1940's Inspired Costume

Costumes were required for our orchestra's first fall concert. It has been many years since I had an opportunity to dress up in costume, and of course I went with a vintage look. Since the majority of my vintage and historical-inspired patterns, fabrics, and embellishments are still at my parents home, I had to be creative with thrift store finds. 

The 1940's seemed to be the easiest to duplicate with a simple plaid skirt, and blouse or sweater.

The sweater is a modern Gap brand that I found in new condition at my local thrift store. The plaid skirt is a vintage woolen from the Pendleton brand, also from the local thrift store. The shoes came from American Duchess several years ago.

While wearing fingernail polish isn't something I generally wear, some non-toxic polish was a must! I also wore some lipstick from Lancome called "simmering." 

The hat came from a antique store, and while I'm not sure of era, is seemed to work okay. 

Several people asked if I was dressing up as Queen Elizabeth, or Miss Maisel, but no, I was just going for a 1940's inspired look. 

There is a resemblance I think of my paternal grandmother when dressed up for this era though! She was such a classy lady, and though she passed away when I was barely a teenager, I remember her being firm, but kind.

 

Goodies in the Shop!

It was time to sort through some things that have been just sitting or hanging around. The result was that I added some of my vintage-inspired clothing and some vintage patterns up in my shop tonight.


Take a look!

Vintage sewing

The sewing bug has bit me. And in the unusual place of the 1940s and 50s. ;) It's rather odd, too, as those years are ones that I'm naturally fond of. Perhaps it was this dress I saw on etsy not to long ago:

What's also strange is that I'm not a polka dot person at all. 75% of my wardrobe is stripes and the rest is solid or woven to go with said striped items. ;) The dress is quite simple from what I can tell, with just a full aline skirt attached to the empire waist. Perhaps this will be included with my other tucked-away ideas for future reference.

In the mean time I really want to sew up that 1930s frock I posted about months ago. This 1930s dress I pinned on pinterest is sort of an inspiration for it.

Hmm. Polka dots again. Maybe they're starting to grow on me. Or maybe I'm just recovering from being bitten from the sewing bug. ;)

Historical Items now in the Shop!

Well, after teaching violin this afternoon I set to work in my sewing room ironing some historical clothing I've had packed away. In between ironing I would list another item. If you like Edwardian styles or those of the 1940s, you'll love the four listings I have up in the historical section. Including this shirtwaist & skirt ensemble that I made 7 years ago.

Wasn't that only a couple summers ago??

Fabric!

This week I found some fabrics so I can actually sew something! My fabric stash is deplorably low (unless you want to count scraps that would easily make 3 quilt tops and nothing else...) and therefore the silent "absence" of sewing news on my blog or items in the shop.



 

 

I saw this fabric at Hobby Lobby and thought it'd be perfect for some Tasha Tudor aprons. Now I can't decide which of the two vintage laces to use. There is enough fabric for two, so maybe one of each?

You should read the caption on the zipper packaging. It made me laugh since you wouldn't find that on a modern zipper package! ;)

Then take a look at this black watch plaid houndstooth that I found only this morning. There is easily enough for me to use a vintage skirt pattern. This 1940s one seems like it will fit the bill, unless I use this modern pattern for a vintage-inspired look.

Who else is on a sewing kick this week?

Vintage 1940s Housedress/LoungeRobe Marian Martin 9420

It was after supper last night that I decided to not have any unfinished projects on my sewing table going into 2014, so I sat myself down to complete my 1940s housecoat. One of my sisters inquired, "What IS it?" as if it looks like a UFO (unidentified foreign object) but I emphatically explained that it is a house dress/coat or a lounging robe "you know, when you're in your pajamas in the morning and you're fixing coffee and blueberry muffins." :)

 

Sewing last night didn't even require the burning of the midnight oil. I finished with 1 1/2 hours to spare before the clocked turned over another year. Yay!

 

My first to make out of this pattern was for winter wear, and this one is for summer wear, obviously with the just-above-the-knee length and short sleeves. But like I mentioned several weeks ago, I had to make due with the vintage fabric I had.

 

I forgot how ginormous the pocket turns out to be! You could easily sneak upstairs a blueberry muffin in it to enjoy in bed! ;)

One of my favorite details on this is the vintage buttons in the front

The back bodice comes to a V as does the front. The back skirt has a center seam down to the hem, and because of it this skirt flows and swishes as you walk about.

I added more vintage rick rack to the sleeve cuffs. Fun, fun!

Happy New Year and happy sewing in 2014!

In Progress: a 1940s Marian Martin Housecoat

Lest you think I gave up on my vintage Vogue 1930s dress, let me assure you that I persevered and finished it yesterday afternoon. At last! :) It finished without a hitch. The details of the pattern is what makes the dress, otherwise it would be quite drab considering the solid fabric. In fact, my sister commented that the fabric looked Amish.

