Strawberry Dress

I finished this a few months ago with fabric from Hancock Fabrics. It' 100% cotton but is kinda stiff... Quilter's cotton maybe? I used Simplicity 2591 in a size 12. The bust area is smaller than most big 4 patterns even more so on version B than D. (I'll show D later.) I really wanted to do this with striped fabric like they show but I couldn't find anything springy and cute like theirs.

 

I lowered the collar an inch and gave it a scoop back for more interest. I like that it has a bit of a retro housewife look while still being cute and young.

ANA

Really late project post!

      This is a post I started several months ago but never finished. (Actually this is from July last year... lol! oops!) This post isn't going go into details and steps as I cant remember that far back, but I hope it still helps anyone out there thinking of doing these projects.

This is the Creamsicle dress made from a white and orange, thin striped, thick cotton I bought from fabricmart.com. I love this Butterick pattern. It has a really cute cut out and giant fabric covered buttons. The only downside is that it's from 1986 so the bodice is baggy and has kimono sleeves. The fabric is too thick for that style and it isn't flattering on me so I modified it and added french darts and short sleeves.

   I found a really ugly mini yellow gingham dress for $1.50 at a thrift store, I bought it thinking I could make it a cute, casual dress. That didn't work out though so I took it apart and made a cute, casual skirt! It's a bit longer than I'd like but still darling. I adore the matching little fabric covered buttons.

 Looking back at these pictures I'm considering shortening them a good 3-4 inches. My legs look longer when the hem line hits me at the knee area. I'm going to try and take some pictures of  me wearing them after I alter them.  Sorry about the lacking project posts!

ANA

Giveaway!

The lovely Debi of My happy sewing place is having a giveaway! To enter all you have to do is comment on her blog or blog about it yourself! There are 5 lovely patterns to choose from, or all of them! Good luck!


                            -Ana

Outfit number three!

     This is Retro Butterick 4513, I talked about it earlier here. I made it from a vintage sheet from a thrift store in Ventura. Over all I really like this pattern, I might even make it again.

I cut out a size 12 but the bust was too big. If I use this pattern again I'll make the bodice smaller and use thinner bias tape for the straps.


                               -Ana

Giveaway

Steph from Tart Deco is having an awesome giveaway with TONS of gorgeous vintage things! Go comment!

http://tartdeco.blogspot.com/2010/07/giveaway-finally.html

Graduation

     As I mention before, my baby sissy graduated the 8th grade this June. And I was there wearing my new daisy dress!

That's my little sister. She got her dress at Papaya and I sewed the silver straps on so she wouldn't get dress coded lol! (Oh middle school... how I don't miss you!) She's actually taller than me, but I was wearing heels... and standing up hill haha!

Dress- Britex Fabrics made by me

This isn't the greatest picture, but you get to see the silhouette better. In case you forgot that's the pattern I used. Retro Butterick 5032. I talk more about it here.

                           
                              -Ana

Up coming projects

     I have soooo many projects planned. It's unbelievable, I doubt I'll get them all done before fall sets in lol. I ordered new fabric a while ago from Trendy fabrics and now I have two more dresses to add to the growing list of projects.

     The fabric was in the $1.00 sale bin, in total I paid $6 for three yards of both fabric and $6 for shipping. Trendy Fabrics has the cheapest shipping prices for fabric I've found online. I really like the styling of the pattern pictures, so I wanted to stick fairly close to what they did. First up is Simplicity 0518, it's a 1950's retro Simplicity reprint. I've actually seen the original pattern for sale cheap on eBay. The green plaid is very basic and only has the two colors, dark green and white. (The green is much darker in person than in the pictures.)

     Second is a vintage Butterick 0689. Vogue has a new reprint of a vintage pattern very similar to 0689 but the collar is positioned slightly different. Here's a comparison, I personally like the Butterick 0689 better. That's just me though.

     Oh my God. This fabric is so awesome, I can hardly stand it! I was so lucky to find a fabric close enough to view A that it didn't look exactly the same, but close enough that the dress will still have the same feel as the picture of view A. I've never seen a plaid like this before, it looks like a cross between a gingham and plaid. Yet, like the green plaid above, this plaid is also very simple.

