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

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

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

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

Something of Interest

While double checking the proper spelling of ruching, I came across this delightful blog! Janet Stauffacher of Nostalgic NeedleART is a wonderfully talented at quilting, needlework, embellishing and embroidering. But the main thing that I was so Amazed by were the beautiful ribbon flowers she makes. For example:

She even has a few tutorials to help you make your own! Isn't that awesome?! There are more tutorials if you go to older pages than the one I've linked to.

And guess what! You can make all of the flowers pictured in this post! Janet does have a website, Vintage Vogue, where you buy already made items to add to you wardrobe or craft project.

Wouldn't these be absolutely darling as a broach? Or the perfect embellishment to perk up a old hat or boring dress bodice! Oh the possibilities.


                                  -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

Retro Swimsuits!

Today was cold, dreary and rainy. Oh how I cannot wait for summer to be here! I love the warm sun and the lazy clouds by the pool... the hot sand and cool waves at the beach... Sandals, sundresses, floppy hats... Most of all though, SWIMSUITS! For vintage gals there are quite a few places to choose from. Yet, it seems as though the options are all rather similar. Or is that just me? Although I find the silhouettes to be flattering and pretty, the pattern choices are about the same everywhere I've looked! Red and black polka dots, cherry print or solid colors.

While Modcloth has some attractive colors, half the swimsuits look as if they are made of tacky, shiny, cheap material. Maybe that's just the lighting in the photos??? Modcloth also has really ugly swimsuits like the cheetah one to the right. (On another note, I don't understand monokinis. I personally don't find them attractive or flattering. Kinda makes me think your dog or hamster chewed a giant hole in your swimsuit.) From what I have seen online there are three major brands that have the cutest retro swimsuits available: Jantzen, Pinup Couture, and Esther Williams.

 Jantzen recently celebrated it's 100th birthday!!! (January 27, 1910 to January 27, 2010! Talk about standing the test of time!) On the Jantzen website they have a time line of Jantzen's history:

"In 1910, Portland Knitting Company began in downtown Portland, Oregon, with a few hand-knitting machines above a tiny retail store. Little did founders Carl Jantzen, Roy and John Zehntbauer know that they would achieve both fame and controversy as swimwear pioneers. Producing a wool suit for a rowing team they began offering “bathing suits” in their catalog. Early advertisements guaranteed the famous rib-stitch “gives that wonderful fit”."

 Jantzen's 2010 swimsuit collection is inspired by the "bathing beauties" of the 1950's. Here is a link to see the new collection. The average price range for a Jantzen swimsuit online is between 80 and 150 dollars. A bit pricey if you ask me, but very well made, comfortable and long lasting swimsuits.


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This is where I would write about Pinup Couture, but their website is down for maintenance... So I'll have to leave that for another time.


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Esther Williams Collection of swimsuits was started by Esther Williams herself, along with an above ground pool business after her "swimming movies" career was over.

"Esther Williams set multiple national and regional swimming records in her late teens as part of the Los Angeles Athletic Club swim team. Unable to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics because of the outbreak of WWII, Williams joined Billy Rose's Aquacade. It was at the Aquacade that Williams caught the attention of MGM scouts. After appearing in several small roles, Williams made a series of films in the 1940s and early 1950s known as "aqua-musicals", which featured elaborate performances with synchronized swimming and diving."

 Esther Williams Swimsuits are classy and authentic looking, while their prints give you the option to stay authentic looking or venture into more modern prints. 
The prices are much more affordable than Jantzen, ranging from 60 to 90 dollars. Now I can't attest for the quality or durability of their swimsuits, but the styles are VERY similar to Jantzen. So I would recommend it as an alternative if you can't afford a Jantzen swimsuit or can't get your hands on one!


                     -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