Yay! I WON! ...6 patterns from "Patterns From the Past"

Thanks to the awesomely generous Michelle Lee, owner of "Patterns from the Past" (oldpatterns.com), I was the lucky recipient of a prize consisting of 6 patterns from her awesome website. They arrived in my mailbox today. (extremely quick shipping and in great shape!) THANK YOU Michelle. I won these as the 2nd place prize in patternreview's "pattern stash" contest. Well, I actually DIDN'T win the contest. I came in 2nd place, having sewn 28 patterns. The contest was set up so that the second place PRIZE (of $50 worth of patterns) be awarded by random drawing. But the winner of that drawing (a very generous seamstress named Jan...Thank you Jan!!), told the organizers to give the prize to me, since I sewed more patterns. In the end, we decided to split the prize, so we each had the fun of browsing through a huge selection of wonderful vintage patterns.

The ones I chose are very "modern" compared to many of the truly "vintage" patterns that Michelle has. Patterns from the Past resells vintage, retro and costume sewing patterns. They carry all kinds of out-of-print patterns, from the 1920s to the present. They also have older knitting, crochet, and tatting books. These are the original items, not reproductions.  I'd highly recommend you take a look at her site.

So here's what I chose:
The two stylish Vogue skirts in the first pic. I LOVE those gussets on the first one and the pocket seams on the second).

And this cute little faux wrap skirt...

 Two floaty, drapey tops

and last but not least, I fell in love with Skeeter Skater. (I used to skate in a Precision Skating Line so I had to have this lil guy)

Thanks again, Michelle and Jan. You both made my day!

I need help!! ... deciding on pattern and how to finish long edges of camel coat.

I'm debating between 3 McCalls patterns: 3448, 5987, 6209 to make a drapey, floaty coat out of this camel colored fleece. I'm looking for opinions... And ideas on how to clean finish the long front edge and hem of this polar fleece. (I've not made something like this before...)


Looking on pattern review, I'm leaning toward 5987, a pattern that's been made up beautifully by several gals:

Cozy winter white by Meg

Sharon's in a camel color. On her blog sharonsews.blogspot.com she includes a great tip on how to make a mitered corner by stitching on the diagonal. And she shows various ways of wearing this versatile coat.

Chic Black Wool by Nancy

Fresh, pretty green wool by Annie

Gray polar fleece by Claire, who uses a beautiful finish she calls a "Greek stitch", which I've not seen before, but it surely looks lovely.

I'd sure appreciate help in deciding on the pattern and how to finish the edges. I assume this beautiful greek stitch requires a more modern machine than I have???

Simplicity 9513 lengthened into a long cozy dressing gown

 I just finished this floor length dressing gown for a Christmas gift for my bf's mother.

Since I didn't have any sort of nightgown pattern, I used Simplicity 9513 View E, lengthened to 56 1/2 inches and with modifications.

The last time we visited my bf's sweet mother, she asked if I would mend her favorite dressing gown. She said it's her favorite gown, as she likes to be warm and cozy drinking her coffee in the morning. So I took her existing gown home (the red one below) to mend, and then had a template for her exact sizing.

 I copied the sizing and the styling of her fav, with a standup collar, side seam pockets, a front zip that stopped 7 inches below the front neckline, adding a ribbon tie at the neck. I used a leopard print polar fleece.

 

It's long and warm and cozy.

I hope she likes it.

Handsewn Christmas Carolers

I'm filled with nostalgia every time I bring out these carolers that I made so many Christmases ago. I lost the pattern long ago and internet searches came up empty-handed. (If any of you have the pattern, or come across it, please let me know). These little guys (and my mom's manger scene) are the only Christmas decorations that made the cut list of things to tote down here to Florida now that I spend Christmases here.





Several of the fabrics came from leftover scraps from garments I had made, so the little carolers bring back memories that way too. All the carolers are simple dolls made of tubes for arms and legs, rectangles for body, and a rounded shape for the head with handpainted faces and yarn hair. They are supported by wooden dowels.