     If I remember right they are stretch poplin. Now that I just read what poplin is I think the green plaid is a polyester stretch poplin and the black plaid is a thick cotton stretch poplin. Be prepared for much more project updates!



                              -Ana

Pretty pretty petticoat

 Simplicity 5006 is out of print I believe, but I scooped it up mega cheap on eBay for 3 bucks! It's a great petticoat pattern, very simple and straight forward perfect for my very first petticoat! I got all my materials on sale at Joann's. Originally I was going to buy tulle, but when I saw it in the store I realized it wasn't anywhere near stiff enough to make my dresses fluffy like I wanted. I found white netting that was perfect, then I also found petticoat netting. I'm not sure what the difference is between the two but I figured I was safe buying the petticoat netting.

I also didn't know what kind of fabric to use for the waist band part, I ended up buying half a yard of white lining for clothes. It was the thinnest, slipperiest material I could find other than costume or dress satin. This is the finished petticoat. I ended up taking about eight inches off the bottom because I'm 5'5" and my dresses are on the shorter side of vintage. I added ribbon around the hem at the bottom and the waist band, along with a thin pale blue bow and a little pale blue rose sewn on the front. I think it makes it darling and more personalized.

There's a close up of the ribbon, bow and rose. Simplicity 5006 is a great pattern if you want fullness but not fluff. Since I like exaggerated fluff I'm going to add an extra layer of netting to the skirt next time. I'm thinkin sparkly red would be awesome!


                           
                               -Ana

Vintage sewing desk

 This is my great grandma's sewing desk that my great grandpa made for her. After they both passed away my family inherited it since my mom was the only one who still (occasionally) sews. That was about four years ago, since then I've discovered my love of all things vintage and started sewing my own clothes again. So when it was unearthed from the garage when we moved I got all excited about it... then promptly forgot until now. It was handmade by my great grandpa and has a still functioning, hardly used 1953 Pfaff sewing machine it. My great grandma was so neat and tidy she kept all the original instructions and manuals for it.

 Kitty helped me sort out all the vintage sewing items crammed in the drawers. There was a huge bag full of buttons that my grandma saved from every piece of clothing (she was a teenager during the Depression and understood the value of hardwork and money well spent. Not spending 30 dollars on a cheapie, thin, piece of crap t-shirt made in china that will get thrown away in 4 months when it's not "cool" anymore.) (Sorry, lol) Anyways, she had at least 30 different feet for the sewing machine and all kinds of tools for adjusting it and oiling it. I found heaps of zippers and lace edging and piping and bias tape and thread in every color.

 Instead of having a foot pedal like we use today, there's a knee pedal? I'm assuming that's what it is. The knee pedal is mounted on the right, inside of the desk

 And lucky me found some vintage patterns my great grandma wrote her name on in delicate, swirly cursive. There were two 50's blouses, a 70's skirt and a 50's letter stencil. My favorite and most precious item of all is my great grandma's vintage Gingher pinking shears to go with my mom's straight edge Gingher scissors.

                               -Ana

New projects

 My latest project is Butterick 5032 in a gorgeous red, yellow and white daisy print pique. A couple months ago I visited Britex Fabrics off of Union Square in San Francisco. While browsing at the gorgeous, expensive fabrics I found this lovely pique with other remnants on the top floor. Yep, the top floor of FOUR floors filled with gorgeous fabrics and notions. Any and every kind of fabric, all of them couture quality. The first Britex Fabrics was founded by Martin Spector in New York City's Garment District. In 1949 the founder and his wife were visiting San Francisco when they decided to open another store here. Three years later it opened its doors in 1952. If you're in San Francisco I suggest checking it out at 146 Geary Street San Francisco, CA 94108.

