This is a raincoat I made using a vintage Simplicity pattern (5928) from 1973.
The pattern isn’t specifically for a raincoat – it’s for a tailored coat – but I liked the shape so much I adapted it for my purposes. The coat has some lovely features such as princess seams and in-seam pockets, and has a great flounce about it because of the exaggerated A-line shape.
I shortened it by 4 inches (I’m short and wanted it to be knee length) and had to change the sleeves from two piece to one piece as I just couldn’t get them to set in properly. I used a coated navy waterproof fabric for the main coat and a red floral vintage satin for the lining. It did take me a while to finish it and there were a few hiccups along the way, but the results are worth it – I love it and I’m sure this will be getting a LOT of wear in the rainy UK! More construction details and photos can be found on my blog -
Handmade Jane. x
Tagged as:
1970s,
Raincoat,
Simplicity 5928
This is the second garment I’ve made using Butterick B5895 – one of the vintage styled Patterns by Gertie range. I’d previously made a pair of stretch denim Capris from the pattern and planned on making a gingham tie front blouse to match. Then I saw Bea’s beautiful combo on WeSewRetro and my mind was made up!
This is a fifties-style tie front blouse with kimono sleeves and some lovely details such as French darts and a cross over collar at the back. Extra shape is given to the bodice by the tie front which clinches in the waist and immediately gives you a more fitted appearance. It’s also a lovely, cool style to wear in hot weather.
I lengthened the pattern by one inch as it’s quite a cropped style. It’s still pretty short, but with a high waisted bottom half, this shouldn’t really present a problem. In fact the stretch denim capris I made from the same pattern are a perfect match! I think this is a pattern I’ll be returning to again, I’d love to make this blouse using a bright, tropical print!
More construction details and pictures can be found on my blog –
Handmade Jane. Thanks for reading! x
Tagged as:
1950's blouse,
Butterick 5895,
capri pants
This is yet another version of Simplicity 4238 – a sleeveless blouse pattern from the 1950′s.
I made it after seeing this recent picture of Betty Draper and deciding I wanted one exactly the same!
As well as an almost identical vintage pattern, I also had the perfect fabric in my stash – a metre of Liberty Tana lawn. My fabric has a bit more red and blue in it and perhaps not as much green and yellow, but it’s a pretty good match.
I’ve made this pattern before, here and here, so it was a quick, easy make. It seems to go with everything so I think it will be getting a lot of wear this summer! There are more construction details and photos on my blog – Handmade Jane. Thanks for reading! x
Tagged as:
1950's blouse,
1950s,
Simplicity 4238
I made my first version of this 1950′s sleeveless top almost exactly two years ago and even though it’s far from perfect I love it to death – it’s one of my most worn handmade items. So when I was wondering what to do with a remnant of navy stretch polka dot fabric, I knew exactly how it could be put to good use. I would make another sleeveless top from the same pattern (vintage Simplicity 4238).
The fabric is awesome. It’s got a slight stretch to it which is perfect for fitted garments as it yanks you in. And because it’s medium weight and holds its shape pretty well, I didn’t have to bother with interfacing. I was pretty inexperienced in sewing with vintage patterns when I made my first version, so it was good to be able to come back to the pattern with a bit more experience under my belt. Instructions that made no sense whatsoever two years ago, suddenly became crystal clear. I still really like the pattern details too, lots of strategically placed darts (12 in total) which give a great 1950′s shape.
Verdict? Love it! More details and pictures on my blog – Handmade Jane. Thanks for reading. x
Tagged as:
1950's blouse,
1950s,
Simplicity 4238
