March Vintage Pattern Project

March was so much fun. We had such a great group of ladies this time, and Shelby really knows how to bring out the best in everyone. I had a great time working with Chelsea, Julie, Kaitlin, and Jeralyn, and I love how they looked in all my garments. Each one brought something different and new to the session and was an absolute joy to work with. March has been a great experience.

All photo credits to Shelby Andal Photography

this has been such a fun group

With each month that goes by I am in Awe of the response we are getting. I had no idea what to expect going in to this. I just had a ton of vintage patterns that I wanted to sew, and Shelby comes along with all her magic making this an amazing adventure. And here we are, three months in and so many more amazing and fun patterns and ideas in plan for the rest of the year. I can't say enough about how grateful I am to have such amazing supportive friends that want to go on this journey with me. Without Shelby, and all these fun women I would just be a lady sewing at her kitchen table and posting some not so great (i know what I'm about) pics on her Instagram of her dress form rocking the finished looks. It's thanks to Shelby  Andal Photography, and all the ladies this month, the past two, and the ones to come that bring my Vintage Pattern  project to life. I am feeling beyond blessed!

Jeralyn, such a cutie

Julie that red looks so great on you

Kaitlyn so sweet! And wearing my favorite dress

Chelsea rocking that Plaid dress!!!

Week 12 The Red Dress

Week 12's pattern Simplicity 9025 from 1970 is one I have had for so long. It's one of the first vintgae patterns I ever bought. I got this from a local antique store my senor year of High School, and have never made it. It's one of those that I pull out from time to time, but I always end up going with something else. I can't believe it has taken me so long! This pattern sized 14 bust 36, and I went with view 3. I chose a cherry red mid weight knit that I have also been hanging on to waiting for the right project. I got to admit that I am a little aggravated at myself for not doing this one sooner. It turned out to be a really great pattern to work with.

View 3 in cherry knit

For this dress I tried to stay as true to the pattern as I could with the only changes being the bodice lining (what's new) and the trim on the front of the dress. The pattern consisted of 4 main pattern pieces, a lining piece for the front neck, back neck, and arm opening, and a guide for the trim. Now for the changes,  I just made an all in one lining for the front, and one for the back. As far as the trim goes, they recommended a lace or other pre-made ruffle trim. I decide to make the ruffle out of the same material as the dress. I love the contrast that the picture has with the back dress and white trim, but I worried that white on red would look a bit to Mrs. Claus. Also I wasn't feeling black trim, and matching reds is hard work. There is nothing wrong with the measurements they provide I just wanted a fuller ruffle so I made my cut wider and about 5 inches longer. I surged the ends and did a gather stitch down the center, then I used the guide marking the pattern piece provided. If I had to pick an issue with this one that was the step that gave me the most trouble. Only because I am picky and spent way too long placing the ruffles just so. I also omitted the button detail that they suggested for the center of the ruffles because I felt it took away from my dress. I put in the zipper closer in the back of this dress, but with it being knit I could have skipped that step. I would have if the fabric didn't have the nice weight and lay that is does. 

I was pleased with the finished look of this one, and other that the cloak, this dress has had the most attention of any of my other weeks. I can see myself doing this one again in other colors and fabrics, I think this pattern has a lot of diversity to it and could be one of those that looks so different depending on your fabric choice. Though, I do not anticipate sewing those sleeves anytime soon

Sewn up in all her glory

Week 11 Black and White Shirt Dress

What can I say, I LOVE a shirt dress. It has to be one of the most flattering dress styles out there, and this pattern does not disappoint. For week 11 I went with Simplicity 6833 size 12 bust 32 from 1966. I use a very thin stripe black and white cotton from Hobby Lobby and I like the Tim Burtonish feel it has. The dress fits like a modern size small, but would be very easy to re-size to fit just about anyone. This pattern had so many different variations. There are straight and full skirts, long and short sleeves, and pleats or no pleats on the bodice. Because the fabric was already so busy I decided to do the flat panel bodice, and (my favorite) a full skirt style. All views feature a collar, and I went with 3 because I liked the shorter sleeve and the cuff. 

View three and the striped fabric

My goodness this is an easy pattern. I found the instructions very clear and easy to follow. It is a very basic pattern if you choose one of the options with out the pleats. I cant imagine any issues that could arise with that option either unless there was some sort of misprint. I followed the instructions on all steps except for the front gap on the skirt and the neck lining in the back. I made the incision shorter than recommended by about 3 or 4 inches, and I think it made the skirt lay better. I also added a large hook and eye closer (not pictured) at the waist seam line and a snap on the skirt opening to help with gaping.  I feel like I could have even gone a bit father down with it, but it's fine where I stopped. 

Blue pin mark of the patterns guide
and bias taped opening of where I stopped.
Ignore the unfinished seam at the waist line.

The other change I made was the neck facing. I did the one on the front of the bodice because it was all one piece that was folded over to be the backing for the buttons and button holes, and you want to have plenty of support there. But, for the back I didn't think it was necessary. I did a bias tape binding on the collar so that would have just been added bulk to the neck seam, and could potential keep it from laying neatly. Also, it was just one extra step that I didn't see the point in.

Bias binding on neck 

Inside view of front bodice

I really liked this pattern. I love how great it came together, and the look of the finished dress. Its a great shirt dress pattern, and an easy enough one that I would recommend to just about anyone. I want to make this again with a less busy fabric so I can do the pleated version. 

One of my favorite patterns so far!

Week 10 THE CLOAK!!!

Oh My GOODNESS! I'm in love with this cloak. It is probably the most favorite thing I have ever made. Not just in this project, but of all the things I have EVER sewn. It turned out beautifully. If you ever come across this pattern GET IT. I Just love it so much.

Week 10 is McCall's 9550 size 9 bust 32 from 1968. Even though the pattern is sized at a 9, (which is the equivalent of a modern size xxs) I think it will fit up to a modern size med. The issue is the shoulder span, but other than that it's forgiving.  I sewed my to the size pattern listed, but this is one of those patterns that adjusting and sizing up or down would be incredibly easy to do. The only spot that the fit actually matters is in the shoulders. For the fabric I went with a cherry red wool blend coating that I ordered off fabric.com for the outer shell, and black and white gingham cotton for the lining.

pattern and outer shell fabric

I cut the pattern according to the instructions, but I added the liner because I liked having the contrasting colors. This pattern was so easy to make, but it called for a lot of fabric. I used 3 yards of the red and 3 yards of the gingham. As far as the assembling goes this couldn't be more straight forward. It was so easy to put together, even with my alterations. and the finished product turned out so great. I plan on making this again in other colors, cause its just too cute.

I love the bright cherry so much

view of contrasting fabric