, comfortable outfits that have a vintage flare. This ginger skirt by Colette Patterns is easy to make and the fit is fabulous. I did have a adjust the waistline a bit, it's on the larger size for me and it sits a tad high. Other than that, the pattern is perfect! If you are on the fence about starting to sew, or are overwhelmed by the thought of beginning to sew yourself. This may be a good pattern to start with.
I have made three of these skirt this past week. More on that later, this one is made from linen. I love the flow and movement of this garment. I highly suggest linen or linen like for this project. The sweater is vintage and the blouse is from the thrift store. I believe it's 80's.

Have a happy vintage day!

Gina

A look back, 2011 sewing projects

2011-12-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

Today as a way to say goodbye to 2011, I wanted to look back at some favorite sewing projects. Here are my top ten from 2011. In no particular order.

1. This 50's blouse I sewed this past summer, has made getting dress a snap. I love the square neck/collar. It's so easy to accessorize with jewelry and a belt.

2. Little pink dress you will always remind me of my lack of understand about stabilizer and fabric weight. I did it all wrong, but I still love this dress and feel a bit wiser. I can be found running around antique stores in it.

3. This top makes me happy. I am glad I made three of these. I see more in the future.

4. Casey's swing dress sew-along was just plain fun. This dress took a lot of doing, but I am so glad I got to accomplish it.

5. This 1950's dress with decorative stitching still is not completed! I had an issue with the lining and needed to straighten it out. Can't wait to wear it again with some different shoes please, yuck!

6. Love this 40's dress. In the spring, I plan on making it again in a stretch fabric. I made it up twice. It's a favorite for sure!

7. My 40's Easter dress. I just love a square neckline. I really want to make this dress in a everyday, causal style fabric in 2012.

8. Ginger skirt, love was born. I have really enjoyed wearing this skirt a lot. I love the green colored fabric and the shape of this skirt is a friend to the pear shaped gal.

9. This little skirt has a flared style. I really like the length of this skirt and it's been worn over and over again.

10. This is my favorite skirt and blouse combo. I made them both and enjoy this 70's/80's style.

11. Okay I said ten, but I couldn't leave off the pants. They are wonderful compared to what I have found in the store.

Thanks for sharing this year with me. I am ready for 2012 to start. This coming year I hope to sew more, fit a better garment, and use more fabrics with stretch in them. Of course with you dear readers! I am so thankful to the online community of creative folks! May you have a wonderful holiday season and may God be with you in the coming year.

Have a wonderful vintage day,

Gina

pants!

2011-12-18T17:59:00.000-05:00

Cold weather has hit our area and it was time to dig through the wardrobe. What I found is that I am lacking bottoms that fit well. So, I am determined to make a good fitting pair of pants. I can honestly say that I have never had a pair of pants that I felt fit well and looked good on me. Anyone else have this problem? According to the standard size charts, you know the ones that predict bust, waist and hips measurements. Well, I have never "fit" into one size. I am a pear shape, carrying most of my weight lower on my body. My thigh circumference is much larger than the norm. For once in my life I want a pair of pants that fit nice at the waist ( no gaps please!), but are also loose in the thigh area. I think I am close with these pants. I did adjust the pattern a lot in the rise, inseam and of course the thigh area. The pattern calls for a side lap zipper, and I added a vintage button. It felt really good to be sewing again. I feel like I am breathing again. Thanks for your prayers and good thoughts.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Robbed, tips for being prepared

2011-12-04T01:11:00.002-05:00

I know it's been awhile, sorry for my silence. What I am about to share is not a vintage post, please forgive me. I feel the need to express these things in the hope for healing. We were robbed. There I said it. Home doesn't feel the same to me, as I look out my window I feel a bit blue. Among the items taken were most of my fine jewelry, including my wedding ring. These pieces that were stolen were like old friends to me. We spent years together, some pieces were engraved, they all were very personal, intentionally bought and meaningful. They were given to me, on our wedding day, for my college graduation, and at the birth of my sons. The feelings I have are hard to work through. I am doing my best to wipe off every tract of the word "victim" that has embedded into my forehead, for I know that what happens to me is not who I am. I refuse to live with that word plastered across me in neon lights. I know it will take time to recover. I learned the hard way, the cost was great. I made a list for you. Here are a few tips for hanging onto your stuff and being prepared just in case.

1. Like in real estate, Think LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Find a good place to put your jewelry and valuables. It's best not to hide your jewelry inside your bedroom. Most theifs will look there first. My stuff was in my dresser drawer, under the bed and in my closet. A better place for these items would be a safe or a hidden compartment within a wall.

2. Keep your business quiet. If you have money hidden somewhere, don't tell anyone! It's takes only one person to leak out information that can cause you to become a target.

3. No matter how long you have done business with a company, their employees can change, so remember to watch them carefully while they are in your home. You may consider a video camera. The police told us that a man just last week had 50,000 dollar of jewelry stolen from him, but he had got it all on tape.

4. Please keep your receipts for any jewelry you buy. This was my BIGGEST mistake. I am still looking for certain receipts that my insurance requires for proof. The amount of time getting "proof" that I owned anything is turning into days. Your are busy, so get that stuff in order now. One file in your cabinet can save you a lot of grief.

5. Take pictures and video. I have a lot of pictures of me wearing my jewels, but not one straight on, close up shot of my emerald ring that was stolen. It's good to do this every couple of years for good record keeping. This is also good proof to an insurance company that you really owned a item.

6. Get appraisal and have them on file. Thankfully my wedding ring has an appraisal and hopefully I won't need to fight with the insurance to pay for another one.

7. Insure your things with a replacement policy. I brought a gold chain 8 years ago for 400.00 dollars, that same chain at the store is 2500.00 dollars now. I could never replace anything with 400.00 dollars. Gold prices are skyrocketing.

8. Decide if the real thing is worth it to you. Sometimes it's better to own costume jewelry and not be a target. As I look back, my family could have been hurt because of these few items that I owned. They are my true treasures for sure.

My hope is that you all have a safe Christmas season and that this post was helpful to you! I should be back soon with some vintage pajamas and sewing projects.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Regency dress

2011-11-02T16:07:00.000-04:00

Well friends, it's been a bit since you have heard from me, in a word homeschooling is taking much of my time. I am finally getting back into a routine of sewing again. I've been on a quest for a long, winter dress that is easy to wear and warm. Last spring, Casey had a sew along for a swing dress from Sense and Sensibility patterns. Looking around the web site I couldn't resist the idea of making a winter dress from the 1700's regency style. This dress was a lot of fun to put together. I really like the high waistline, it's very comfortable. The material is heavy linen and it's lined for warmth. I really love this dress, my husband really loves it too.

I also wanted to give a short review of the pattern for those of you who may be considering making this dress. The overall pattern is printed and packaged on heavy paper. The instructions are fairly simply, she also has step by step instructions (with pictures) for this pattern on the web site. The biggest problem I had with the pattern was fit. The bodice is on the short side for me, it fell above my bra band. In addition to it being short, it came down too low in the front. If I bent over you could see my whole entire bra. So I took the challenge to fix these problems and drafted up a new pattern using the pieces from the original. I added about 3 inches too the bottom of the pattern. I have narrow shoulders, so I brought the shoulders in, which helped the dress from felling off of me. It was worth making a muslin for this dress, I highly suggest it. I had three goes at it before getting it right. I am 5'6 so the length was great and no adjustments were needed, if you are taller you will need to cut more length for your dress. I will be making this one again. Do you ever wear dresses in the winter?

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Biltmore!

2011-10-06T11:12:00.000-04:00

We have been on vacation, sorry for my silence, but I was having a lot of much needed fun! My birthday was in September and I have always wanted to see the Biltmore house. So my family took me there. It was just beautiful, like traveling back in time. I felt like a character from a Jane Austin's book running around the estate. While we were there I found this ring. As part of being a vintage gal, I have always wanted an antique ring. So everyplace we go I look for one. My hubby bought this one for my birthday, it was a bit expensive, but I really love the retro styling of it. We also went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and stayed in a cabin. I found these second hand shoes and felt they go with a lot of long skirts I have. It was really nice getting away.

The last few day I have been doing some sewing. Pants have been on my sewing table. I am hoping to have something to show you soon, but I don't like the outcome so far. The rise is always an issue for me, so I have a bit of adjusting to do.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Closing another gap! Red skirt!

2011-09-23T19:00:00.002-04:00

I top-stitched this skirt!

I am thinking about these for fall.

I am thrilled to have a red skirt in my closet now. It was so needed! This lonely 1960's blouse was without a match for the whole summer. I will be honest, the making of this skirt came to a haul because of the belt hoops. They are made from gaberdine fabric and wouldn't iron flat without a fight. So, it took me awhile to get them in shape and looking right. I am pretty happy with how this skirt turned out. The pictures are not the best, they were taken with a low battery, so sorry for the bad lighting. How are things with your sewing? I have been thinking a lot about culottes, I wore them back in the 80's and loved them. My closet is full of some great winter fabrics, that are begging to be pulled out. It's getting cold here in Ohio. Oh, I think I hear my sewing room calling!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

40's dress

2011-09-12T16:31:00.002-04:00

I often come out to our pond to think, it's full of huge fish!

No, I didn't make this one. I bought it a while back at our local antique store. I fell in love with it. My dream was to wear this dress some summer evening while on a date with my husband. Sadly, I never did, so I thought before packing it up for the fall I would get a few pictures. This little white dress has a metal zipper and shell buttons. For it's age it's in great condition, I am guessing it's 40's or 50's. I don't have any plans to change it at all. I can't get myself to even shorten it. Someday, I hope to pass this dress on to another in the best condition possible! Until then, I will wear it gently. Do you wear your vintage clothing or keep it for admiring?

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

The chickens on our farm

2011-09-08T14:30:00.000-04:00

We love our chickens. They fit well into our "vintage" lifestyle. I thought you might like to see them in this short post. Sorry I have been so quiet! This last week we started our second year of homeschooling, so not much has happened in my sewing room yet, but I am gearing up for a fall wardrobe. Be back soon!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Sewing mishap!

2011-08-29T18:56:00.000-04:00

This pattern doesn't look interesting, but I feel the lines may yield something rather pretty. This fabric is a stretch from the thrift.

If you have been sewing for very long, you know there are wonderful sewing days and hard, frustrating days. Even with the best intentions, a project can quickly turn to disaster in one misstep! That's what has happened here. Sometimes I struggle with interpreting a patterns instructions, mostly because I am a self taught seamstress. I have learned to mull over a pattern's instruction before jumping in, but still can be caught off guard by an arrow or dot. Today was one of those days. I had to laugh at this little bump that was created by my mistake in sewing up the seams. Somebody find me a seam ripper please! So it's time for a little laugh and a restart button. Take heart if you have had a sewing day like this. It can happen to anyone and the "fix" most times is a seam ripper and a good read of the instructions one more time.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Green Ginger

2011-08-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

I've been jumping back into the sewing scene this week with the ginger by Colette patterns. This skirt makes me smile. Colette makes a lovely pattern that is easy to use. I've so enjoyed seeing different versions of this skirt on the web, you all are so creative. There is something about it's shape and lines that have bewitched me. The skirt is made with fabric from the thrift, I am thinking it's a broadcloth. I am not pairing it with this blouse, I just needed a way to show the belt area a little better and this solid peach blouse did the trick. I can't tell you how good it feels to sew again. I really love it so much. I would give up my T.V. any day for my sewing machine and my iron! Can't sew without them!

If you had to, what would you give up for your sewing machine? Just wondering.

Have a great vintage day!