1. The little boy sports a hat and matching sweater that match a cardigan I made out of a sweater knit. His dark gray wool pants match a skirt I used to have, and block cuffs that match a coat.

2. The little girl's brown tweed skirt matches one I used to have. She wears a black velvet coat. Her violin is a Christmas ornament and her brooch is a button.

3. Papa in his full head of black hair wears a dark gray coat with a sewn-on cape and a black wool top hat, light gray pants and a bright red felt scarf.

 4. Momma in her golden curly hair (that matches her daughter) is decked out in a burgandy herringbone skirt (that matches one of mine of course), a green velvet cape coat, a lacey jabot at the neck, a button brooch and pearl earrings.

I love Christmas caroling, and have thought how fun it would be to dress in Victorian costume. I lead a bedside singing group at Suncoast Hospice here in Pinellas County. We sing through-out the year for bedridden hospice patients. Over the holidays, we carol at various facilities. Tonight we'll be sharing holiday songs at Brookside Hospice in Palm Harbor.

So... from me and my little family of carolers, I wish to all of you a Very Merry Christmas and the Happiest, healthiest, Sewingest year ahead.

p.s. and oh yes ... What handmade item are YOU nostalic about???

What's the OLDEST handsewn item that you still have?

For those of us over a certain age (ahem), there are things we made back in the days before blogs and digital cameras, that are now long gone from this world, things we have no record of. It's kinda sad.

But some things persist. I'm delighted to report that I still have a down vest that I made ... how long has it been? ... over 30 years ago at least. It's a vest that I just LOVE and I wear FREQUENTLY in the chilly weather. Especially now with our Florida weather being so unseasonably cold. Tonight they're predicting a hard freeze. We pulled in all the potted plants and will cover some of the more fragile shrubs with blankets tonight. (The bananas are always the first to freeze, ... there's no saving them, but they never die totally ... they get all brown and crispy, but then just as quickly, they spring back with new green growth).

Here it is... my Frostline Kit down vest.  Do you remember Frostline kits?

I asked Mr. Summer Gypsy to take my photo in front of the ONE evergreen in our yard, a lovely Norfolk Island Pine... so it would look a bit like Christmas...

This vest is one of my favorite things of all time. It's so ultra lightweight and so warm. (I made it back when I lived in Minnesota and it saw many a winter under bulky ski jackets on really cold days, and as an outer garments over a sweatshirt on chilly fall days. The pockets are two-way... from the side: nice and warm for your hands, and from the top under the flap: for stowing treasures.

The kit included a label, with size and care instructions that you were to sew in ... which I dutifully did.

It's been so cold in the house these past few mornings, that I've been wearing my trusty down vest while I sew. (Daisy is begging for something amazed by whatever it is she things I'm doing). She makes me think of the slogan I love:

"May I be the kind of person my dog things I am." 

 So, I hope you're all are keeping warm and cozy on these blustery cold days. And I wish you all a peaceful and happy and wonderful holiday season.

(By the way, this vest doesn't hold the record for my "oldest" handsewn item ... that would have to be the tattered patchwork quilt I made as an 8 or 9 year old at my grandma's house. She showed my how to cut the patches from a cardboard template, and then she BRAVELY showed me how to use her sewing machine. I'm sure she was cringing, sure I would sew my finger ... But I didn't, and instead developed a life-long love of sewing.)

What's your OLDEST handmade item? ... either something YOU made yourself or maybe something made by someone else ... aren't they the most special?

Bamboo Wrap Skirt: Self-Drafted Pattern

I made this over a year ago with no pattern and I like how it turned out as far as a wrap skirt is concerned. I thought I'd review it to explain the "how to" to anyone interested. You don't need an official pattern for a wrap skirt. I actually have 3 wrap skirt patterns. They all put darts at the waist and all have side seams. When I was contemplating using a pattern, I just wrapped the fabric around my waist, and say, "Heck, this will work fine.". I find I don't need darts or side seams for this style worn down on my hips (2 inches below waist). (there's no curve there to dart around about).

