Hello! My name is Emily and I am so pleased to be participating in this blog. The many talented seamstresses here on Sew Retro have been an inspiration to me for a long time.
I am finally fed up with shopping. My last 5 years of trips to clothing stores have yielded less than a handful of purchases and nothing I actually love. Clothes these days don’t fit me, they are expensive, and they are poorly made. I just don’t like them.
This, on the other hand:
Besides the fact that I just can’t relate to most modern clothing styles, I’m 5’1” tall, pear-shaped, and very short-waisted. And I’m 30-something. So, nothing fits and nothing looks right.
But this might change things:
All this fruitless shopping has brought me great inspiration to sew my own clothing. I’ve been sewing on and off since an early age, but consider myself no more than intermediate in terms of skill level. I’m finally getting the hang of fitting, but I’ve never lined a garment. I have installed zippers somewhat successfully. But I try and avoid them at all costs. I’m still learning which styles look good on me.
This, I’m thinking:
I’ve been sewing clothes from vintage patterns for the last few years. Because I’ve only more recently been learning fitting techniques, I’ve especially enjoyed making sleepwear, which doesn’t require such a precise fit. My favorite pajamas ever:
And, the last thing I made from a vintage pattern, a nightgown from the 40’s:
I have quite a large collection of vintage patterns and I am obsessed with vintage sewing machines and their attachments. Currently, I’m working on sewing a 1940’s dress pattern. I look forward to sharing the results with you soon.
Current project:
Thanks to the founders here for allowing me to participate. I look forward to sharing the new wardrobe that I’m planning on making for myself. Many, many dresses. Oh, and if you’d like, you can see more of my sewing and craft projects on my blog here.
More soon!
Emily
Hi Emily – welcome to sew retro! I love that night gown, I’ll have to track down that pattern as it’s exactly what I’m looking for 🙂 Can’t wait to see some more of your work!
Angela
I think there is a thread in the pattern review forums for pear shapes. http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/38707
You have to sign up if you aren’t already.
I an not pear but another thread for my body type was in there and I got a lot of good info. I hope you do as well!
Oh My Gosh! I think I’ve just fallen in love with 1940’s style sleepwear! Thank You!
“Clothes these days don’t fit me, they are expensive, and they are poorly made. I just don’t like them.”
Amen sister! Your 40s gown is beautiful! Can’t wait to see more of your creations!
That gown is very sweet!
Valerie,
Thanks so much for the link to the pear-shape pattern review thread! Awesome!
Hello, Everyone!
Emily
Welcome, Emily! Your nightgown is gorgeous! What a fantastic job!
I can’t wait to see the Simplicity 1668 when it’s finished. Are you doing the stripey one? That is really a terrific pattern. I’m going to have to try and find a copy. 🙂
You really captured the beauty of this Advance pattern. Love it. Absolutely beautiful.
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for the compliments.
I want to add that I highly recommend sewing anything like the 40’s nightgown I made. It was so easy to sew (no darts or fasteners), so lots of glamor for little effort. I’m thinking of making it again in the shorter length with sleeves as a day dress.
Casey,
Yes, I’m making the stripey version. I had to alter the shoulders a lot a LOT to take out the extra material for huuuge 40’s shoulder pads, so I thought it would be much easier to do with the simpler design. Also, the fabric is cut on the bias for the second style, and I’m finding that it’s a very flattering style for my hip situation. I have seen this pattern available several times since I bought it. I think it must have been a popular design.
Thanks for all your comments!