Thought you lovely folks would appreciate the stack of vintage patterns I just thrifted for 10 cents each. I may have squealed in the store….
A sampling of my faves here, but check out the full blog post for all 20!
Author: HeatherLeeBea
Mostly self taught seamstress with attention to detail.
Likes to take on new and interesting projects to expand her knowledge/skills and keep things fresh.
Has worked for independent / regional theatre and private clients.
Loves to do research on projects.
Subscribes to the “make do and mend” philosophy – to repair or re-vamp if possible and give new life to existing items.
Fashion and function are equally important. If something isn’t comfortable or usable it’s not worth making.
Thinks that educating yourself and others on fashion history and proper fitting is important to making everyone look their best.
Uses mostly vintage sewing machines – they tend to keep up with me!
Loves her cordless iron!
Favorite fabrics are cottons and wool suiting.
There is a time and place for crepe back satin and it’s not for formal wear : )
1930s | Blouses | Skirts | Vintage Sewing
1934 EvaDress Frock as Separates
By HeatherLeeBea on May 30, 2014
Another 1930s re-pro pattern from EvaDress, I made these up a few months ago but finally got around to documenting them. I had started the blouse (not enough of the lovely rayon for a whole dress) ages ago, but the sleeve pleats got the better of me and then I got busy with other things. Once I’d figured them out though, I’m in love with the look.
As I had an occasion to wear it, I finished the blouse and made up the lower portion of the pattern in a similar green coloured mystery fabric I picked up second hand.
Cutting out the blouse and getting it to do what i wanted was a bit of a challenge. It’s a buttery rayon with lovely drape but frays terribly at the edges and slinks around when you try to sew it. I pinned it to within an inch of its life and took the time to hand baste as well as hand hem the bottom edge/ties, collar and sleeve edges. Time consuming but a nice neat finish.
Most people thought it was a dress when worn together, but I actually like that I can mix and match it. For another event I made a shorter black rayon skirt with side godets for dancing in.
I’ll definitely be making this up again with some strategic alterations. As always, do check out the full post on the blog.
~Heather
Another dance party, another excuse to make myself something the week of the event…
Made for another edition of the ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody‘ (all divas- all night) dance parties organized and DJ-ed by a fabulous local DJ duo.
I wanted to evoke a classic look with dramatic sleeves. The end result is heavily influenced by late 60s early 70s mini dresses, and is actually 2 separate pieces that can be otherwise worn with different outfits.
The underdress is made from some lovely stretch suiting similar to fabric I’ve used before. I love the fact that it has nice structure and weight but also a good amount of give – perfect for figure hugging garments that you can move in! Frankenpatterned fitted LBD.
For the chiffon overlay I used this 1970 blouse pattern as a starting point – extending the hem, exaggerating the sleeve blousing, negating the bust dart, and lowering the neckline to a shallow scoop shape.
To give the waist definition, I added ties at each side that form a bow at the back. I wanted initially to have the overlay drape more, but it proved unflattering on my curves.
I love that it was long sleeved but still pretty cool. The sheer sleeves let my arms breathe, I was pretty comfy all night and they were super fun to dance with.
More pics and details in the full post here.
p.s. Another blog post coming soon documenting my themed dance party ensembles!
~ Heather
In my attempt to keep up with recent goals of making things for myself and also using my vintage pattern stash, I chose this 1965 blouse pattern – View 4:
This was my first button backed top pattern. I like the idea, but honestly I’m not sure why this was so popular, as doing it up yourself is a little challenging – and that’s without wearing a girdle as most likely you would be in this era. I cannot imagine having to do up more than 4 buttons this way without a ladies’ maid.
The collar was of course very high and tight, so I lowered it in the front to make it more comfortable. I also took in the side seams a little to give the blouse some shape. It’s actually a pretty boxy design – ok if paired with a nipped waist skirt, but I wanted to be able to wear it untucked as well. The nice thing about making up new garments from vintage patterns is that I don’t feel guilty when making alterations! The nearly finished version of this blouse was relegated to the UFO pile for months awaiting a solution to the excessive ease issue that did not involve completely re-making it. See the ‘before’ pics on the original post here.
In the end, I ended up having to remove the collar tabs and most of the neckline facing. I took about an inch out of the centre front by way of pin tucks, which also help give it a nicer line. I also extended the back shoulder darts down to the waist to help pull it in a bit more. It’s still a little on the boxy side, and if I make it again I’ll be sure to grade the whole thing down from the start. It does improve the look to wear it with a skirt or high waist pants. In the meantime, I’m planning to try out some other quick tops for summer from the vintage pattern stash.
~Heather
1930s | Dresses | Introduction | Vintage Sewing
Hello, and a 1930s Wedding Dress
By HeatherLeeBea on April 18, 2014
Hello all,
The usual – long time lurker etc. I’ve been sewing for at least two thirds of my life and am a part-time seamstress for hire. I also work in the theatre industry as a Stage Manager and Props builder. I’ve recently been making things from my vintage pattern stock, some of which are posted on my blog, and others which will be soon!
I thought for my first post, I’d share a project that I completed in the fall for a good friend’s wedding. Since I’ve been on contract for the past few months, I’ve just recently been able to add it to my site. I’ve been getting into 1930s styles, and the bride is a long time fan of the era, so it was a perfect fit that we design her dress accordingly. As a prelude, I don’t normally do wedding dresses. I feel that there is a large pool out there and I’m only interested if it’s a special, personalized gown. My previous versions have included a light green dress, and a Sleepy Hollow themed wedding party.
I did lots of research on 30s gowns, and working with fabric on the bias. Here’s the finished gown on the bride – in the end, I could not get it onto my dress form as there were no fastenings. The bodice is entirely cut on the bias and fits her like a glove (a glove that fits obviously…).
The pattern was self drafted. Pearl beads accent the front and back neckline.
A train was attached with pearl beads also, which was removed for the reception (for dancing and sitting comfortably).
For more pics and nerdy sewing details, see the full post here.
More fun projects to come!
~ Heather