Gina

Body weight and sewing

2011-08-11T20:40:00.000-04:00

Weight is a touchy issue for most people. I know it can be for me. Right now I am struggling with mine and it's effecting my desire to sew. Keeping my weight in check through our home remodeling has been challenging. I am not into looking paper thin or anything, but I like to maintain my weight. Fast food has been my "friend" over these last few months and the expected pounds came on. So now there is a choice to be made, do I sew for my bigger size or squeeze into my current clothing? Everything within me says "don't make the next size up". The hours that I have invested in making "tailored" clothing were happy hours and I don't want to leave those beautiful garments behind for a plate of fast food. So, today I am starting to look more closely at what I am eating, with the hope of losing the extra pounds. Along with that, I had a revelation during me made June that is changing how I sew. During June, my weight was still okay, but I realized that I was avoiding wearing some of my handmade garments because they were so fitted. Looking back, I was sewing with the idea that I was going to lose a little more weight. Lesson learned, stop over-fitting sewing projects and build into place a level of comfort for a healthy weight. I know my weight will have it's up and downs in the future, but my reality is this, there is a number range that my body likes to stay in. My dream size is in my mind, but my body says we are staying here. So I am making peace with that and will be sewing for a more "normal" weight in the future.

Here are a few tips for making weight friendly garments.

1. Adding EASE! Ease is defined as those extra inches in a finished garment that one can pull away from the body. I am finding that I really like having lots of ease in my lower hips and legs. When clothing is tight, it's uncomfortable. In Fit for real people , Pati Palmer suggests having a certain amount of ease for different garments. Here are her guidelines. You can easily add ease with a french ruler by drawing in a line outside the cutting line. Check out this book for more details. It's wonderful!

As I look at this chart I see that most of my skirts have about 1/2 inch of ease in the waistline. I will be adding a bit to that for comfort.

2. Considering the design/lines of a garment before sewing will tell you a lot about how your shape will fit into that design. This can be helpful in decisions of making a fitted skirt or an A line, or a boxy jacket verses a fitted one? Remember if you gain weight a boxy jacket may still fit when a fitted one get snug. A wide variety of styles in your closet can be a saving grace when the scale is moving upward.

3. Fabric selection is so important. Fabrics with a small amount of stretch go a long way for shoulders, bust-line and hips. As I use some of my non-stretch vintage fabrics, I will be adding more ease to the pattern at the lower hip-line for comfort. This will ensure freedom in movement.

4. I have given this tip before, it's worth repeating. Adding one inch seams instead of the standard 5/8 to the outer seams of a garment can be very helpful. If you need them the extra fabric is already there and can be let out pretty easily.

5. Resist over-fitting a garment. When fitting your garments. Baste the seams together. Now sit in your car. Can you reach everything easily? I say this because if I can sit in my car and be comfortable, then I know I have enough ease. Or stand in your kitchen and make a simple meal, can you reach the top shelf without splitting a seam? Test drive your garments before truly sewing up the final seams. Anyone can stand in front of a mirror and hold their breath in for a fitting, but can you pick up the baby and carry her around the house while wearing the garment, that's the question.

6. Consider adding a little elastic in the back of pants or skirts for those monthly times where the scale is going upward.

Sewing a wardrobe has become a way of life for many people, and let's face it weight loss or gain can happen a long the way. Considering weight changes is good insurance of great fitting clothing for the future.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

old patterns

2011-08-08T10:52:00.000-04:00

These are some of my oldest patterns, I think they are from the 20's. I am in love with the details of these wonderful dresses. It's so funny how times have changed. If you look for instructions to make these beauties, you will find them printed on the pattern itself. For example, on McCall 6471, it simply states join the underarm seam to the bodice of the dress. Yes, we have come a long way with instructions for sure. I bought these patterns years ago before vintage sewing was in. So they were priced pretty reasonable.
This past week I found these Colette patterns waiting for me in my mailbox. I am so excited to get cracking with them. I love the ginger skirt and have been wanting to make it for awhile. Finally, remodeling in our home is almost done, things are returning to a new normal, hooray! It's time to sew again!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Giveaway Winners!

2011-07-29T16:50:00.000-04:00

Thanks for entering this giveaway. I always love reading your comments! Okay, I played with random.org last week and finally gave up because of various reasons. So I decided to divided the names into categories and had my son Isaac pull a name from each bowl. He really enjoyed fishing out a winner. For door number one, the purse, Isaac pulled out Casey's name from Casey's Elegant Musings. Congratulations Casey!

Door number two is for the Tack- it tool, the winner is Christy from Christy Sews! Congratulations to Christy! Enjoy it!

Finally, the patterns go to Marie from A sewing odyssey. I think you will enjoy them Marie. Congratulations to you!

I am so happy for you all. I hope you all are having a great vintage day!

Gina

Strawberry Jam and a hair cut

2011-07-27T10:13:00.002-04:00

I just follow the recipe in this box! It's delicious!

Every year I make strawberry Jam. It's wonderful on ice cream and angel food cake. I always feel all vintage when canning! There's just something about putting on an apron and working in a kitchen that feels good to my heart.

Since going down the rabbit hole these last few weeks, many little adventures have come my way. A new haircut, working on losing weight again, cleaning up and remodeling our 100 year old home.

This is a 80's hair cut. I am not sure that I love it but, I can hot roller my hair and it stays for a while.

New hardwood floors are being put in soon!

We pulled the walls out in our family room and found there was no insulation. It had always been cold in there, now we know why. So we got busy with fixing that. Crazy!

Friends, my grandfather died this week. He was a wonderful man. I will be having family stay with us next week for his funeral. So, I promise that after my house is in order again that I will be sewing up a storm, I do MISS it so much!

Well, tomorrow is the last day for the giveaway entry. It's opened worldwide! Good luck and have a great vintage day!

cleaning up and a giveaway

2011-07-21T08:54:00.000-04:00

This post has little to do with vintage life, sewing or the alike. I'll be frank, life has been taking me deep into a rabbit hole, the trip has had some bumps, but been very good and all consuming! I won't share a lot since this is really a sewing/vintage blog, but I want you to know why I have fallen out of touch over these last couple of weeks. I woke up one day and knew I had to come to terms with having too much stuff and not enough places to put things. As I looked into my junk drawer of life, I realized it was too full and brought me sadness, not joy. So this past month I have been giving furniture, dishes, toys and everything you can think of away, including a boat! This process started with cleaning out my closet. I have cleaned out EVERY Drawer in my home and feel a sense of relief and sanity returning. Now I only have things that are useful or make us smile.
As I was cleaning out my stash of my vintage collections, there were a few items that I wanted to give to someone who really loves them. I thought this might be a great giveaway to anyone who reads this blog. There are three items to choose from. Just leave a comment on which giveaway item you would like, 1, 2, or number 3. I will randomly pick three winners and the prizes will be mailed out to the winners. Please leave me a email address to get in contact with you. Entries for this give away will end on July 28th at midnight EST.

First up, being a purse lady, I love this purse, it's green! These pictures are okay, but the green color is much more vibrant than what is coming through.

Giveaway item number 1!

Next behind door number two, Tack it! Yes, this is a vintage pattern marker. It makes it easy to mark darts with a tap! Fun for sure.

Giveaway number 2

And behind door number three we have vintage patterns. They are from the 40's. The dress is for a 36 bust.

Giveaway number 3

Thanks to all of you, good luck!

Have a Fabulous vintage day!

Gina

green skirt finished!

2011-07-19T16:26:00.000-04:00

Wow! This summer is flying by! I have been sewing a little on the side. This happy, green, skirt was made from a vintage pattern I found in my stash. I have been looking for a wider A-line skirt for a while because I have a bad habit of propping up my leg when I drive and wanted a skirt that would allow me to assume my "driving position" while wearing it. This skirt is just shy of a half circle. It came together pretty nicely. Although I am noticing that with every vintage skirt pattern that I have made, the waistband is smaller than the body of the skirt, making it impossible to sew without "easing in" the garment and creating little gathers. I am not a fan of gathers on me. To remedy this I have been cutting my waistbands 1/2 inch longer, so that they match up with the body of the skirt. It has worked like a charm. Now the skirt sits flat against me. I also installed another lap zipper. I am really liking lap zippers, they are great for using up all those vintage zippers I have been collecting. I am pairing the skirt with a white blouse for now. Yes, I just created a gap in need of a pair! LOL Skirts are always needed in summer, I live in them. So now it's time for some blouses. Vicious cycle isn't it? Where is Summer is going? I noticed Joann's had fall wool for sale already yikes!

Have a wonderful vintage day,

Gina

Insides matter

2011-07-06T10:07:00.000-04:00

These last few weeks have been like swimming in jello, moving, but getting no where fast. Do you have weeks where your projects and goals feel out of reach? I have been feeling very stuck without my iron and camera. The rest was good, but I sure missed blogging, sewing and you! My Rowenta iron came back from the factory this week. The diagnosis was a faulty water holding tank. The manufacturer recommends not overfilling the water tank. I have been known to overfill my iron at times. Although this didn't break the iron it's a good measure to keep in mind against overfilling.

I have been sewing two skirts this week, I wanted to pause and look at the inside of these garments. Over the last 6 months, part of the joy of sewing for me has been to create a clean looking garment. One that I could wear inside out. Some of the things I do are simple, but to me make a garment look more couture. I don't have a lot of finishing tips, but I thought I would share the ones that have served me well with you.

1. To reduce the overall mess, I clip every thread after sewing a seam. I use thread cutters, they are wonderful. Doing this really helps me keep of top of those loose thread.

2. This sounds like a given, but finishing all seams at the right time creates a beautiful garment. There are many ways to finish a garment. I use my serger a lot. Sewing is like a Chess game is some ways. You have to know the moves you are going to make while sewing up a piece. I am finding mapping this out ahead of time very helpful. Sometimes you should serge a pattern piece by itself, other times it's necessary to wait until you have made a seam. Mapping out your seams, results in less wasted thread and a better looking garment I am finding.

3. There is a little game I play when sewing my facings to make them look good. I try to sew them as straight as possible, doing my very best work. Yes, it's silly but my stitches are improving because of this game and I smile when I see them!

4. Iron every time, every seam, a garment won't come together without ironing and it will look wonky on the inside. I iron the seams after sewing from both sides and steam them in place. This makes a huge difference with the finished seams.

What are you sewing this week?

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

40's blouse

2011-06-24T10:41:00.000-04:00

One last time for this pattern, I think. LOL Are you bored with this style yet? I couldn't help it. The truth is, I made the red blouse and purple one at the same time. Sometimes it just easier to make two of the same pattern at once. The fabric is a purple gauge and matched up pretty well with my skirt from Talbot. This shirt is another Closing in the Gaps project. I am finding that sewing with gap busting in mind has been fun. My morning routine has been easy, breezy too! Although, I am not a stickler in regards to following "programs", there are a few unnecessary items that are begging for my attention to sew out of whimsical expression and pure enjoyment. So little time, sigh.

This week I've been less productive than usual. The loss of my iron due to repairs, has been a great loss indeed. While using my old iron, I feel like I am using a "toy" iron compared to the Rowenta. Seams aren't ironing in as crisp. I love ironing while sewing. It makes a HUGE difference in the finished garment. So there may be fewer projects until I get her back. Until then we'll have to make due. Do you like ironing or is it a hassle for you?

Have a Fab Vintage day! I am glad to be back. I won't tell you I dropped my new camera while grabbing my son from harm's way. I am heartbroken over it, but glad everyone is safe!

Gina

Links/comments may not be working

2011-06-16T16:43:00.001-04:00

This is my favorite painting that I own. It has been in my family since my great grandmother. I have spent hours looking at this lovely lady hoping someday I could dress like her.

Please bear with me as I fix these problems with my blog. I am not aware of the source that is keeping a few folks from commenting or clicking links. My husband works in computers too and is looking into the problem. Thanks so much to all of you who have email me. My email is vintagegina@yahoo.com if anyone else would like to email and let me know what they are seeing on their computers, this may help me to resolve issues! Thanks so much for your patience. You are all the best community around! Until then how about some random pictures of my favorite things from my home! I like to decorate with antiques, here are a few of my favorite spots in my home. In no particular order. Warning lots of pictures here!!!