I got the daisy pique on sale (on the fourth floor with the other remnants), three and an eighth yards for 35$. Still way expensive compared to the usual prices I pay online and at Joann's, but definitely worth it. This was the nicest fabric I have ever worked with. I don't know if I feel this way because I spent 35 dollars on it or if it is really that great of quality lol. Either way I am still impressed with the selection and quality of their fabric and the wonderfully helpful and informative employees. I will definitely be saving my money to go back to Britex Fabrics.

Sorry for going off on a tangent there. Back to my project! 5032 is very simple and very easy to make. Rather than making a sheath dress I used the over skirt pattern to make it a full skirted dress. I also lowered the neck line two and a half to three inches so instead of hitting at the collar bone I lowered it to hit above it now hits above the cleavage area. I also noticed the skirt pattern is shorter than most others. Usually a full skirt hits me at mid calf length but this one was at my knee. If you're taller or like longer skirts I'd recommend lengthening it before you cut your fabric out. (I tend to shorten most skirt patterns so it worked in my favor lol.) 

I am wearing this dress for my sister's 8th grade graduation so I will have pictures of it then!

-Ana

Something of Interest

I came across this website, Heaven's To Betsy Vintage, and good gracious! all the beautiful patterns!!! I was itching to get my wallet! There are over THREE HUNDRED patterns from the 1950's, and many more from various decades! They're a bit pricier than what I'm used to spending on a single pattern, but I do love to help out independent companies.

 "  Heavens To Betsy Vintage sells a full range of vintage, retro and out-of-print sewing patterns from 1930's to 1980's and select newer patterns. We also offer vintage jewelry, vintage handkerchiefs, children's books,  fashion related ephemera and an eclectic variety of collectible smaller items. We have over 8,000 items listed online with over 6,000 sewing patterns. All of our sewing pattern pieces are counted and guaranteed complete. All vintage patterns are stored in acid-free polypropylene sleeve protectors and cardboard backings in a temperature controlled environment."

 These are the beauties that caught my eye!

(Lovin the pink polka dot with the bow)

Vintage Scalloped Neckline Dress Pattern Bust 36                           $48.00

Vintage Simplicity Slenderette sewing pattern 3045.  Dress with scalloped, V shaped neckline and short kimono sleeves. Flared skirt with soft pleats or slim skirt with back kick pleat. Self fabric or purchased belt.
Size 16; Bust 36; Waist 28; Hip 38.
Pattern is uncut, complete and in original folds.
Copyright 1959.

Vertical gathers on the neckline...DARLING

Wide Neckline Gathered Bodice Dress Pattern Bust 32                  $38.00
Vintage Simplicity sewing pattern 3920.
Dress with wide neckline and bodice softly gathered at upper edge. Small buttons close the dress front. Sleeves are cut in one with bodice. Full skirt is gathered at waistline. Size 14; Bust 32; Waist 26.5; Hip 35. Pattern is uncut and complete and in original folds. Envelope is aged; old store markdown sale price in red pencil on front. Copyright 1952.

Marilyn Monroe's cherry dress in The Misfits??

Parade Dress Pattern, Deep V Neckline Bust 34              $26.00

 One piece, sleeveless dress has a full circle skirt from a fitted waistline. Bodice is gathered from the Deep V-neckline which is finished in bias trim. Optional bows accent the shoulders. Size 16; Bust 34; Waist 28; Hip 37.Pattern is unused and the pieces are in original factory folds. Pieces are factory pre-cut to exact size and have no printing. All directions are on the enclosed instruction sheet. Envelope is in exceptional condition. Not dated; circa late 50s' to early 60's..

 You should go over and take a sneaky peek! Ya never know what perfect pattern you'll fall in love with!

                     -Ana

New projects (Dress #2 The yellow rose)

I've been working on four dresses recently, I reviewed the first one and now I'm going to update you on the rest!



 Next in line is a "Retro Butterick", number 4513. This is another pattern that hopped right in my basket and refused to leave during the .99 cent sale at Joann's! I particularly love the dramatic fluffy looking full skirt and the darling ribbon-y bows on the shoulders. I'm not crazy about the fabric and color choices for view B, but I decided to try and recreate view A with yellow roses. I used another sheet... Lol... But it actually worked this time! I really like the delicate yellow rose print. The flowers aren't real big, and they aren't real close together and chaotic, they're nicely
spaced.