::ahem:: Not exactly the look I was going for!

I went with the vintage rhinestone-studded button from my stash (my camera refused to pick up its clarity, so I apologize). This way I can wear silver, black, or even pearled accessories with the dress if needed.

 



 

I can hardly wait to slip into it for photos! I have a few ideas in mine for a photoshoot, and if possible, I hope to make that happen this weekend if one of my siblings are willing to take the pictures. Stay tuned!

After I put away my pattern, teal threads, and whatnot, I pulled out my new-to-me 1940s housecoat pattern. If you've been a longtime reader, you may remember this long sleeved flannel robe I made from the same pattern (though a size smaller). My older sister now owns it, and apparently I sold it to her for $14. ::blink:: You can barely buy 2 yards of flannel for that price, let alone 5 yards!!

I'm making the short sleeved version this time around and shorting the skirt by a good 13" or so. Part of the reason is because of the vintage fabric I chose for it (an antique store find for $3) was measuring about 3 yards. But I thought it'd make an excellent robe/housecoat for spring, summer, and autumn wear.

I was hoping to use some vintage lace for the collar, sleeves, and pocket, but I didn't have enough of what I had on hand. My next consideration was white piping, but I don't have any on hand, so I chose some vintage rick rack. One can never go wrong with using it! ;) In fact, I think I almost like the idea of the subtle touch rather than a glaring white piping or lace.

Have a happy Thursday!

Pattern Collection: Historically Inspired

Happy Monday! Sorry if  your hopes were in having the final installment of my pattern collection up on the blog, but my weekend was quite busy and eventful.

 

I put this collection together by sorting the patterns by era. It's rather obvious which is my favorite, but I've been trying to reach out of my "comfort zone" and not dislike other eras.

 

Regency:

 



Don't ask why, but for some reason when I brightened up this picture, it cropped it too. And without my permission! But if anyone is familiar with Sense & Sensibility patterns, you'll recognize these. While I haven't picked up the Regency era much lately, several years ago that's all I did. Most of what was sewn was for selling on ebay and for awhile, they sold extremely well.

 

Turn of the Century/Edwardian:

These are my patterns that aren't from S&S. ;) The first one is from another favorite company (hi, Amanda!) who makes many fun patterns: Hint of History. At one point I had her 1912 dress pattern and I regrettably sold it, but years before doing so I made a dress out of it. It's an excellent pattern if you're wanting something Downton Abbey looking!

 

The second pattern in the top row is a reproduction of an actual pattern. I bought it online from a vintage fashion library website of some sort. It reminded me very much of Anne's "cow chasing dress" in the movie, "Anne of Avonlea." Someday I hope to recreate it. :)

 

Moving on to the Folkwear pattern, doesn't it look like something Diana Barry would wear? And who can put down a matching apron pattern for ladies and girls? The pattern comes with a few other tea-related things like maybe a teapot cover, napkins, and such.

 

And then the lovely wedding dress pattern put out by Sullivan Entertainment that is identical to Anne Shirley's dress when she married Gil. Many of you are waiting for a full photo shoot to replace the quick one taken on the veranda of me wearing my take on this pattern.

 

Here is another set of pattern from S&S. I've made something from all of these except for the Beatrix Potter jacket pattern.

 

One of the many things that I love about S&S patterns is that many of them come from or are adapted from original patterns. When making something, and stepping into a finished garment, you feel as if you are from that era. :) Once again, I've made something from all of these patterns. Most recognizable of course would be the 1910s tea gown made into a Titanic "Swim dress" shown here and here. Then of course I've made two dresses from the 1914 afternoon dress: my first one back in 2007 and then my second one made this year.

1930s - 1940s:

After the Edwardian era, the 1930s is probably my favorite though I'm growing a fondness to some of the 1920s fashions (thanks Downton Abbey!). The first pattern is a Vogue reproduction of a 1933 dress pattern. I saw this on etsy and immediately fell in love with the design and details. It somehow seemed familiar to me, and then it dawned on me that my friend Laura has this pattern. :) There is a dress cut out in this pattern that is sitting on my table waiting to be sewn, so hopefully before the year is out, you'll see pictures of it completed.

Earlier this year I made a dress out of the Decade's of Style pattern and really liked the way it turned out. Bias cuts aren't the most flattering on me at the present, so not long ago the dress was sold in my etsy shop.

Lastly, there is the 1940s Swing Dress pattern that I used this summer for my sister. You'll remember that the dress was made specifically for a special retro diner themed dinner, and now that it has taken place, she tells me that all she has to show her wearing the dress are a few head shots. I told her the other day that I have many blog readers who want to see the full length of it and on her! :) Hopefully soon I can take her out on a photo shoot for some pictures.

Pattern Collection: Vintage

Dating from 1969 and earlier, these are the vintage patterns I've collected. The thrift stores, antique stores, etsy, and ebay are my favorite places to find these well-loved patterns.