This lamp was my mom's. She gave it to me and I found another one just like it at the antique store. The light dances at night all over my walls. Love it

Christmas Day at our house, told you this was random!

Our front door, I enjoy the design.

Our everyday chairs for our dining area. We love the castle theme of them, they are very heavy.

My upstairs bathroom shelf. Just for fun.

I wish this showed up better, there is mother of pearl painted in this picture, it's very grand to look at.

I made is runner years ago. This vase is heavy, you can't see it's true color, is a beautiful pale blue.

This chicken's name is Jones, my kids joke often about him.

I am very bad at leaving tags hanging on items I have bought, I am a bit of a Minnie Pearl that way.

This is from my bedroom. I love this pale yellow vase.

This is where I sit and blog. The metal tray is for my coffee. the curtains I made last year.

Polka dot skirt burda style

2011-06-14T11:56:00.001-04:00

I love this little skirt! It has top stitching that took forever, but adds so much to this Burda skirt. Maybe I'll try it in red. What are you making?

On a side note, I have received a few emails from folks that have wanted to comment and can't on this blog. My hubby looked into it and thinks it may be fixed. If you are having trouble leaving a comment or following the site please email me about the problem. I love to hear from you all.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Old verses new

2011-06-13T11:00:00.001-04:00

Does anyone out there having these kinds of problems? Can I share with you some observations that I have been making over the last year? I don't wish to be mean in any way, it's not my nature, but I need to speak this out today. I am very disappointed with the "new" items I have been buying lately. I know we live in a throw away society, but this is ridiculous to have this many encounters with bad products. My antiques that are 50 years old are out lasting anything I buy today. Here's a rundown of my recently issues with the "new" stuff.

First, I thought I would replace my 20 year old can opener, it costed maybe .79 cents. My new can opener was on sale for $8.99. It opened THREE cans and broke! My husband said it couldn't be repaired!

Next up, furniture! I wanted to replace our 15 years ago couch. It lasted well and still looked great, but I wanted to replace it with something new. My "new" expensive couch has plastic feet, they broke off in 3 months!!! The fabric on the couch that I paid extra for is deteriorating and rubbing off. I have never seen this before in my life. The lazy boy chair, that we don't sit in very much, I bought for 800.00 dollars has a strange deflated look on one side, as if the stuffing is totally missing out of it. I have never seen this before either so I called about it, but as you can see it wasn't repaired.

Freezers, yes, when buying our house, it came with a freezer that was every bit 30 years old. It was rusty and a bit ugly, but worked great. I didn't like the rust so I asked my husband if we could get a new one. We bought a freezer, got it home only to find it was already broken. So, we took it back to get another. Bad idea! We brought this one home and I have to take it back, because it's not working!

If you look closely, you can see the water coming out.

This morning, I pull out my ROWENTA Focus Professional iron, Yes, my Christmas gift. My old black and Decker iron I brought 21 years ago for about 15.00 dollars, it still works. My 100 dollar Rowenta is pouring water out of the electric cord! I called the company and they want me to paid to have it shipped. My iron will be in a service center for 4 weeks, it's hard to sew without an iron. I don't know if I will trust that it will last. If they are using the same junk parts, how could it?

Should I go on, there is more, but you get the point! I understand that companies need to make profits to stay in business, but I don't want to buy a new can opener every third can, or a new couch every 3 months. I guess after this year I really believe my antiques are the clear winners here. Some of my favorite antiques are, an old coffee cup I drink from Every morning, it's given me years of dependable service.

I have enjoyed driving this 1978 Mercedes without any problems. It's been in our family for 30 plus years.

This phone has out lasted three sets of cordless phones. It works even when the electric is out.

Am I having bad luck or do you have these problems? Okay, I feel better, thanks for lending me your ear. I guess in the end, I am really a vintage girl. I like old, dependable things that last. I hang onto my things and enjoy wearing them out. So I guess I'll be hunting down any items I can find at the antique store.

Here's to the antiques in your life. Enjoy them!

Have a fab vintage day,

Gina

MMJune/ closing another gap!

2011-06-12T19:47:00.000-04:00

Both the skirt and blouse made by me.

I made this red 40's blouse last week. I am really liking this style and wanted yet another one of these blouses hanging in my closet. And yes, it's another gap busting item. As you know, I made the skirt awhile back, but wanted something to go with it.

Here are a couple of MMJune outfits that I have been wearing.

This dress is a refashion, I hemmed it and and took it in at the waist to be more fitted. It was an easy fix and great for MMJune

( handmade top , the skirt is from the thrift)

Yes, I am wearing my clothing and it's been fun to make and wear things that you like.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Shorts, know when to hold, fold, walk or run!

2011-06-10T10:14:00.000-04:00

This week I haven't been sewing due to my schedule and am feeling a bit off centered. Do you ever feel that way when your schedule is changed drastically? It began as life heated up this week, in more than one way. So, some shorts were in order for MMJune. I set out to make a pair with a good pattern in hand. Hours later, less than perfect results, I put them away for this week. As you can see here, the pink pair has the zipper bugging out to the side.

The green pair came together okay, but has a funny drag line that doesn't make any sense to me. So there you have it, my less than perfect, unfinished projects. I am not going to call them failures, because they aren't. Everything I am sewing, I am learning from. Even if the mystery is unsolved for now, there will come a day when understanding will come. Until then, it's back to the drawing board for this vintage girl. There is a Kenny Rogers song called the Gambler. No, I am not a fan of his, but for years I have sang these words with a totally different meaning to them. Yes, it silly, but many times these few words have been helpful to me. They goes like this, "You got to know when to hold em', know when to fold em', know when to walk away, know when to run". Sometimes I sing this little song to myself when I am making decisions that require me to have discernment. This week it was good to "walk away", knowing I wasn't going to "fold em" completely. Why? Because in the end, I want to make good fitting shorts, I also want to push myself passed the pain of perceived failure. If I "fold", then nothing will be gained in knowledge, and I will be stuck with buying shorts. Certainly, there are times to "fold", you know when something is going backwards and will never go forward to a pleasing result. And honey, sometimes you need to run away from a fabric or pattern that will not work for you. Other times, it's time to hold on, wait, be patient with the process. It's in these times that we learn a lot. What projects do you need to hold, fold, walk away or run from? Until next time friends.

Have a great Vintage day!

Gina

Closing the Gaps number 3 and MMJune

2011-06-04T14:23:00.001-04:00

When I made this skirt in March, I didn't really know what I would wear with it, I was thinking a white blouse. I liked the electric blue color of this fabric, but I knew it would be hard to match. So last week when I made this blouse from the left over skirt fabric, I didn't expect them to work so well together. Why? Because I heard it said so many times, not to be so matchy, matchy with your wardrobe, well forget that, I like it! So I am officially breaking that rule. What do you think of this matched set? This is my MMJune outfit for today. I have been faithful to wear my homemade clothing everyday. I won't be taking photos of every outfit, but a lot of them. If truth be told I have been getting up early to sew and sew until 10:00 A.M. in my pajamas this whole week, all my sleepwear is vintage, not handmade, I am a bad girl for sure! What have you been making?

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

80's Blouse and 60's skirt!

2011-06-02T13:34:00.001-04:00

First up, this charming couple. A 80's top in love with a 60's skirt, say it isn't so. I grew up in the 80's. At the time, I loved the fashions of that day, but the 90's came rolling in and I lost my loving feelings towards the eighties. Now their back. Mrs. Exeter from Dressing Mrs. Exeter wrote an interesting post about fashion and the decades. How fashions we laughed at years ago, now we consider them endearing. It really got me thinking about returning to my childhood roots. So, I decided to made this 80's blouse. Thanks Mrs. Exeter, I would have pasted up this pattern before! I like the sleeves, all six of them. They give a nice layered effect. I would like to make this blouse again with a nautical theme.

Here's a big shout out to Jane from Handmade Jane Thanks Jane for recommending this skirt. I kept looking at your skirts and loved them. To my surprise, I had this very pattern in my drawer. LOL, I need to take an inventory of my patterns! This was my first time sewing a lap zipper. I used this video to learn how. what we we do without youtube? Anyway, this is also my MMJune outfit for today. What are you working on? Are you filling in any gaps? I am, I'll be back in a little while with the next update.

Until then have a Wonderful vintage day,

Gina

Filling in the Gaps Project 2

2011-05-30T08:16:00.000-04:00

Another gap in missing from my closet. This gap involved a favorite, worn to death skirt that lost it's pair only recently due to a nasty stain. This outfit is my "staying around the house special". It's for those days that I think I'll be staying home, but just in case I need to go out to the store, I'll be presentable. This simple, shirt is made from a shower curtain, yes nothing is safe in my home since I started sewing! I do like the small check mixed with the flower patterned skirt. Last weekend I wore the outfit while camping, it was perfect. I have a lot to show you coming up!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

New Blouses/Muslins/thanks

2011-05-26T12:21:00.000-04:00

First, I want to say thank you for all your comments on my last post, I was truly blown away with your kindness, thoughts and insight. This message has been close to my heart for a while. I think life is too short to live/hide in someone else clothing. It's my hope to encourage and help draw out self expression in others and you did that for me, thank you!

Okay, with MMJune coming I needed some quick, easy, comfortable clothing to wear camping. So I made these blouses/muslins. I am asking two questions, do these blouses work with my current clothing and do they suit my body? If you would like to help me, I would love your feedback on these four blouses. I will be paring them up with shorts or a skirt. All the following blouse are made with cheap fabric, one is even from an old sheet. I got the idea from Portia and Casey! Thanks gals!

I noticed my sleeve and facing was pulling out. I have yet to tack them down. The picture below looks more right!

I like this first blouse, the collar is fun. It's pretty comfortable! It was very easy to make.

This shirt is comfortable.

This second shirt is a 50's pattern. It has a little pocket, but the fabric is so thin, it couldn't support the pocket. So I just put it into place for this picture.

This was a sheet.

The third shirt my husband just loves. It has side vents and is not fitted, so you can imagine it's pretty comfortable.

The fourth is a square neck 80's top. I really like it even though it's so plain.

I want to include the patterns I am using so that you can see them too. Anyhow, now that you've seen them, what do you like? I know they are on the plain side, sometimes I like that when messing around at home, Thanks for your help.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Vintage totally inappropriate, really?

2011-05-24T10:12:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday was warm, sunny and felt springlike. I wanted to wear something springy. This dress and sweater were thrifted over the winter months. I find thrifting off season to be very beneficial. Our thrift store sorts their dresses and shirts into long sleeves and short sleeves. So in December, I am looking over the short sleeve dresses because for the most part they go undisturbed until the season hits. I found this little gem, at least I think so. I love the colors and the fit of this garment. On Saturday I had to do some shopping and wore this dress. My husband smiled when he saw me in it. I felt happy too. Then I went to a store and you would have thought I was wearing something totally inappropriate. In a sea of blue jean wearers, I stood out like a sore thumb. There were a lot of stares. I just ignored what was going on around me and did my shopping. Although it got me thinking, why do we look so much alike with our styles and clothing? I don't know about other people, but for too long I have stayed within the confines of what's acceptable in the fashion world, even to the point of making sure the flare of my pant was in keeping with the time. Really, if you think of it, it's silly! I found myself wondering about the history of garments. Hundreds of years ago, people wore all kinds of styles of clothing that they loved, with no help from a television or magazine. There must have been a great variety of clothing on the earth. So often I ask myself, do I have to live with the styles of 2011, or can I live life with what I love? I will say this, that I don't intent on living all the days of my life with the color blue (jeans) on over half my body, although I have a few pairs of jeans, in general, they don't suit me. What I am stumbling to say is; I am not trying to be different, or find my significances in what I wear, rather it's how I feel on the inside that effects what I want to wear. The way I am wired, I fit somewhere else in the garment timeline. You might too.