Using sheets is wonderful in that you have a huge amount of fabric. (Most sheets have the inches of the mattress on the tag.) Incase it doesn't, here is a chart to help you figure out how much fabric you actually have.

Fitted Sheet Sizes

• Twin--39 x 75 inches (or 99 x 190 cm)
• X-Long Twin--39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)
• Full--54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm)
• Queen--60 x 80 inches (or 153 x 203 cm)
• King--76 x 80 inches (or 198 x 203 cm)
• California King--72 x 84 inches (or 182 x 213 cm)

 Remember that fitted sheets are elasticized on the edges and are measured by the mattress it fits. So it won't take into account the extra fabric that would go on the sides of the mattress. (My guess would be that the inches including the sides of the mattress would be somewhere inbetween a fitted sheet and flat sheet measurement.)

Flat Sheet Sizes

• Twin--66 x 96 inches (or 167 x 243 cm)
• X-Long Twin--66 x 102 inches (or 167 x 259 cm)
• Full--81 x 96 inches (or 205 x 243 cm)
• Queen--90 x 102 inches (or 228 x 259 cm)
• King/California King--108 x 102 inches (or 274 x 259 cm)

When using sheets you will usually have to line the garment because (fitted sheets in particular) are fairly see through.

             This is the yellow rose dress so far. I basically have it all done except for the yellow bows and edging. Meaning I need to go out and buy some double fold yellow bias tape lol.

I promise to stay updated this time!

                       

                        -Ana

New projects (dress #1 The horrid sheet)

I have four dresses in the works right now. Yes, lol, I was a lazy blogger and haven't taken any pictures or even mentioned them 'til now!


First is a reprint "Retro Butterick" 5214. I bought a bunch of patterns during one of Joann's .99 cent Butterick sales recently. While this wasn't one of the patterns I had originally intended to buy, it just wouldn't leave my basket! The lovely design of the neckline is what attracted me to this particular pattern, I like how it looks as though the straps just up and grew out of a sweetheart strapless dress. I also admired that the back of the straps don't tie in a bow like most halter style dresses, but rather attach with buttons! I loveee adding as many buttons as I can (they make everything look cuter!). 

I went to Ventura with my best-est bud and had bought this sheet at a thrift store thinking that it was pretty. It is a white sheet with pale green thin stripes and beige rose-gardenia looking flowers. I went to all the work of cutting it out, sewing it all together, trying it on and fitting it. Only then did I realize that its pretty as a sheet. NOT a dress. Lol!

 This is the horrid sheet dress... I guess I'm still learning what prints look good on me... and as actual clothing lol. It was a good test run though. Now I know that the v-neck needs to be deeper and just under the armpits needs two inches taken in. The changes I made include what I just mentioned above and using 2 half inch pearlized white buttons on the straps instead of 1 one inch button.  I didn't have a white zipper to use as the side zipper opening, so I used the rest of the white buttons and had them go down the back of the dress. I think it make it look more vintage-y and romantic. Luckily I can pull the dress over my head than have to unbutton and re-button the back every time I put it on.

All those crazy buttons!

 Over all, I think I'm going to take the buttons off and make this dress again but with a better fabric choice.



                     -Ana

New patterns

Butterick sent an email today to announce their new summer patterns. which of course I got all excited about only to discover they pretty much failed and grabbing my attention. I seriously have no highlights, or even epic ugliness to share. It's really that boring...


Major disappointment. Was anyone else let down by Butterick's new summer patterns?