Another reason I'm reviewing this is because I'm saying goodbye to this skirt. I'm going to be taking the scissors to it. It's going to become a pencil skirt.

Why? Because as much as I like the Polynesian look of a wrap skirt, I have two complaints about them in general (for my lifestyle).

(1) I'm in a marimba band, .JambaMarimba.com and when I wore this for a gig, the skirt wanted to flap open and show too much. So I think I'd do better with a faux wrap that is REALLY closed underneath.

(2) I'm no longer fond of wearing my blouses "tucked into" my skirts, and when I wear this with a slim fitting top OVER my skirt, the knot makes for a big bump at the side waist. I'd rather have a smooth tummy area.

Review for patternreview.com
Pattern Description: Self-drafted wrap skirt

Full flattened view of skirt wide open



Side view showing ties untied.



How to Sew:

This photo shows the skirt folded in half.

It is a simple rectangle with two ties added on. The tie on the front part is 5 inches below the "waistband". That allows you to fold under 5 inches of "skirt" thus making the front part of the wrap a little shorter than the back, so it looks drapy. The back added tie is very long (so photo) and it is attached 2 inches below the waistband, so that skirt part is also folded under. When you tie it tight, the waistband stays in place fine... my only complaint, as I said is ALL WRAP skirts flap open and have a bump where the tie is.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might do this again with another piece of fabric. And I'd recommend it if you like the look of a wrap skirt, especially, eg. over a bathing suit. ... or if you like your top "tucked in" to your skirt.

Conclusion: Goodbye wrap skirt ... and hello something new. ... Stay tuned

Simplicity 4207: Hawaiian Shirt for WW

I asked my bf to pose with his new Hawaiian shirt and here's what I get:



I ask: Why are you sticking your arms out like that.

He says: I thought you wanted to see what it looked like.

I say: How bout posing like model?

Here's his version of the pondering model, (I guess it is).



Finally, as he walks away, I grab the winning shot (at the top of the page).

Review for patternreview.comPattern Description: Men and boys shirts (raglan t-shirt and camp shirt) and shorts.

Pattern Sizing:Men's S,M,L,XL. I measured SEVEN of his other shirts (He must have TWENTY Hawaiian shirts in L and XL), to see what size he prefers the fit of. In RTW, he likes XL... L is snug across the back and shorter than he likes. In this pattern, that equated to Size L. I made it 34 inches long (pattern is 32). This is the longest shirt he now owns ... maybe I'll shorten it. Not sure.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 100% RTW look with yoke and pleats in back. Nice fit.

Fabric Used: Gorgeous rayon challis bird of paradise print.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Lengthened 2 inches (not necessary in the end... it's plenty long as is),

I hand slipstitched the inner collar facing to tidy it up inside. (The pattern says to machine stitch, since that line of stitching will be hidden on the outside under the back collar, but I didn't want to risk it being in the wrong place... plus I LIKE a little hand sewing on a project). They have you hand sew the yoke facing down, which looks real nice.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? YES and YES. I will do ALL his future shirts with this pattern. It's a TNT. No sense hassling with learning another one, since this one turned out so nice.

Conclusion: I love this pattern. Super easy. I'd highly recommend it to anyone... a new TNT

Simplicity 2642: Flutter sleeve top

Pattern Description: Dresses. I made view B loose dolman sleeve bodice.

Pattern Sizing: 14-22, I made 14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sort of, but I made changes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. And it was a very easy pattern to sew.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the dolman sleeve and the fact that the empire waist sits lower than many patterns, low enough that I didn't have to do a lower bust adjustment. I did not like the gathered skirt, fearful of a maternity look, so I changed that.