Something else I ponder often is this thought, do people really love what they wear? Maybe they feel like me, struggling with the best they can find at a mall, feeling they are at the mercy of the ideas of the fashion gods. You are in luck, if the mall is carrying clothes that fit your body and in styles you love. So often I have wanted to take a poll of the general population. It would look like this, if you could wear anything from any time period what would you pick? Somehow, I don't believe people would chose a big sweatshirt that has some logo plastered on it (although, I understand the need for comfort). No, I believe we want more than just being a bulletin board for someone else's ideas. I think you would hear a variety of things.

Going back to Saturday's outfit, I have to laugh a little about it, because really, I was wearing a dress from the 60's, only out of style by 40 or so years. Hehe. What's that compared to all of time, but a drop in the bucket. So, today I chose not to fear stepping out, even with the stares at my back. In the end, I love variety in others and in myself. I love it when someone wears something off beat and they look great doing it. I love the old guy who wears his plaid suit grinning at everyone. I love the old lady who still wears her winter coat from 1962. It's unexpected, beautiful and just plain fun! I think it would be a fascinating world to see such variety, right now from where I sit I can only see a sea of blue, maybe it's different in other places. Thanks for letting me get this out, it's just my opinion and my thoughts. Leave me your thoughts, in a perfect world, if you could break the "fashion code" what could you see yourself wearing, what would you embrace? What is your chosen styles/eras? What REALLY fits with your unique personality and style?

Have a fabulous vintage day!

Gina

First closing the gaps project complete!

2011-05-18T11:25:00.000-04:00

This skirt has been hanging in my closet for about 5 years without much to match it. I am so excited because today it has a mate. I am proud to announce the new couple. This was not the original pattern that was earmarked for making a match for this skirt. I changed my mind after sewing up some muslins from varies blouse patterns. I liked this Chinese style shirt the best for this skirt. I have really enjoyed this pattern. The pattern calls for a snap closure, but I added vintage buttons instead. Adding buttonholes on stretch fabric was tricky, thanks Casey for suggesting interfacing, it worked. Anyway one down! We are getting closer to fewer gaps. How is everything going for you today?

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

"Closing the Gaps" sewing Project

2011-05-14T14:15:00.000-04:00

A full closet, but still nothing to wear. Sound familiar? Since cleaning out my closet, the outfits I have for the summer and me-made-June clothes, are limited. I realized I had only done half of the job of cleaning out my closet. Now it was time to really look through my wardrobe and find the gaps. Gaps are those little annoying reminders that occur when you get dressed. It's when you realize that you don't have a blouse to go with that really great skirt. I knew it was time to get practical about sewing some workable pieces to fill all those nagging gaps! Hence, this project was born. I am calling it "Closing the Gaps". The idea is to become very "intentional" about identify the singles in my closet, then looking for coordinating fabrics, starting with my stash and finally sewing matching tops and bottoms. The conclusion should be a closet with matching pieces and fewer "gaps" in one's wardrobe. If you want to follow a long or challenge yourself to a better coordinating wardrobe, please join me in this project. Here's a button for the project, grab it, if you like this idea and put it on your blog, then make a link in the comments to any completed projects done for this challenge. To participate, you can choose between two challenges, the first is a short challenge, simply make ONE garment to match anything in your closet that needs a mate, this may be something you have had for years or bought/made last week. If you want to take this challenge to the "second phase", start by cleaning out your closet. Be prepared to divide, organize, and write down your sewing goals. The following is what I did to start the second phase.

1. After cleaning out my closet, I looked through the clothing I had left and found all the "singles". They were pulled out. Remember singles are items that you love, but they don't have a matching top or bottom.

These three skirts are without tops.

These are thrifted shirts that I need basic skirts for.

2. Then, I compared my "singles" to my stash for any coordinating fabrics. I want to use as much of my stash as possible. Fortunately, a few of my pieces coordinated with the fabrics in my stash, but if I didn't find a match, I hung these items out of my way into a "go shopping" for fabric pile.

I have to go shopping for these item

3. Next, I focused on the garments that DID match fabrics in my stash. I then searched for a pattern, notions and checked the yardage for the project. These items were folded together and put into my "to sew" pile/basket.

Hooray I am using up my stash!!!

This thrifted skirt has been in my closet for years without a good options for a top!

To sew pile!

4. Finally, I focused on the singles (go shopping pile) with no matches from my stash. I found a pattern for each, gathered them up and took my "go shopping" pile to the fabric store. This is what I put together after my shopping trip.

I got most of what I needed during the shopping trip, I still need some really great red fabric!

5. Lastly, after seeing an overview of my "gaps", I prioritize! Asking what do I need to sew first? I wrote it all down on the clipboard and posted it in my sewing room.

My closet should be "singles" free, hooray no more lonely pieces! The gap is closing up! I hope that you will take either version of the Closing the Gaps Project challenge. This exercise has brought such clarity with the decisions about my wardrobe. If you are not a seamstress you may still find this exercise of value as you look for your pieces at a clothing store. Good luck!

Have a wonderful vintage day.

Gina

70's blouse done!

2011-05-07T11:51:00.000-04:00

This blouse was easy construction until the collar. I kept reading over the directions and after taking it out 4 times, realized I was reading the directions for view 3 not view 4! Some days I am not very observant. Remember the purge from my closet I did a couple weeks back? Well, this blouse is an effort to add some much needed solid colored clothing to my closet. It's a mystery fabric, but it's heavy and feels good on.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Me-Made June '11

2011-05-01T23:32:00.000-04:00

'I, Gina , sign up as a participant of Me-Made-June '11. I endeavour to wear one garment I've made each day for the duration of June 2011'

Well, I did it now! What did I get myself into? I will be wearing mostly dresses for the month of June, because that's about all I sew right now. Shorts, some skirts and a few blouses might be nice. Honestly, I took this challenge, because my wardrobe is lacking and this will force me to take a closer look. Just a couple of weeks ago, as you know, I cleaned out my closet, which by the way I am so glad I did. I do not miss all those unloved, unworn garments, they were just in my way. Then yesterday, I spent the day with a friend who helps women build their wardrobes. She is a consultant, author and speaker on beauty. We talked about what is needed in a wardrobe, she even gave me a color wheel! She was very helpful with identifying gaps in my closet. Now today, Zoe's me-made June popped up on my blog reader. I had to sign on the dotted line. Boy, do I feel focused after all this. I have never been this intentional with my wardrobe! Anyway, my goal is to sew in the month of May the following:

1. A few solid colored skirts! Red, brown, and black.
2. a black dress to wear to a funeral. One of my family members is very ill and I may need to be prepared for this soon.
3. Some knit shirts to go with the skirts would be nice.
4. Some pants for camping!
Can I make 3 skirts, one dress, 3 shirts and a pair of pants in May? I don't know that's a lot! But, it's either that or I will have not much to wear!

What about you, are you up for the challenge?

Have a beautiful vintage day!

Gina

Choosing a pattern size

2011-04-29T12:54:00.000-04:00

Choosing a pattern size can often leave one wondering. There are many options and theories about picking out a workable size. I am not an expert, this is what has worked for me. After working with all kinds of dress and blouse patterns, my hands down, best experiences with fit, has been with a pattern based off of my high breast measurement. This is not 100%, all the time accurate, but I am pretty pleased with the results. I can buy a 32 or 34 pattern. The one thing I keep in mind when waffling between these two pattern sizes is the amount of ease a pattern has built into it.
Garment ease is defined as those extra inches of fabric that can be pulled away from your body when wearing a garment. Everyone has their comfort level for the amount of ease they desire. All garments have varying degrees of ease to them. This is something to keep in mind when shopping for a pattern.

You may be wondering why the high bust measurement when buying a pattern? Well, according to Fit for Real People by Pati Palmer, this is the good way to buy a pattern if you have a bust size of a C cup or higher. Have you ever made a pattern that fits your bust, but the shoulders were too large? This maybe a indication that you need to buy a smaller size pattern. Shoulders can be very tricky to adjust, it's generally not recommended. So to start, take a measuring tape and go around your whole body as shown in the drawing and marked with a number 1. If you are high busted, try to measure with as little breast tissue as possible, this will ensure a more accurate measurement. Area 1 marks the HIGH BUST, area 2 marks The BUST. After measuring both places subtract the numbers, now look at the Cup Size Chart, this one only goes up to D cup. You should know your cup size based off what you just measured.

Cup Size Chart
Difference	Cup Size
Up to 1" (2.5cm)	A
Up to 2" (5cm)	B
Up to 3" (7.5cm)	C
Up to 4" (10cm)	D

C cup or higher- You would buy a pattern based on your high bust measurement, that number is to be substituted for the bust measurement on the pattern envelope. So if your high bust measurement is 34 inches then you would buy a size 34 pattern.
Note: If you are full busted then you may need to do a FBA to your pattern, check out some tutorial here from Gertie!

What if you are an A or B cup? Many women are wearing the wrong size bra, so I would suggest measuring both areas if you haven't in a while. You may be surprised at the results! My friend was wearing an A cup and got measured, she was a C cup! Remember 2 inches or less between the high bust and bust means you would be an A or B cup.
A or B cup- You would buy a pattern based off of your true bust measurement and not the high bust.

Finally, as an example, my high bust is 32 3/4, my bust is 35 1/2. That's a 2 3/4 inch difference. So according to the chart, that makes me a C cup. Here are two patterns that I made up in a muslin. They are close to my size and close in garment ease. The first is based off my high bust, it's a 33 pattern. The second is based off my true bust, it's a 36 pattern. Can you see the difference? Both are workable, but the one based off my high bust gets me a little closer to a garment that fits.

Notice where the shoulder and sleeve meets, this is a good fit. Minor adjustments are needed at the waist, but over all based on my high bust, it works! FYI- this pattern is a half size so it's a bit short-waisted for me.

The 36 inch pattern swims on me. The shoulders are way too large for me. But according to my bust measurement this is the size I should buy.

This is only one way to buy a pattern for it's size. Adjustments could be needed for a great result. How do you choose your patterns? What method have you found that works for you? I hope this has been helpful. Have a great vintage day!

Gina

Tilly and the Buttons Sewing Productivity, the results are in!

2011-04-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

Here I am in my snap up vintage house dress with my geek glasses! I am always checking fit as I sew, the snaps are helpful with getting changed quickly. The readers help act as a magnifier.

Well, with all self reflection comes answers to questions we ask.

Tilly asked, how do I feel before, during and after sewing?

Mostly happy and hopeful to start. During- I feel totally engrossed in the craft. The house could be on fire and I wouldn't know! After- I feel guilty for spending so much time sewing for myself. Time flies, and I am unaware.

What are the factors that effect my sewing time?

My attitude, kids needing my attention, phone calls, preparedness, and general learning curve! The biggest factor is this,

I am cheap when it comes to my hobbies! This causes me to be very unproductive! The scenario is, at the store with list in hand, I find myself looking for the red tags instead. Often leaving with bargains, but not items from my list. My thinking is, I'll find better quality items and on sale at some other store. This is robbing me of time and money. To add insult to injury, Joann's is near the thrift shop. One hour later, I go home with a bag of clothes, but without the zipper I need to complete a dress. Bottom line, I need a plan to buy the all the stuff for a project. Sometimes good is good enough!

Tips I found helpful for me are,

1. I need to slow down to speed up. Rereading through the pattern one final time equals less mistakes!

2. Another tip I am finding valuable is to, coordinate my sewing projects with my existing wardrobe. Before choosing a pattern and fabric, I am asking, what are the gaps in my closet that need to be filled? If I make this item, what shoes and accessories will work with it? This week, I did some soul searching and decided it was time to clear things out and get a thoughtful plan!