                           -Ana

"The big four" Vogue

I was perusing through the new spring patterns for "the big four" pattern companies (Vogue, Simplicity, Butterick and McCalls) and I wasn't all that impressed. There are a few cute dresses, but not a whole lot yells "BUY ME NOW". Vogue, as usual, has awesome retro inspired silhouettes and some very out there separates. Example number one: Super duper cute retro dresses! Sometimes Vogue isn't so good at styling the outfits and picking out fabrics, I must say though, everything about them is fantastic! Even the hair is awesome!1174 by Cynthia Steffe. "Close-fitting, strapless, lined dress has seam details, piping trim, princess seams, foundation with boning, side front pockets, pleats and darts, above mid-knee length." I love the whole look, I am especially drawn to that fabric. Does anyone know of something similar to it that I can buy at a reasonable price??? 1176 by Michael Kors. "Close-fitting, lined dress with front pleated bodice loop, princess seams, front and back darts, back slit, left side zipper, shoulder straps and self bows. Belt has self loop and purchased buckle with prong and eyelets. Length is 2" below mid-knee." That dress strikes me as something Marilyn Monroe would wear.

Now for the just "okay" patterns that with the right alterations and fabric could be really cute too.1183 by Kay Unger. "Fitted, lined dress, above mid-knee length, has princess seams, midriff, straight skirt, back zipper, slit and topstitch trim." I think if the topstitching was in a contrasting color it would make the neat detailing and asymmetrical design of the bust area a lot more interesting.
8645 Very easy Vogue. "Loose-fitting, pullover, lined dresses A, B have front and back v-neck, removable shoulder ties, side seam pockets and sash. A: slightly flared, mid-knee length. B: flared, lower calf length. A, B: topstitch trim." This dress totally reminds me of Marilyn Monroe's white dress with cherry print from "The Misfits". Only hers was a tight, curve hugging silhouette rather than a flowy, swingy one like 8645.

Next are the less than attractive patterns Vogue has put out for spring. I don't in any way, shape, or form mean to be insulting or rude, but I really don't like these next ones lol. So, I apologize if my opinions aren't the same as anyone else reading this. They are just that though, MY opinions, so take everything I say with a grain of salt!8659 The Vogue Woman. "Very loose-fitting, bias, pullover tunic A or dress B has three-quarter length sleeves, narrow hem. B: above ankle, shaped hemline. Semi-fitted pants C with elastic waist and lower calf length." If only looking at the top half of 8659 it would seem very very boring, then looking down at the bottom half it's like... wtf??? Why are there these cape-like folds hanging from her armpits? I really don't see the aesthetic of it. If someone could tell me I would really like to know! lol!

1185 by AKO: Andre Katz Objects. "Jumpsuit has front and back pleats, shaped front and back yoke, side patch pockets with smaller pocket inside, relaxed lower section gathered to hem band and back snap closures. Lower calf length." This reminds me of an updated 90's frilly collared jumpsuit, that thank god my mom never dressed me in lol. In case that's your kind of thing, you can actually still buy the original pattern!
For the ugliest of them all...
1181 by Chado Ralph Rucci. "Loose-fitting, floor length caftan with overarm dart, front opening, long sleeves, shaped middle and lower sections, topstitching, hook and eye closure." I'm not sure what a caftan is... nonetheless... it looks like an obscene muumuu. With the shiny pink material it sort of looks as though she wanted to dress up as a giant mutant vagina for Halloween hahahahaha.

Last but not least, Vintage Vogue! Normally this would be my favorite category, yet, I was really dissatisfied with the TWO new vintage patterns. Sigh, only 2...
1172 Vogue Vintage Model. "Below mid-calf length, sleeveless dresses A, B have close-fitting V-neck bodice with princess seams and extended shoulders, flared skirt with godets, side zipper and inside belt. Self-fabric or purchased belt."1171 Vogue Vintage Model. "Fitted, below mid-calf length, flared sleeveless dresses A, B have sailor collar, front and back pleats with waistline seam, button closure and belt with prong. A: contrast collar with purchased trim."

Anyway, as you can see they are not real elaborate or detailed. Both have the foundations of pretty dresses but little things about them seem to fall short... The first one is elegant, yet too simple. The second is nice except for the collar. The collar appears too wide at the base maybe? It looks slightly off to me... oh welllllll.

Gabe is eating my chin so it's time to go! Lol!


-Ana