I have discovered that with vintage patterns, I usually have to buy a pattern a size or two larger than what I wear, and so when I saw the size of this one, I knew it was meant for me. =)
And so, here is a brief picture for you all of how it is coming along:
It is all complete (and it turned out well, if I do say so myself) except for the chemisette and high collar which I haven't made yet, and I am wanting to make out of lace. My only predicament is: where do I find lace fabric? Thankyou, but no, I'm not interested in the cheap polyester kind that walmart offers. =) Do any of you ladies who do historical sewing know where I might find some high-quality lace fabric, but not to expensive that it would empty my bank account?
I read on my fabric sewing forum, that often times the women would sew strips of lace together to make fabric, so I may have to resort to that option.
In other patter news, besides my 1909 Beatrix Shirtwaist that is coming in the mail, I have a 1911 shirtwaist pattern coming in the mail too that resembles Anne's Cow-chasing outfit in the film "Anne of Avonlea."
::sigh:: Sometimes I think I should have been born in that era. Either that, or those styles need to come back into fashion! =)
6 comments:
Oh my, that is looking lovely! I can't wait to see the completed ensemble:-)
That is a gorgeous pattern, and it looks like it's coming along beautifully! I look forward to seeing the whole outfit.
As for your lace question, I've often wondered the same thing. The Walmart lace *is* simply detestable... so stiff and awkward looking.
I once purchased some beautiful lace, but it was when visiting my godparents... their town had one of those nice unique local stores with all manner of gorgeous fabric, and I got the ideal lace there. But I haven't been able to find any other place.
What a beautiful blouse! And I COMPLETLY agree with being born in a different time period! I think that I would be SO much happier in the 1700-1800's!!! Maybe we could just bring back the old-fashioned styles like you said. Don't you get a little tired of skirts and blouses?? I would just LOVE to have some historical dresses, BUT the only problem is that people would think that I was wacko out here!! OH WELL!!! OH, do you do custom sewing?? Thanks for your amazing blog! I would love to get to know you better!!
Blessings,
Alexandrea
Thanks for the comments! =)
Alexandrea, I don't do custom sewing, but every now and then when I find the time, I'll sew up some historical garments to sell on ebay. My username over there is: stringsftk
HI,
I'm delighted to have found your blog. The StuffMart lace is really foul, isn't it? I have managed to find some not too poor quality polyester lace there for inexpensive garments but the better quality stuff just isn't there.
I have made my own. Follow me here...You can often buy spools of cotton lace insertion or galloon lace on ebay. It will be 'new' but decent quality. I've joined strips of insertion together with a narrow zigzag stitch and created fabric. You could also put a strip of entredeux between each strip of lace. I've joined the galloon lace by placing the 'straight' edge underneath the 'border' edge and zigzagging.
Also, you can look for historical garments on ebay. The 'real' thing. Often dealers will sell 'cutters'. Garments that have so 'come apart' that they don't have any use but for their trims or beads. Be aware some of these laces and trims may be 'tender'. They don't have the same strength as newer stuff due to age, laundering techniques (some people *bleach* these old garments to restore whitemess! Aie!), and dye methods employed 100 years ago. Fascinating subject that, read up on 'weighting' silks if you're interested. I've gotten a goodly number of antique beads, trims, baubles and laces from cutters. I store the 'antique' stuff in acid free paper. Be aware that black stuff has a reputation for being more 'tender' than some due to the acidity of black dyes. I have also put new cotton netting behind tender laces and strengthened them enough for modern clothing.
I'm just so impressed that someone your age is into this type of stuff. I was a similar sort of girl but my parents insisted I go to college and grad school. I still managed to sew and have always collected antique patterns too!
If you're not already doing it (and to be fair I haven't read your entire blog, I have 3 baby girls 3 and under) you might want to investigate 'heirloom sewing' by Martha Pullen. Lots of good books and patterns there. If you were closer I'd share my collection with you. (tease, lol).
Enjoy your sewing & email me if you wish. If I get time this fall I will try to draft a few copies of my pattern collection for you.
And last but not least, in order to corrupt you to the maximum of corruptibility, have you ever seen (on ebay of course) the Harpers Bazar magazines complete with pattern sheet? Ditto La Mode Illustree and others. :)
redheadrabbit sometimes at yahoo.com (take out the sometimes :))
--BethP
Oh yeah, forgot to add:
Great place for fabrics, laces and foundation materials (netting, linings/etc). Junior League store wedding dresses. Sometimes you'll find GREAT dresses there made from *silk* and other really expensive materials. I've got a dress i'm going to use to make smocked bishop Christmas dresses for my girls. Its outer layer is silk gazar!
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