Fall for Cotton Final Project

After a but of fussing with Simplicity 1590, it has been determined that this body does not do well with peplums. I switched over to New Look 6945. It is not a vintage pattern, but I think it is generic enough that with the correct fabric it can look good in a wardrobe from any decade. Pants are vintage reprint  Simplicity 3688.

I did an FBA, Moved the darts about 1" toward the middle, then changed them to princess seams, shortened the bodice by 3/4" and had to grade between different sizes to get it to fit properly. I also widened the back by 1".

Vintage Sweater Progress

So far I have finished the body and sleeves of my 1960's cardigan. I still have to sew the pieces together, make the button bands and finish the collar.

Fall for Cotton Inspiration

I am in love with the wide leg 1940's swing style trousers. I will use Simplicity 3688. I bought some milk chocolate colored 100% cotton twill at Jo-Ann's last week with my 60% off coupon. At that point it was only $4.00/yard!

I am also going to do Simplicity 1590 View A. I am using the pink, white and brown striped quilting cotton. I got it on sale for $1.85/yard. 

I already had both patterns in my stash so that worked out well!

Sunday Strategy 2/24/13

Last week recap:

1. Make my muslin for my Sew For Victory Dress.

• I got really far on my muslin and it fit really well. I decided to make it into an actual dress. I added a lining and some ric rac. I ran out before I was done so I have to pick up some more tomorrow so I can finish. 
2. Fitting adjustments made and transferred to pattern paper.
• Nothing much  to change. It fits really well. I might shorten the bodice at the waist 1/4 of an inch but I will decide that after wearing the dress for a day.
3. Choose fabric for my dress.
• I didn't get around to picking out my fabric. If my wearable muslin turns out as well as I think it will I don't have to pick out any more fabric anyway.

This week:

1. Finish up my wearable muslin for my Sew For Victory dress.
2. Finish putting trim on my Sweetheart Dress. I had this dress almost finished a few weeks ago. When I was putting the final strips of bias binding on the sleeves, it got all wrinkly and refused to lie flat. Turns out, the tape wasn't actually cut on the bias. I had to rip it all out. I got a new pack and should be able to finish in a few hours.

Sunday Strategy 2/17/13

Last week recap:

1. Find inspiration for the Sew For Victory Sew Along. I was originally just going to make the newly released Simplicity 1692. Then I saw all the Sew For Victory Inspiration posts popping up all over with glorious clothes. I think I want to try and make something a bit more exciting. If I have time and the inclination I can make the top too at a later time.
• Blogged here.
• Pinterest Sew for Victory Inspiration board here.
2. Start drafting up a pattern if I choose something that I don't have a pattern for. I really can't justify buying any new patterns and I have been reading a ton about pattern drafting lately. I should probably put that information to good use.
• Blogged here.

Next Week:

1. Make my muslin for my Sew For Victory Dress.
2. Fitting adjustments made and transferred to pattern paper.
3. Choose fabric for my dress.

       

Sew For Victory - Drafting the dress

I decided I would like to knock off the Du Barry 6542 pattern.

I have never made anything with a yoke so I will have to branch out a bit. I also have only made one dress where I use contrasting fabrics. I need to do more projects like this that help me move out of my comfort zone (aka rut.) I am not sure whether to make this from cotton or linen. I know that is not historically accurate since Nylon, Viscose and Rayon were the in thing. I love my cottons and linens not only for how they feel but also the amazing variety of prints available. I also think the cotton would be best to get the nice crisp pleats on the skirt.

I am not sure if I am going to do the yoke as 2 separate pieces (a bodice top and bottom) or just make a regular bodice front and then make an overlay for the yoke parts. I will try it one way on the muslin and if it doesn't work well I will try it the other way on the next go around.

I am using the new book I got for Christmas from my mother in law to help with drafting the pattern. It is called Practical Pattern Designing, originally published in 1947. I have a reprint from the 80's. It is a great resource filled with tons of useful information, diagrams and step by step instructions on how to recreate 1940's fashions from basic blocks.

This will be another dress for my 52 Dresses participation.

Sew for Victory Inspiration

Du Barry 5642 form the 1940's. I especially like the contrast yoke. I usually make everything with the same fabric for the whole project so I need to change it up a bit.

Image from etsy.com

 It seems that something similar to this would actually be a practical addition to my wardrobe.

Overalls image from SewCountryChick.com

This cute dress would be a great addition to my wardrobe. I think it would also be easy to draft. I like the button up back quite a lot. 

Image from http://filmfataleevents.blogspot.com

I absolutely love the gingham with the wide contrasting ric rac. Just adorable little feminine details. Image from http://www.liverpoolblitz70.co.uk/

To see more inspiration, visit my Pinterest board Sew For Victory Inspiration.