3. I can feel overwhelmed when having too many projects up in the air. I have decided to just have two projects, no more or I become unhappy mommy, and no one wants that girl hanging around.

4. Fitting before sewing is success for me! A sloper is the best way to check for fit quickly. I now make a sloppy copy every time I use a new pattern.

5. A prepared sewing room with materials ready is a key for me. I wind up 2 or 3 bobbins right before starting a project so I am not winding right in the middle of sewing. I also have a basket with all the materials for the dress I am making, so I am not hunting around for these things when I need them.

6. Clearing my head of any "baggage" from the day helps creativity to kick in and dreaming to emerge. Sometimes if my mind feels unresolved about something, I take some time to let go or deal with anything that may hinder me from being in the moment of just sewing. I find I sew better when my heart feels light!

7. Two to three hours of sewing is a breaking point for me. It's like eating too much chocolate, some is great, too much and I feel like I have overindulged. Also, I become sloppy at the machine. So, a break is in order here!

The biggest take away for me is, I must have a road map. Take an inventory, know what I need, so I don't waste time and money. Sewing has become a way of life for me, but sometimes it's encroaching on the time that I want be spend with hubby, loving on my boys and maintaining my home. So, I am promising myself that I will think through what to sew, write it down, get the materials needed, stay organized with my trips to the store, and not let the house burn down from me being unaware!

Thanks Tilly, learned a lot this week! I am hoping to learn from all your tips too!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

A Smart Everyday Dress

2011-04-20T13:47:00.000-04:00

Add caption

It was dark in the house so I took the tripod outside, windy day! lol

I tried to line up the checks

Closeup on piping on neckline cute thrifted belt!

I've had a passion for check fabric that dates back to childhood. If I could have made a dress from the check tablecloth my mom used for the camping picnic table, I would have. I really love how this dress came out. First, I must say I love the red piping that I found hiding in my sewing box. Although, it was difficult getting the piping sewn into the neckline and pockets, I am glad I took the time to do it.

I also buckled down and got the sleeves put into the armhole correctly. The pattern was a bit confusing and specifies the fabric to be clipped at the sleeves and bodice in two places, but doesn't show you exactly where to clip. Do you feel a little hesitant to clip fabric when making a pattern? I do, I want an X marks the spot, clip here with an arrow or some indication. You've got to love 1940's pattern for their instructions, but after working a bit, the sleeves went in perfectly!

The buttons came off of a old jacket that was 1/2 price at the thrift. Buttons have becomes quite pricey, so I buy them on garments from the thrift, this is the best way for me to keep the cost down. Finally, I wanted to say, thank you, so much for all your encouraging words, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the readers of my humble blog.

Have a wonderful vintage day and happy sewing to you all!

Gina

How much is enough?

2011-04-18T18:59:00.000-04:00

Today, I am letting go of everything that isn't working in my wardrobe. I started Tilly's Sewing Productivity Project. Asking some questions and I have come to some conclusions. I am realizing that I don't plan my wardrobe, the result is, too much in my closet that doesn't work. For example, I have 15 pairs of pants that I don't wear because they feel clingy on my legs. My closet has clothes that are too small, too large and the list goes on. Sure, I am a thrift shopper and because clothing is cheap, I buy too much. Four hours and four large trash bags later, these clothes are leaving my home. As I look at my summer/spring wardrobe, I need a good plan. With 18 summer skirts, you would think I would be set, but most don't match any blouses I have. As part of Tilly's project, I am including taking an inventory of everything I own, looking for gaps. Then, I am purging the rest. I would like to have my spring/summer wardrobe down to this:

12 skirts
12 blouses
12 dresses
10 knits shirts
7 nightshirts
10 light weight jackets and coats (I love coats, 10 seems like a lot)
5 spring sweaters
2 sweat shirts
3 pair of pants for painting/yard work
2 workout outfits
5 pairs of shorts
3 bathing suits
2 special occasion outfits
1 funeral dress (more on this later)

Does this seem reasonable? Is this realistic? Am I missing something? You may ask, why am I doing this. Mainly I am making room for this new phase in my life of sewing my own wardrobe. I want to count the cost, take the inventory and make a plan that works. I am done with over stuffing my closet. Do you struggle with your wardrobe? Do you have a plan or buy, make, whatever comes your way? Do you have any tips to share with everyone about how you have built your personal wardrobe?

I am hoping to become more productive in having a simple vintage wardrobe that mixes well and is easy to wear. That's the goal! Thanks Tilly!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Summer top from my giveaway material

2011-04-18T12:36:00.001-04:00

Yes, we are experimenting with the hair, it's not just right yet!

Thanks to Nan from Retired in Alaska. She recently had a giveaway and I won. She sent me many pieces of material. Among them was this pretty pink cotton. I had enough to make this top. I have been wanting to make some separates for my summer wardrobe. I know brocade fabric is customary for these kinds of blouses, but I couldn't help but to think this cute fabric would make a nice top. I am really pleased that I didn't over fit it. It's roomy and comfortable. It's going to be one of those tops I grab for a busy day of baking or playing at the park with the boys. For now, I am going to pair it up with this light green skirt from the thrift. I also tried something new and made the piping from scratch! Yes, I typed that right. I have a ton of bias tape, but not much piping left in my sewing box. So I matched up the bias tape and with some cording, sewed it up under my zipper foot and out came piping. It worked great and was easy to make.

Have a great vintage day!

Gina

Tilly's project and Portia's Draft Along

2011-04-16T21:58:00.000-04:00

This is how I wear my hair when I am sewing and getting down to business, smile included!

This week I have decided to participate in two different "alongs". The first one is a draft along with Miss. P. Fitting the body is intriguing to me. I am hoping to tackle a few more fit issues with Portia. I am very excited about drafting a sloper with the option of adding various necklines to the base sloper. If you have ever tried drafting a pattern, as I have, you know that it can be time consuming, sometimes yielding little positive results. So I am putting my hair back and getting ready to dig into another bolt of muslin. Wish me luck!

Also this week, I signed up over at Tilly and the Buttons to chart my sewing productivity. I love to learn from others what works for them. I am looking forward to reading the participants thoughts and tips to better utilize their sewing time. I will be starting today and for one week I am writing it all down! Then next week I will be posting on the results of this process.

And now I 'll leave you with some eye candy from my travels. Patterns, and for 25 cents a piece. They are old and a bit tattered but a great deal.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Easter dress

2011-04-11T10:28:00.000-04:00

Every year, I struggle with Easter time. Spring comes and melts away the snow and the bright, sun peeks out again after a long, gray, winter. Winter brings wonderful, comfort, foods that have a lasting effect on my body. Suddenly, I realize the snow is disappearing but the pounds I have gained over the winter months will not, at least not easily. My family takes a spring vacation to Florida annually. Florida conjures up a bit of a panic for me, because it means bathing suits, shorts and a Easter dress. Easter is a special time for our family and we always dress for the occasion. Looking in my closet, I knew I needed to make a dress. I wanted pink. In the past, I have worn black on Easter, mostly because it was the only dress that fit me, the good news this year is that I have ate better over the winter and it has helped. I am not in a frenzy about what to wear, I will sew what I need. What a relief to know my dress is right in my fabric closet and hidden in my imagination. This is my Easter dress. I made it from this 1940's pattern. After making the swing dress earlier this year, my hands got itchy to underline a dress. I don't want to wear slips all the time and this seems like a good alternative to them. I used the information from Gertie's blog for underlining. Anyway, I am very happy with the fit of the dress. The lace jacket I bought at the antique store just needed a few alterations. I was surprise that I had no problems sewing the lace on my machine. I think the combination is nice together. I hope you having a wonderful spring.

Happy Vintage Day to you all,

Gina

Learning from a master and a blind hem stitch

2011-04-08T21:55:00.245-04:00

This week I had the privilege of spending some time with a tailor/seamstress who has worked 40 plus years making incredible clothing. She had her own business and was well known for her work throughout our city. She is a relative, that I see once a year for a couple of hours. Today, for the first time I was able to show her my dresses and ask a few questions about fit. She in turn, said I am doing really good work and was surprised by my sewing ability. Blush. I told her I learned most everything from the internet sewing community and that the tutorials of many talented girls were my greatest helps.

I then asked her about blind hems, mine do not look so blind. So today, thanks to Edith, I learned how to do a blind hem by hand. Do you remember this dress? Well, the hem never looked quite right to me. You could see the hem, which is something you don't want with a blind hem. The reason for this was, I collected too many threads, thinking it would hold the hem up better. The result was a blind hem that wasn't blind. She showed me that I only need to pick up one thread, not two or three. For a video on how to do a blind hem by hand, check it out here.

I am also putting together some pictures for you if you want to see how I did my blind hem. All you need is matching thread, needle and thread cutters or scissors. Start by threading your needle and putting a knot at the end. I make a sewing thread, about two feet long. You will have to do this again as you run out of thread. I find it's easier working with a shorter thread line, if it was longer it might get tangled up. Start at the side seam, take your thread from behind, hiding the knot in the seam, pulling it out towards you then continue your stitch every 1/2 inches, catching only one thread of your dress front to the hem tape.

Here is a close up, I hope you can see how I am catching the fabric and then the hem tape to make it appear blind from the other side.

Above my thumb, you can see the threads that make the stitch, I will be making a stitch every 1/2 inch all the way around.

Here is part of the finished blind hem, It looks pretty good to me, a definite improvement over the first one. I hope to get better with this technique, but for now it looks so much better! To finish off your stitching threads, put a few knots in the hem tape, then cut it off threads and your are done! Easy! Check out the video above, it's very helpful.

Edith also gave me another good tip that I wanted to pass on to you. She always adds a whole inch to the side seams all the way down. She told me this has served her and her customers well over the years. This is not for a shoulder seam, just the side from the under arm down to the floor. This insures that as the body changes you can make adjustments to your beloved garments.

Also, she gifted me with some fabric she has collected over the years. I have already started making plans for them.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Next projects!

2011-04-05T21:41:00.000-04:00

This post is a bit of housecleaning for me with lots of bits. First, I wanted to let you in on what I have been working on. Today, I spent some time making a copy of a very brittle 1940's pattern. Sometimes, I use a pattern as is, but this time I was very concerned about destroying the original, so I made a copy. It's a mail order, unmarked pattern. By making a copy I can translate the markings directly onto the new copy. It's not unmarked anymore. Another good reason to trace unmarked patterns!

Also, I wanted to say a big thanks to Colette Patterns and Tilly and the Buttons, for the give-a-way prize of this fabulous skirt pattern! I adore the skirts Tilly has made, and hope that I may make one that looks as nice as hers. Also, another big thanks to Nan from Retired in Alaska. She recently hosted a give-a-way that I won. She was most generous with the beautiful fabrics she sent to me along with a sweet handmade bookmark that I have been using already.

I also made another skirt in a lovely blue color! It's another great fabric from the thrift store. It's bright and happy! I would have modeled it for you, but I need to make a blouse to go with it! I think I want to sew up this skirt in a red material too!

Finally, I wanted to say one more thing about my sewing area. There were a lot of great comments from the last post. I know my area is clean, but it does get messy. Please, do not put a burden on yourself or feel bad if you operate in what appears to be a messy sewing room. I find there are many types of artist and crafters out there. Some, to me, look like they are working in total chaos, but for them, they are finding everything they need. There is a flow to their craft that is wonderful and amazing. For me, working in a messy, unorganized space is very distracting, frustrating and hard on me visually. It zaps my creativity in ways I can't explain or identify. Mostly, I am posting this because I think people have a tendency to compare apples to oranges in regards to how they function with their personal creativity . If you are an orange, be an orange, don't add a burden to get your act together because really your act is together. You are operating in the way your brain works! Embrace it! Now, if you are an apple and need to clean it up a little, then make a date with your sewing area and get it clean so you can go forth and conquer that sewing project buried on your desk. Whatever your situation, having a place to be creative is the most important thing. You will know when it's time to clean the clutter out or add some pretty things to your space to inspire you. Sewing for me, is an outlet that has kept my spirits up, given me a soft place to land when stress has been crouching at my door. So above all I want it to be relaxing and my wish for you is the same.