First off is my children's collection. This too has shrunk. I've either sold some or given some away for the same reasons I gave in my previous post. :)

 

The top left one is my "newest" find at an "uppity up" antique store in town and it was marked for 50 cents.  It has no date, but I'm thinking late 20s or early 30s. And look at those bathrobes! It's definitely from the 30s, and looks simple to put together. The style reminds me of wrappers worn by the Walton children on the TV series, "The Waltons."

 

The bottom two are from the 60s. The Holly Hobbie pattern interested me with it's sweet sunbonnet and apron. Staples in a young girls dress-up box! And lastly, I picked up this wild and crazy pattern not for the toys (though I'm sure making toys could be/would be safer than some they make now days) but for the apron shown in the lower left corner. A few made in this pattern have made their way into the shop a couple years ago.

 

 

This next set is a fun one. The top row consists of a 40s skirt pattern I picked up last year at a sewing boutique shop, and have since wanted to make a skirt out of it. I almost used my wool fabric in this pattern. The 2nd in the top row was my very first vintage pattern purchase. I remember when my Dad bid on ebay for me when I was still working on my adult sewing skills (I learned sewing on doll clothes). I made the short sleeve version in a red plaid, and we have pictures of me wearing it somewhere, but can't seem to find it. The 50s nightgown pattern was one I picked up for my sister who loves to sew nightgowns as much as I love to sew aprons, but it didn't interest her. I may end up selling this one.

 

And then of course there are two 40s apron patterns. I've used both and they've made their appearance in my etsy shop as well, though it's been awhile. And then a 70s apron pattern, which I suppose could be put in with my modern collection, but oh well. This pattern is also a fun one, and one that I've used for aprons in the shop before, as well as for myself. If you've been a reader for a good 6 years or more, you may remember this post?

 

 

And finally we have my oldest patterns, both in the early 1900s. The bloomers I'm guessing would be around 1900 (possibly 1899? I should check the pattern) and the shirtwaist I'm guessing around 1912 by judging her hair style.



I know I've made the bloomers before (maybe sold a pair on ebay?) and I'm pretty certain I've made the shirtwaist, too, to sell. Following is a close up picture that I attempted to take for details since the above one features a nasty glare.

 

With sorting through all my patterns, I'm starting to get the bug to get back to sewing again, but alas, my sewing machine was starting to give up the ghost and is now enroute to the shop for repair and won't see it for a good two weeks. As my dad says, I've done more sewing on that machine in the last 15 years than what many people do in their lifetime. ;)





S&S 1940s Swing Dress in Midnight Blue

It was on Wednesday that I locked (figuratively) myself in the sewing room to finish up everything on my table. There was an alteration for a friend from church, and then my sister's dress. Both were completed. What a relief, and yet what an odd feeling to not having anything to sew. ;)

As requested, I took a couple pictures of the completed dress. Using another wonderful pattern from Sense & Sensibility, I only made very little alterations to the 40s style dress. The biggest "fix" was the length of the skirt, since my petite sister wasn't wanting anything super long but a modest somewhere-below-the-knee. Since she's currently in Mexico, I had to guess on the length! :)

The fabric she chose was a poly satin crepe fabric, and while she is a classy lady, she didn't want the shiny side of the fabric so I used the crepe side. It's such a pretty blue color, and will match her eyes perfectly. I've teased her that she'll need a chaperon when she wears this dress. ;)

The front bodice is softly gathered at the shoulders and at the waist which meets the front yoke. I suppose my sister could wear a camisole or a pretty brooch at the neckline to keep the front crossover part from becoming scandalous!

The sleeves are just-above-elbow length and straight. The gored skirt is a-line, making for a slimming silhouette.

The dress features a hidden zipper on the side that starts in the bodice and extends into the skirt. I was thanking the Lord that it went in flawlessly the first time. The back of the dress has simple pleats at the bodice waistline, and has ties in the back.

Hopefully this fall, I'll have a picture or two for you all of my sister modeling the dress. Did I already mention that she'll be wearing it for a Retro-Diner themed dinner at a conference that she's photographing? With a set of kid gloves and a pearl necklace, she's bound to look fabulous!

Shakespeare was right: "Summer's lease hath all too short a date..."

Vintage Forties Housedress/coat: Marian Martin 9420

Sewing with vinatge patterns is something that has been growing on my for some time now, and recently I have a lot of fun buying some from ebay that interest me.


I have never had a robe or housecoat before and oftentimes in the winter I get quite cold, and so I made my first from the above pattern. It has been known that I alter my patterns, but I loved this one so much that the only thing I did extra was add a few inches to the hem. And I used the long sleeve verison of it.

The flannel was some left over from our business and the eyelet lace has been sitting around for years, so this is what the finished product looks like:







Well, I'm off to practice!