1959 Ticking Apron Pattern

Today I traced off this 1959 Apron pattern, Simplicity 3206. I'm going to make View 2 almost exactly like the pattern drawing. I have some ticking fabric in my stash from years ago; some light-weight denim and I bought the jumbo red rick-rack.

I had to size up the pattern from a Large (38-40) to an XXL (46-48) which is my size, plus I'll have to lengthen it somewhat.

1946 Lavender Flannel Shirt

Yesterday I cut out my winter flannel shirt finally. I bought the fabric a few years ago, so of course, I don't remember where it came from. It's a lovely double-brushed lavender cotton flannel and I'm hoping to make it into this:



I traced the original pattern and sized up to my normal size, plus lengthened the body and the sleeve, increased the shoulder and back width, and did a Full-Bust Adjustment. The pattern calls for shoulder pads, but I won't be using them - I have very broad shoulders as it is and don't need the football player look. (The 80's were fashion hell for me.)

No More Lycra for Me!

I'm giving up stretch fabrics. They're not vintage anyway. But I just discovered that "Lycra" is manufactured by one of the companies owned by the infamous Koch brothers. Yech!

Sewing Shop Disappoints

Yesterday I ordered 3 new presser feet for my new Pfaff sewing machine from sources online: 4.5mm Flat Felling Foot, 6.5mm Flat Felling Foot, and Edge Stitcher Foot; and 30 new bobbins. The sewing shop where I bought my machine didn't have my bobbins in stock. Yuck!

I'm very adamant about doing business with my neighborhood shops, but really! not to find a standard item when mostly what they sell is sewing machines and accessories is maddening.

Also I worked on my sister's Halloween apron. As you may have guessed it's a present that's a little late. Actually, it was supposed to be for her birthday (it's near Halloween and that's her favorite holiday) in 2009!

The pattern is Advance 4604 from circa 1947 and the fabric:

This Came Yesterday

I have been purchasing vintage patterns on ebay for a few years now. This year I'm trying to limit myself to buying specific patterns I've been searching for, and this is one of them. I've been looking for this for a while now, and to find it in close to my size - yippee!

It's Butterick 6833 from circa 1954, which is one of My Favorite Year 's. Some years the fashions just seem to shine and '54 was a great one.

Start somewhere

I'm starting this blog to keep track of my sewing adventures. I need to work on fitting, construction techniques, and updating my general sewing knowledge. I started sewing doll clothes when I was five years old mostly by hand until my mother showed me how to use her White console sewing machine when I was eight or nine.

I love fine fabrics, vintage patterns and couture techniques, but also need to produce sturdy clothes I can wear casually. My favorite vintage periods are Edwardian, and the 30's through the early 60's. I buy lots of reference books because that's how I learn best.

I can't work on one project at a time; have to have lots of irons in the fire. I'm currently working on a long-sleeved white blouse (modern); a chambray apron (vintage); a Halloween apron for my sister (vintage); an A-line skirt (Loes Hins); flannel shirt (vintage); flannel PJ's (vintage); a ticking stripe cover-all apron (vintage) and a lavender jacquard rayon blouse (vintage reproduction).

I stash fabrics like nobody's business; have some that go back to the 80's, but part of the reason for this blog is to use up some of these materials and actually get something to wear in the bargain.