Best regards to all you sewers, crafters, apples and oranges out there, you know who you are!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

My sewing space

2011-03-31T11:09:00.000-04:00

I like the table lamps, maybe it would be more practical to have under the shelf lighting.

Both machines work pretty well. I like my viking. The little post cards have cute sayings that make me smile

These pink boxes have zippers, buttons etc. in them. I find it's easy to locate my sewing notions if they are sorted by like items.

The flower sewing box has my sloper patterns, the black box is full of seam binding.

Ironing board ready to go always! I love to iron as I sew!

Thread please! Fray Check ready for all the serging going on!

The top drawer has all my scissors and measuring tapes.

Both of these pieces of furniture hold my fabric and patterns, the yellow boxes have patterns in them that I want to sew within this year.

I thought you may like to see my little sewing room. I was thinking of doing this post a while back and didn't. Then I saw Eva Girl's post and thought about sewing rooms again. She found a great area in her home to have a permanent sewing area. Like hers, my room is multi-functional, not only is it a sewing room but also serves as a dressing room. Everyday I sit at the antique vanity to dry my hair, and put on make up for the day. This could have been a guest bedroom but it's pretty small and rarely do we have overnight guest, so I claimed it! Whatever your space looks like, finding an area to sew can be difficult. For us, we had to think about redesigning our home to include our EVERYDAY activities. I am so glad we jumped over the hump of having to fit our lives into our house, now our house fits us and what we need. My husband and I even made our formal dining room into a master bedroom, complete with a crystal chandelier. We did this to give our two growing boys more room, also we have a big eat in kitchen that we use everyday and found we rarely used our formal dining area. I want to encourage you, if you don't have a space to sew, to think about finding a closet or room, some place in your home to be creative. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. My husband made the counter top and shelf. The chair and furniture were thrifted on a budget! The big ticket item besides the sewing machines was the music system, which was brought many years ago and well worth it the price. I love listening to old jazz as I sew. For more information on organizing your sewing area check out this link. Check out even more here.

Have a happy vintage day!

Gina

skirt and matching wallet!

2011-03-29T10:01:00.000-04:00

There were some sketchy instruction on the internet way back when on how to make your own wallet. So, I tried it, as I look at this wallet now, I just marvel at the fact that I made it years ago with no pattern. It was "drafted" to this size and shape. I added three slots for dividing my money into budgets of groceries, clothes and entertainment. The zippered slot was inserted for my loose change and card holders for my various cards. Over the years, I have enjoyed carrying this homemade wallet. The idea for it was based off of the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Institution. Well, today as I was going through my stash, I found two yards of the vintage fabric that was long forgotten from this wallet project. I knew it was time to make something with it. There wasn't enough for a dress but I could see a matching skirt in my future.

I really like how this skirt came together. It was made from mixing three different patterns. I am discovering pockets, can you tell? Now that I understand that pockets can be a friend to the fuller hipped gal, I have put them on a few of my garments. The fabric of this skirt is heavy, almost like a denim, I love it. I couldn't resist adding some cute piping again. I am also really happy with the fit of this little number, often times when buying RTW skirts they pull at my lower hip and are tight. With vintage skirt patterns most times I have enough lower hip room and don't need to adjust them much. I do not have a proper blouse for this skirt yet, any ideas for a style? I would like a button down, I think. Anyway, I have been sewing and have a lot to share with you this week!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

re-purpose your antiques

2011-03-23T22:06:00.000-04:00

We have been living vintage for years. When people step into our farmhouse they always say it's like stepping back in time. We enjoy our antiques. I do buy new things too, but most of my household items are from an era gone by. When it comes to my home, I am a bit of an organizing nut. I love to have everything in its place. Part of the fun of owning antiques are re-purposing them for the items we need today. Most bathrooms built in the early 1900's were constructed without a lot storage, a simple medicine cabinet was about all the space they afforded, our home had very little storage too. We have had to be creative with our storage needs. Since we shop and buy in bulk, even dealing with extra toilet paper can present a problem, our solution for extra paper is an old suitcase.

Yes, that's a purse holding facial tissues.

We also have hung many shelves throughout our home. In the kitchen, we have a small chicken coop for our pots and pans to hang upon. It works well for us. It's from the 1920's, it was found on our farm and we were able to put it to good use with a few screws. It fits well in our farm kitchen.

Sometimes you need to add more storage to a room. My sewing/dressing room is without a closet. This white shaker cabinet has been wonderful to house my hair dryer and curlers along with some sewing supplies. Something as small as an old jar can hold pencils for school time. If you look around your home or visit an antique store, you may find new ways to store your items. Until later,

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

My Summer everyday Dress!

2011-03-19T22:43:00.000-04:00

For many summers I have lived in skirts and blouses. My legs are on the thick side and finding short or pants have always been difficult. This year I am thankful for the opportunity to sew clothes that FIT! I know you must understand what I am talking about with finding good fitting clothing. Before sewing, the scenario I was in looked like this; get to the store, find a garment, go to the fitting room with high hopes and leave four hours later feeling there is something wrong with my body. Since turning to sewing, I feel like a woman with the power to do something about my wardrobe. It's truly freeing! Do you feel this too? No more am I at the mercy of the styles of the season or the industry's slopers that they use in their garments. This summer is going to be fun, now I can sew shorts, a bathing suit or whatever I need, starting with this summer dress!

I am going to try the sweetheart neck line too.

I am going to tweak it a bit but my plan is to make a couple of these dresses up for summer. This pattern is from the 1940's. It was pretty easy to construct even though it was unprinted. The sleeves were the hardest part, I am still not sure if I got them 100% right but they work. I had a little fun with the pockets and added some piping! Also, this was my first time using buttons and making button holes! I can't believe how much I have been sewing lately. What do you have planned for your summer wardrobe?

I added lace to the hemline

I am having a bad hair day!

I was surprised that the pockets seem to slim the hips some.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Second Swing dress

2011-03-16T21:40:00.000-04:00

First, I want to say I am glad I participated in this swing dress sew-along, so here's a big shout out to Casey for hosting this great project. It was worth it to me to make two of these dresses, I was learning so much from making the first dress that I didn't want to stop diving deeper into my own fit issues. Although, I made two, they are not fitted alike. I wanted this yellow rayon dress to look a bit more old fashioned. Old fashion, for me, translates a lower waistline, a bit of a puffy sleeve, and a little wiggle room. So, I redrafted the sleeves and added a bit more ease to them. I also raised the armholes, thanks that feels better, now I can raise my arms over my head. These pictures were taken at our local ice cream parlor. It's a great place for a grilled cheese sandwich. Overall, I am happy with this dress. I think I will be smiling and wearing it often! Now to find some comfortable shoes and a hot pink, bead necklace. Spring is coming!! Hooray!

Have a Fabulous vintage day!
Gina

Back behind me is the Golden Lamb. Many presidents have spent the night, including George Washington.

This Ice Cream Parlor may look familiar to you, it was in the film Milk Money.

50's fun dress and side kick!

2011-03-12T17:42:00.000-05:00

This was just a fun project for me. I am happy with this dress. It is so comfortable and easy to wear. As I was sewing her up I kept singing "Earth Angle" a song that reminds me of the 50's. I did go over the top with the matching handbag, what's a girl to do with all the extra fabric? My plan has been to line my handbags with the extra fabric from my dresses so when I am out I have a matched set. It's kinda fun opening a purse trimmed out in your dress fabric. The detail stitching on this dress is one of my favorite parts. I also loved that I lined the skirt so no extra slip is needed.

Have a wonderful Vintage Day!

Gina

A peek at the 50's fun dress

2011-03-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I did a bit of sewing. I am trying to use my stash of fabric. I wanted to sew something fun with a little twist here and there. This dress just came together. I threw my hands up and let caution go to the wind. While making choices on fabrics I thought "I should make a white collar, but then said "why not make a pink collar with this funky print?" And by the way I hadn't used the fancy stitch on my machine for clothing, so I decided to throw that into the mix too. I have to say, that I like it, the dress reminds me of the 50's and a bowling alley shirt, which makes me laugh to think about. Although, I make it sound like it was easy to throw this dress together, it really wasn't. The directions that came with the pattern were so sketchy, that I really had to make up a few things to sew the dress. My hubby even came away scratching his head, saying "that doesn't make sense." I have noticed that a lot of my vintage patterns make a lot of assumptions that you already know how to sew. I have a lot of older friends that sewed many years ago, they said women just knew how to do it, they sewed everyday, and some didn't even use the directions. I can't even imagine not using some directions, at least not this early in the sewing game. Anyway, back to the dress. I am happy with this dress, it's imperfect and quaint. It also looks unique to me. I can see myself wearing it to a picnic, or on vacation with my family. I post on it later when I get the whole thing finished, I ended up using my sloper skirt as a alternative to the skirt that came with the pattern, so I am still fiddling around with it. And yes, we got a new camera!

Have a Wonderful Vintage Day!

Gina

Vintage blouse and a dead camera! Oh my!

2011-03-01T16:12:00.004-05:00

These were the last pictures that my camera took before taking it's final blow. I dropped it today, after giving my son a lecture about using the safety strap. LOL I needed to take my own advice. I guess we will be shopping for a camera tonight. I think it's funny that I look like I could be going to a funeral, I am glad it was my camera that died and nothing else. Anyway, I thought I would post the last few pictures my camera took, this post was also going to include a couple of vintage coats I found this past weekend, but that will have to wait until we get a new camera. So this is a half post. I didn't want to leave you hanging for days and it may take me a bit to get the new camera up and running. Remember, I am a vintage girl and that means I don't do a lot in the way of technology. I rather sew, than learn how to operate my T.V., computer or in this case, a camera! Anyway, I wanted to show you this blouse, it's very old, the tag looks like something from the 40's/50's. I am fascinated with yoke front blouses right now. My plan is to make a 1940's black suit to go with this blouse. The pin in the picture is from the thrift and the hat I bought back in the 90's, but don't remember much more than that.

This week I have been working on sewing my Easter dress and finishing my second swing dress. I am crossing my fingers with finding a camera today and I hope to post soon about the second swing dress. I can't believe I made two of them! How is yours coming along? Until later vintage friends.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Coats! Baby, it's cold outside

2011-02-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

Winter has been hanging around my door for months and won't go away, but no bother, I have my vintage coats to keep me warm. Today, we woke up to snow again, but I am thankful spring is on its way. For me, there has been a long time love and fascination with vintage coats and hats. And yes, I wear them out everyday. Before I tuck these away, I thought I would share a few pictures of some vintage coats I have collected over the years. If you are like me, you prefer a variety of coats over one expensive coat to wear all winter. I only paid about 10 dollars a piece for them. I also love hats, one thing that puzzles me about hats, is that whenever I wear a hat out, men always comment on them. They love my hats, they open doors and treat me with kindness. It's really strange, my husband even notices this behavior. I am very shy about this, so I sometimes rather hide away but don't want to give up wearing hats. I love too, that 90% of our body heat comes out from our heads and a simple hat in winter can really keep you warm up and I might add, be rather fashionable, on those cold winter days. So, for now these sweet coats are about to go into my wardrobe until October comes again and I rediscover the simple joy of wearing them.

Have a wonderful Vintage Day!

