Handmade Jane – WeSewRetro.com

Vintage raincoat

By Handmade Jane on February 7, 2014

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

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A vintage outfit from Butterick 5895

By Handmade Jane on August 4, 2013

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

6 Comments

1950s | Blouses

Floral Betty Top

By Handmade Jane on June 24, 2013

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

9 Comments

1950s | Blouses

1950’s sleeveless top revisited

By Handmade Jane on May 10, 2013

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

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1940s | Dresses | Vintage Sewing

Sew for Victory Dress: Du Barry 5384

By Handmade Jane on March 19, 2013

This is my finished Sew for Victory dress which I’m SSOO pleased with!

The pattern I used was Du Barry 5384 from 1942, which was an absolute pleasure to sew. For fabric I used a charcoal grey lawn-like polka dot and underlined the whole dress with white silk cotton. The only changes I made were to shorten the hem by about two inches and to replace the side zip with a long, central back zip (I hate side zips, it’s just a personal gripe of mine!).

Not much more to add except I love, love, love it! More photos and construction details can be found on my blog: Handmade Jane. x

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1950s | Blouses

Butterick 9206 bow blouse

By Handmade Jane on March 8, 2013

This is my version of vintage Butterick 9206 – a tie or bow-necked blouse pattern from the 1950’s.

I used a very drapey fabric with a tiny gingham print and it was pretty easy to sew after I’d graded it down a size.

It’s turned out a little less obviously vintage looking than I was hoping – I think the drapey fabric gives it a more modern edge. But that’s fine, it means I can pair it with lots of items my wardrobe: denim capris, wide legged trousers or even shorts for the summer. More photos and chat on my blog – Handmade Jane. x

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1950s | Dresses

Ruby Wiggle Dress

By Handmade Jane on December 16, 2012

This is the Ruby dress, made from a fitted wiggle dress pattern from Eliza M’s Vintage Style Patterns. As the name suggests, the patterns all take their influences from vintage designs and, like vintage patterns, you choose them according to your size rather than having one multi-sized pattern. I used a polka dot stretch cotton, which is the perfect fabric for this style of 1950’s dress as it pulls you in and flatters the figure. I dispensed with facings and chose to fully line the dress instead – I’m glad i did as it not only looks neater but the extra slinky layer makes getting the dress on and off a lot easier!

I’m pleased with the final dress and as it’s sleeveless, I can see it being worn all year round. I just have to practice walking in it now – as the name suggests, it really does make you wiggle instead of walk!

More construction details and photos can be found on my blog, Handmade Jane. x

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