Author: Nat

I've been sewing since the beginning of 2017 and loving the learning process. My favorite patterns are from the 1950-1960s and can be incorporated into a practical wearable stylish modern outfit. My fashion role models are Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, Grace Kelly and Brigitte Bardot.
1950s | Blouses | Buttons | Pants / Trousers | Shirts | Vintage Sewing

Vogue 7331 Shirt and McCall’s 4022 Jean Shorts

By on July 6, 2018

 

I finished my jean shorts, and a button down shirt to go with it using 1950s vintage sewing patterns; Vogue 7331 and McCall’s 4022. These are really practical and wearable, I’ve already worn the shorts a hand full of times.

My shirt is made from a swallow print navy cotton fabric with black buttons. I’m pretty happy with the way this turned out, this was my first attempt at making a shirt, the instructions for this were really basic although YouTube videos were helpful in how to construct a shirt.

 

 

These are my second pair of shorts made from McCall’s 4022 and I see making more from this pattern. I love them – the pockets are huge! They’ve really comfy in a blue denim. I also had a go at top stitching at the pockets and around the waistband – it could be neater but it really adds a pretty detail.

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1950s | Introduction | Pants / Trousers | Vintage Sewing

Intro and 1950s shorts

By on June 8, 2018

Hi Everyone! I’m Natalie and I live in the UK, I’ve been learning to sew for just over a year now. I’ve been an avid reader of this blog for some months and have found this to be truly inspiring to give using vintage patterns a go. I’m so glad to share my first project using a vintage pattern, hopefully the first of many projects.

I fell in love with McCall’s 4022 shorts pattern from 1957. It just looks so Audrey Hepburn. And for a quid at the local charity shop was an absolute bargain. I wasn’t originally planning to make them up but I’m glad I did, these fit so much better than ready to wear and weren’t as difficult as I imagined. I made the shorts up to wear for a walking holiday as the weather has turned surprisingly really warm here.

I only made some basic adjustments to the pattern. Luckily this was the correct hip measurement, but the waist needed to be enlarged, and a section removed from the back and front to shorten the crotch. Though if I make them again, I plan to remove even more from the crotch length in the front. On the whole, I’m really happy with the way these turned out and they are super comfy, as well as being wearably retro; though it’s a bit strange only having a pocket on the left side!

I feel my shorts did end up looking like the pattern envelop and I love the buttoned tabs on the sides.  I plan to make this up again in a blue denim – I think they would be versatile.

Nat x

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