This is my casual coat, it's a darker green than it's showing up.

I have a brown hat I wear with this one

weekend vintage finds

2011-02-21T14:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend I spent some time antiquing at the Brass Armadillo Mall. It's a huge place with a lot of great antiques. In general, if I am looking for anything vintage, I can find it there. This shopping trip had some noteworthy finds that I wanted to share with you. Being a handbag nut, I couldn't resist buying this little red purse. It's perfect for the inserts I make for them and it goes great with the red dress I made last week.

I also found this fabric, jacket, buttons, leaves transfer, and shoes all in different booths. Somehow, I can see these pieces going together, but am not sure just yet what to make from them, or if they will work together in the end. Any suggestions you have are welcomed! I was thinking of making a dress out of the fabric with a contrasting color for the bodice or just making a skirt from the fabric. Maybe even a two piece 1940's suit would be in order. Still up for debate on this.

This fabric has little fur like spots.

I love how these colors seem to mix with each other.

Below are the six patterns I am thinking about for this fabric, the jacket may not work with all of them.

More patterns from my stash! Oh, I wish I had more hours in a day!

I have feet problems but these vintage shoe feel pretty good I am glad I found them, although they are pretty practical.

This jacket I found yesterday is so pretty on, it's one of those items that you need to have with the right outfit!

I am loving pink right now, it must be because spring is coming and it's my favorite time of year, plus I have been watching Pretty In Pink this pass week! Anyway, this week I am getting back to my sewing machine and working on the next swing dress and another surprise coming soon.

Have a wonderful vintage Day!

Gina

Our winner is... Suzie

2011-02-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway! Your sewing project comments were so fun to read, especially the flops, makes me feel more okay to know everyone has "off" sewing days. I loved meeting all of you and I am slowly checking out your blogs! So much talent out there! I will be having more patterns giveaways coming this spring. This is my way to encourage you to sew and get creative. Congratulation to our winner, Suzie! Hooray, I am so happy for you. Suzie also has a wonderful blog full of great things she has made. Check it out http://su-sews-so-so.blogspot.com/

Happy sewing to you all,

Gina

Taking a Swing at it!

2011-02-18T17:46:00.000-05:00

This week has been very busy with all the details of this swing dress. I am very excited to be able to fit and sew along with Casey by my side, so to speak. Well, I was undecided on the fabric for awhile! I couldn't decide if I wanted a print or a solid. So, I have decided to make two of these dresses. Why not. Here's the first one, in red. I loved the red dress Casey made and I haven't had a solid red, everyday, dress for many years. It was about time.

This fabric is a linen look alike.

Ice storm took out one of our branches, the tree is over a 100 years old!

I need a new camera, for now these are the best pictures I can get from my bad camera!

I really worked on the fit for this one, and I mean worked sister, like a horse! I am pretty happy with it. As with all patterns, changes needed to be made. The beauty of sewing is you can also get creative and think outside the pattern box. So, I decided to make some little changes, they were to take the belt up a bit more and to top-stitched the skirt to add some detail. Overall, I got my education on fitting with this one. One mistake I made with this dress, was to cut off the extra seam allowance on the bodice, by the way a definite no no, before putting in the zipper and adding the sleeves. Doing this, I left no room for error, which could have left things too tight. It did turn out fine in the end. This dress is comfortable except for the sleeves, I am having some trouble raising my arms above my head, it's not bad just an observation, glad I am not in school where I would need to raise my hand. Not sure how to fix that, chime in if you have any suggestions. I am still sorting out the clues on this one, but think the armholes maybe a little low. Regardless, I would recommend this dress if you follow the directions from Casey's web site which include fitting directions. Happy sewing!

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

Giveaway, Vintage Patterns!!

2011-02-14T09:58:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's a giveaway!

Here's the skinny.
For those following this blog or if you sign up to follow, all you need to do is leave a comment and you will be entered into this fantastic giveaway. Super easy! One entry per person. The cut off date for entering is February 20th, 11:30 pm EST. The winner will be chosen by the computer and announced on Monday, February 21st. This giveaway is open worldwide! The winner will receive three lovely, vintage, patterns, all are uncut! Sizes are 34 & 36 bust. This giveaway is my way to encourage you to sew more or to start!

34 bust, great for summer!

36 bust, I love the pleats on this skirt.

36 bust, great for all shapes!

If you want, to make it interesting... enter a comment about your favorite sewing project or if your are really brave, tell us about a complete sewing flop and what you learned from it? Good luck!

Have a wonderful vintage day,

Gina

Stylish blogger Award

2011-02-08T23:11:00.004-05:00

Thank you Marie from Welcome to Marie's Place for the honoring me with this blog award. Most days I feel unstylish ( which is not a word in the dictionary) with the blog and myself. Wearing vintage, sometimes I get "the look", you know the one that says "I don't know what you are wearing and I am not sure if I like it, I might, let me think about this", have you seen that puzzling look on people's faces when you wear vintage? Or, I love this from the older crowd, "I KNOW what you are wearing, oh, I remember having a coat like that, those were the good old days." Either way I don't mind being lost in time with you all. Okay, now I am suppose to blog 7 things about myself. Well...this is always hard, here goes.

This is one of the vintage looks, wool blouse, pin and hair fashioned in the 40's.

1. I have a wonderful hubby who has a big heart and two boys who are ornery to the core, they are 9 and 12. My house is crazy most of the time! Love it!

2. In my early twenties, I worked on a cruise ship as a dining room stewardess. Basically a waitress, but I had a lot of fun, traveling all over the open seas.

3. I am a bit of an emotional eater, I have to watch my weight or it gets out of hand! I need to banish all chocolates from my house but I don't, we try to live in harmony with each other!

4. I have been in many musicals, plays and dramas, both as a director and in the cast. This picture is from the Music Man.

I would have loved to keep this outfit, just for fun.

5. Love antiques and whenever I go into an antiques store, I feel my blood pressure drop and a feeling of calm sweeps over me. I don't know why, strange, I know.

6. I am an ordained Minster of Music, which means I can officiate weddings. It has been my honor to marry couples over the years. I always get a little teary eyed during a ceremony. Along with this degree, I have conducted many church and community choirs and have enjoyed it a lot. Currently, I am focusing my heart towards my family and am able to be at home with them.

7. I love going camping with my family and friends, I wear a vintage apron and skirts all week, family members call me the Donna Reed of camping. I don't wear heels though! LOL

Well, that's it, that wasn't so bad. Anyway, a big shout out to Marie for this award. Check out Marie's blog http://marie-blogmyblog.blogspot.com/

I am going to give this award to anyone reading this who has a blog they love and pour themselves into, please take it, I couldn't even begin to choose from the wonderful blogs I read, I say share the love and pass it on.

Next post will be a give away, so get ready!

Gina

Swing dress progress!

2011-02-07T09:29:00.000-05:00

When I started sewing, little did I know there would be so many details. It's important to be meticulous about them. As I was sewing my swing dress, I tried something a little different today. I used my gauge. Bought it years ago thinking, I need this, but threw it into a drawer and it hasn't seen the light of day since. I am finding a gauge is great for keeping me on course while ironing a seam allowance up or putting a hem in. In the past, I tried to eyeball a seam allowance and found I make them too big and a bit out of the lines. This belt needed to be shaped with much care because it's top-stitched and the very shape of it is going to stand out on this swing dress. Working with the belt, I used my gauge to get an exact 1/2inch seam allowance, once I did that, I was able to eyeball the other half CHECKING my work as I went. It worked splendidly. I am loving my gauge! Our house also received a new iron for Christmas. Our old one is from 1986, my husband received it as a gift before we were married, so I inherited it 20 years ago. I can't say enough about having a good iron. It's a Rowenta. It really streams well and is a step up from my old iron.

I used interfacing on the belt, as Casey suggested, It really makes a difference.

I needed to iron this before the picture!

The gathers in the swing dress were hard to placed correctly, they needed to be shaped in the right direction. So, I did the standard two row of stitches and fiddled with them a lot. I am hopeful this dress will work out well. I will be posting about it once more when it's finished, for now that's what I have been working on. Lots of adjustments to be made but hopefully it will be a keeper.

Have a happy vintage day!

Gina

refashioned me or the dress

2011-02-03T08:16:00.000-05:00

Had I thought a little more about this one, I would have taken a before picture of this dress. I have tried to refashion a few vintage garments over the years. Sometimes, I tried to do too much to a garment and it failed. This dress almost didn't make the operation I did on it. Most of the issue with this dress is the cut, it's on the bias. Bias cut can be tricky to fiddle with, at least that's my humble opinion. Okay, this is what I did to her. She had a very full sweep. She also was a long dress. Almost to my ankles. I felt my figure was a bit lost in all the fabric. So, I ripped out the seams of the skirt and cut a straighter version, which is hard to do with an existing bias cut skirt. Anyway, got the side seams fitted but I also needed to put in the hem, my dress form wasn't helpful with this. I found that wearing the dress was the best way to get an accurate hem pinned in. Well, she made it through the operation, I am glad to say. What do you think? Is it harder to sew a pattern or refashion a garment? I am happy with the result and plan on popping this dress on with some cute sandals for summer.

I like the fit of this dress at the waistline.

WooHoo, somebody's hopeful for spring, 6 more weeks of white!

Here's the fabric up close.

Finally, this dress, in a nutshell, reminds me of what I want to be and who I already am. It's seen a thousand summers days and still it's fresh, clean and happy to look at. It reminds me, I am a woman, and like it or not, I am delicate even though I am strong. It's also a dream, a dream of being something more than I currently am. A woman with a beauty to offer all around her. Some days I fail, other days God's strengthen me and much is accomplished. At the end of the day, at the end of my life, I want to wear dresses and be that old lady who hugs people, bakes pies, speaks kind words and lives life to the full, as she extends her hands out to do much for others. Can a dress do all this? I don't think so, I just know that whenever I wear a vintage dress I feel really good in my skin and it seems to pour out to others.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

The 7 year old/new green blouse

2011-01-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's right, 7 long years. This blouse was my very first attempted ever, to sew a garment. That was over 7 years ago. Okay, I am going to admit that I didn't know anything about patterns, fabrics, or sewing. I had only sewn curtains before and with a straight stitch, could garments be that hard? So years ago, I wondered about the fabric store and found this non stretch brocade fabric for a pattern that requires knits/stretch fabrics. I brought it home, guessing my size and cut, yes, cut the whole pattern out without doing any adjustments or fitting. After all, it looked like it would fit. LOL Yes, I now can see how far I have come from that place. It feels good to have a little more understanding and growth. I wish I knew more but for now we are learning everyday and that's a good thing! I am sure, you too have grown in your sewing or whatever you are passionate about. Sometimes, we forget to look at where we've been and how we have grown. This blouse was a great reminder for me. We all have to start somewhere! Okay, back to the story, anyway, after cutting the fabric, the project stalled because I didn't understand the directions and the piping was the last straw. Sadly, the pieces of this blouse sat in a box for seven years, but now, I am happy to say that I was able to pull it out of hiding. After sewing it to life, I found it a little bit tight, due to me not fitting/ making adjustments to it those many years ago, but I finished it. And plan on wearing it out, maybe even on a date with hubby. And yes, my dears, I sewed the piping! I feel like singing and eating Chinese. If you are waiting to sew, what are you waiting for? There's so much to learn, tons of fun and maybe a few tears a long the way, but worth it.

Where are my chop sticks? They could look festive in my hair.

I like this green color, maybe a red for the next one.

I am not sure I would label this one as easy, but it's not advanced either, I will be making another blouse but adjusting as needed, Hubby loved this one.