Fabric Used: Poly knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

1. I lengthened the sleeve 2 inches than shaped them to be fluttery instead of boxy. I like where the sleeve hits my arm right above the elbow.

2. I shortened the dress to be a 27 inch tunic, a good length, I think (but I'm not sure about tunics yet???).

3. I eliminated the pockets on the skirt. Who wants pockets making more bumps on the front tummy?

4. For the skirt, the pattern uses 3 identical pattern pieces (called front/back) all sewn together and gathered to become the skirt. You then make a casing at the waist and insert elastic. I skipped the elastic and used just 2 pieces (one for front and one for back), widened a little and no gathers. I wanted a straight skirt, so it wouldn't have a maternity feel, which I think turned out looking NON-maternity. (I'm just now venturing into the world of tunic length, not sure how to wear them, and found this length and style to be a good start for me.)

Side View shows it does NOT look maternity.



5. I added a narrow tie in the back, replicating a look I'd seen in RTW. I like how this cinches the waist without having to sew a tight waist.

Back view shows tie in back.



6. The pattern recommends wovens, so their way to do the neckline makes sense. But I used a drapy knit so did it differently. The pattern has you use bias tape, stitched in a 3/8 inch seam, then top stitched. Instead, I extended each front piece 1 1/2 inch for a self facing. I serged the edge and just turned it under that 1 1/2 inches. It stays nicely turned under resulting in a softer drapy-er edge with the knit than the harshness of topstitching.

Style advice??? I'm new to tunics, so a bit insecure. I used to think they only looked good on Size Zero models with stick legs. What do you all think? What length should they be? Width? And does this look NON-maternity?

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I like the dolman sleeve and the waistline. And yes, I'd recommend it. (And in soft enough fabrics, the gathers would also work, as other's reviews have shown). I also like the reviews I've seen of the other view (halter top) that I'd like to try.

Conclusions: It's a very flattering, comfortably loose, and super easy pattern I'd highly recommend.

Butterick 3662: Blue Coolmax Wrap top

Another Wrap Top...

Review for patternreview.com

Pattern Description: Cross front top with pencil skirt. Recommended for stretch velvet, panne velvet, matte jersey. I made the top with a slinky cool max knit which wasn't the best choice.



Pattern Sizing: I made the 14 per my full bust measurement, then took in the front and back bodice at shoulder and armhole edge by 3/8 inch.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the cross over top and if I'd used the recommended fabrics, would probably have been delighted. With my stretchy knit, I disliked:

1. The pattern used a front facing with interfacing and understitching ... not a good method for slinky knits.

2. No need for a zipper.

3. The darts, which would be nice with a sturdy fabric look bad with my knit.



The back view which I am NOT proud of. I don't know what's wrong. Too tight? I might try to remove the darts but fear there will be noticeable holes.



Fabric Used: Coolmax knit. Feels wonderful. It's the fabric used for running and aerobic clothes. I happened upon 2 1/2 yards of it a thrift store.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. No zipper.
2. I used a band on the long fronts instead of the facing, a technique I used on this other top: Simplicity 4095 which I LOVE everything about: the detail gathers, the long band front and how it doesn't gape at all, the fit and the drape. If it weren't for the pattern stash contest, I probably would have cut that same pattern again, (and wish I had... in the end, it looks so much nicer than this finished item)

but again.... I can't blame the pattern. My knit is too slinky.

Another thing I liked about Simplicity 4095. It hems the two front pieces separately, leaving the forward front draping over the back front, which looks nicer and hangs nicer than this pattern, which has you hem the two fronts together. With a sturdy fabric, that would work, but with a droopy, drapey fabric, the forward front wanted to droop more than the back front and made an unsightly fold just above the hem. I cut off the first attempt at hemming, tightened up the forward front and re-hemmed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't think so. And if you have it in your stash, go for it, but with a sturdy fabric.