Until next time, have a happy vintage day,

Gina

Apply piping

2011-01-28T08:58:00.002-05:00

Oh, there are some technique of sewing that cause me some grief. Piping is one of them, at least it was. Years ago, before the Internet. Back when I was young, impatience and lacking any knowledge on the subject, not that I am an expert now by any means. I tried to make a book cover for my Bible with piping around the edges. It was a disaster! The piping went everywhere and was sewed uneven. Since then, I have noticed that I will avoid this sewing technique, instead of facing it straight on, well, no more avoiding. If I am going to sew, I must know HOW to sew, go figure. So, I looked at the piping in the plastic and decided it was smaller than I and it wasn't going to get the best of me. LOL. Once and for all, I would get it to obey and get in line. So after READING the instructions, I decided again, I am really a visual learner, I needed real pictures and video. You-tube is full of sewing videos, I highly suggest if you are struggling with any sewing techniques, just look for them there.

Looking back, I didn't have a chance of sewing piping well, without the much needed tools and tips your ship is going to sink. Mine did, but I am happy to say I corrected my bad sewing ways. Here are a few tips I came across during my search for applying piping. First, I learned a piping foot or zipper foot is one of the best tools for applying piping, that goes without saying, but it's so true. The piping must go into the groove of the foot to sew close enough to the seam allowance, if not, then your piping and the piping's seam allowance will be showing. Although, a piping foot won't work on all piping, sometimes the piping is too large to fit under the piping foot, this is when a zipper foot can be used instead to assist you. Another important thing about piping is to baste or sew it first to the right side of the fabric before sandwiching it between the another layer of fabric. If you don't baste or sew, it moves around on you and there's no guarantee that it will magically go where you want. After basting the piping, add the other layer of fabric on top and guide the piping under the foot carefully. You can feel that it is sewing in the groove, just like a zipper. This is what the finished piping looks like after I sewed it. Whew, it worked. Learn more about how to apply and create your own piping here. This is only one way to apply piping, it worked for me but I am sure if you poke around the Internet you will find all kinds of great ideas. I'll be back soon with a finished shirt that has piping on it. Hooray, we are learning! Thanks for sharing these moments of discovery with me and thanks for your kind comments they are helpful to encourage this vintage girl. Oh, if you have any thoughts on piping, please pipe up. Sorry a bit corny, couldn't resist!

Still at the ironing board with this one, but piping is coming out pretty even.

This is the unfinished collar, soon to be part of a shirt.

Gina

vintage sewing finds!

2011-01-25T21:06:00.000-05:00

Over the years, my sewing room has become pretty full with sewing notions and such. So, I try to buy just what I need and maybe a few deals from time to time. Well, I just bumped into these vintage patterns at the antique mall. I was browsing around, when I came to a booth just as the owner was bring in this box of patterns. He said he won them at an auction and would sell them all for 25.00 dollars. As I looked through the box, I was delighted to find several great patterns and in a size 34 bust which is my size. I couldn't resist the price at about 25 cents a piece. I won't be keeping all of them. Later in the year, I am planning a give away and maybe some will hit eBay at a very low price, just passing on the love you know. I do find a lot of great tools for sewing at the antique malls, sometimes at great prices. Although, I have learned to steer away for buying old thread. I don't know if you have had any problems but I have. I bought some a while back and found it had deteriorated some. The fibers were not strong enough for my machine and the thread kept breaking every few stitches. I talked with some other sewers about this and they concurred, that old thread can be on the risky side for reliability. So for now, I won't buy old thread. Belt fasteners are getting harder to find where I live. Sometimes you find a whole lot, other times one and at a very high price. I have started to collect them too, as they pop up. Buttons are easy to find at the antique malls. I love them, especially all the colors they come in. Here are a few I have collected as well as some collars and cuffs that I hope will soon be part of a new outfit. The collars are more rare, in my experience to find, but sure are pretty. I hope you enjoy these pictures, unfortunately, these kinds of sewing notions are fading from our modern day society, although we will still have buttons, to me, they just don't have the texture, weight and color of the past. Vintage patterns are hard to find at the stores around here but in abundance on eBay. I feel patterns are easily discarded because they are "just paper", a friend of mine, cleaned out her family's house and threw a bunch away, not knowing the value of them. So, get them as you can and enjoy.
Have a happy vintage day,
Gina

I hope to use these through out this year!

I love the peach colored ones the best.

The Square neckline dress

2011-01-21T23:00:00.000-05:00

I won this lovely pattern from ebay last week and was anxious to get my hands moving on this one. I like the idea of having an everyday dress, one that I can wear in the summertime around my back yard or about the town. This dress is one of those things that just fits and feels good on. I made it loose but still nipped it in at the waist for a bit of shape. This is just a sloper dress, for me that means that it's my sloppy copy, made from dollar fabric but as my son said "Mama, you can wear this one in public." LOL. Even though it was not my intent to wear my sloppy copy, I think I will wear it in public, at least in the back yard to feed the chickens or fish in the pond. My plan is to tweak this one and make the final dress in linen. I am thinking of maybe a red or blue color. Any color suggestions? I would like a tieback for the dress too. When I got this pattern, there were some details that I did not expect, mostly inside pleats on the front and back bodice, I would have liked darts better than the pleats at the waistline. I don't know if it going to be hard to change them to darts but I am going to try. You may not be able to tell but this dress has a 6 gored skirt that is screaming for a little top-stitching detail. Maybe I'll go all out with the next one and include the embroidery around the neckline. Other details about this dress that I like are the butterfly sleeves. I am glad to take a break from set in sleeves, as I find them challenging. These butterfly sleeves are easy to move in. I also shortened the hem and brought in up to the knee, it's a better look for a gal with my chunky legs. In the end, I am hoping the linen gives me a little more drape than the light, stiff cotton I used for this dress. I am dreaming of warm weather, it's snowy right now, but at my house we are sewing summer dresses and somehow that makes it feel a bit warmer.

Have a happy vintage day!
Gina

The shoes are the same color as the dress, had them for years.

What is it with me and pink!

I used seam binding on the neck facing, trying to make it pretty on the inside.

green dress dud!

2011-01-19T21:19:00.000-05:00

Have you ever made something you just didn't like? Please share! I could use the support after this dress! I do indeed have a dud for your laughing pleasure. I really am reluctant to post this one but when I started this blog, I promised I would share with you my sewing projects, despite if they were great, good or just bad. I could share with you only the great stuff, but learning comes from mistakes. And if you get anything from this post that is helpful, I will be happy in the knowledge that this dress helped someone out there to sew a little better. So humbly, I'll let you in on this one. It all started when I had made this dress before in cotton and loved the result. So, I thought, I'll whip one up in this nice satin green material. Wrong!

Here's some issues I had with putting this garment together.

1. Considering DRAPE and FABRIC! Drape effects the way a garment lays. Well, as you know, satin has more drape than the cotton I used before. Although this pattern can be made in satin, according to the suggested fabrics on the back of the pattern, it didn't do well in my opinion. You can see where it droops and bulges out under the breasts. This is my first experience with satin, I am sure it's a wonderful fabric. It's funny how different fabrics can lay well and be forgiving of pattern designs, while other fabrics tell the whole story. It just goes to show, that fabric matters and can change a garment drastically. I noticed, even with the loose fit around my hips, the fabric still showed some bulges and bumps that I want to keep secret. I am sure a girdle would help but I don't always want to wear a girdle, especially in summer!

2. Pattern design. Although I didn't go into this blindly, I knew the pattern called for these sweet little gathers around the waistline, which is not my favorite thing because it can look bulky. And it did just that, added too much bulk. In general, the fabric didn't play nice with the gathers. All the extra fabric around my middle made for a messy looking bodice. Although gathers can look nice and the dress was designed this way, it wasn't working for me this time around. In the future, I will be considering body shape more closely and try to match up a more suitable garment style.

3. Dart issues. The other problem I was having with the bodice were the darts from the pattern itself, they were too high. After doing some research, commercial vintage patterns in general, make a pattern for a body of a 20 year old. This was the standard back in the day. If you are struggling with dart placement and are no longer in your 20's this may be your issue. I am not in my 20's anymore, so gravity and nursing has effected my bust line. I did take a stab at adjusting the darts but made them too low which causes dimples. Later, I was able to get them in the right position as you can see the bodice looks a bit better in the second picture.

4. Color. Making the whole dress in the green satin was just too much. My kids said "Mama, you look like a leprechaun." Kids are so honest, I knew they were right.

Here it is in all it's glory, I had a really good laugh because my husband said he liked it! lol

In the end, I changed the darts. Tuck in as much of the messy waistline that I could and replaced the skirt with a black one I made. I even added trim to the sleeves. After all this I don't like the end result! This dress in going into a storage closet not hemmed, not to wear but as a reminder of all the hard work I did and all I learned in the process. I hope this post will encourage you to know that sewing can be a challenge and it doesn't always produce a beautiful garment but that's okay because we are learning and getting a sew degree and that will produce something very good!

Until next time I hope to bring you a winner but for now, a good laugh is all I can offer.
Have a happy vintage day,

Gina

vintage dresses

2011-01-14T14:27:00.009-05:00

I wish the texture of this dress would show up more, the photo is nice but the dress is even better in person!

Come springtime, I am getting some new shoes!

Don't you just love it when you find a vintage dress at the thrift? Well, I had an incredible day when I found this pink dress. It did have some soiling under the arms, but I searched the web for how to "wash" a vintage garment, I found out that these spots may not be from feminine glistening or a deodorant left on the garment, rather they may be the result of gases that are being released over time. Click here to learn more. All that to say, the spots were suppose to come out with a little baking soda and water paste. Some sites said mix baking soda with white vinegar. Well, I tried that and a lot of the stains did come out but not enough to be able to wear the garment. So, I did the unthinkable and hand washed the dress. Be careful if you are thinking of doing this to a vintage piece. With vintage pieces there are usually only one or two tags with the size of the garment and a company name. This dress was no exception, it had only the size listed, there were no washing instructions and no identification of fabric type. So, I was taking a chance, but the garment felt sturdy and sometimes you just need to do what you think might work, so I hand washed it. I am thrilled that I did. The stains came out along with a bunch of brown colored dirt and what remained was this clean, soft beautiful dress! It is in very wearable condition. Later in the spring, my sister is getting married by the pond on our property, I am thinking this might be a good dress to wear for her wedding day.

I am going to finish this dress and post on it, it looks really cute on.

I also found this blue polka dot dress at the thrift that I am going to refashion. It fits so well, but I want to make a hemline adjustment to it and make more of an Aline rather than a full skirt. I have chunky legs so the hemline needs to fall in the right place or it's not too flattering. I believe this dress is not as old as the pink one. I would say maybe the 80's, my mom said the pink one looks like something she owned back in the 50's. Well, I am glad to find that there is still some vintage treasures to be found out there. Caring for them and "washing" them can be a hit or miss, but with a little care and some study on how to clean a garment, it can work out.

Gina

Casey's sew along

2011-01-11T09:12:00.002-05:00

Well, I wanted to give a quick post about the new sew along. I am going to do it, who else is going to give it a try? Casey from Elegant Musing is hosting a sew along. The girl can sew and if you can't very well and want to sharpen your skills, here is your chance to sew with an instructor right at your side, well sort of. Check it out here. This dress can be downloaded from sensibility patterns or bought and sent by mail. I've had this pattern for awhile, but wanted to wait until my sewing skills were better, now the time has arrived to start it. I am looking forward to Casey showing us the steps of putting this pattern together, this will take the pressure off of figuring out the various seams and instructions. I also love getting ideas and learning from others the different ways of sewing. I hope you will think about trying it. Good luck to all of you who will be sewing this really pretty dress! I will be posting on this sew along from time to time, as well as some other projects I am cooking up over the next couple of weeks.

Have a fabulous vintage day!

Gina

Here's what the pattern looks like.

Thinking of this material, but it's a cotton.

http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2011/01/swing-dress-sew-along/