ShanniLoves – WeSewRetro.com

Work Chic

By ShanniLoves on November 20, 2013

I used retro Simplicity 2154 and Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing to create this classic outfit.

I used a beautiful floral charmeuse for the bow blouse. It has a side lapped zipper and a keyhole opening on the back neckline. Gertie’s pencil skirt is made from a cotton sateen. When I was assembling the skirt I noticed a line of discoloration running down the center of the fabric. I didn’t have any fabric to spare so to fix this I used a faux leather strap off an old handbag.

I also made a houndstooth jacket for the outfit which you can see on my blog.

9 Comments

1970s | Dresses | Vintage Sewing

Vintage McCall’s 2282~A Timeless Classic

By ShanniLoves on October 23, 2013

To recreate a shirt dress I’ve oogled on Pinterest I used McCall’s 2282 printed in 1970. I used a Donna Karan cotton from Mood that is super soft and comfortable to wear. This dress is perfect for the changing temps. In the Fall I can wear it with a chunky scarf and boots and in the Spring a statement necklace and flats. See how I modified the pattern and check out more pics on my blog.

6 Comments

Dresses | Vintage Sewing

The Emery Dress by Christine Haynes

By ShanniLoves on September 14, 2013

I’m so excited to be able to show you the new pattern by Christine Haynes, The Emery Dress. This vintage inspired beauty paired very well with my retro floral cotton sateen from Mood. I had been saving it for over a year for the perfect pattern and I believe I found it, don’t ya think?

I made absolutely no alterations to this dress. It all fit perfectly right out of the envelope. You can read all the construction details and more on my blog and while your there enter my giveaway for a chance to win this beauty. This dress is also available for pre order on Christine’s website. Get yours now so you can join Christine’s sew along in October!

8 Comments

Swimwear / Sunwear | Vintage Sewing

A Cherry Bomb

By ShanniLoves on July 14, 2013

Last summer I spotted the cutest vintage/retro cherry print swimsuit. I held off on buying it because I didn’t want to spend the $90. I’m so glad I did because I was able to make an almost exact copy using the Bombshell Swimsuit pattern by Closet Case Files.

RTW suit source: http://www.unique-vintage.com/best-seller-vintage-inspired-swimsuit-black-cherry-print-piece-p-9402.html

This pattern is just that, the bomb! I love everything about it. It’s so flattering and still covers without being frumpy. I still can’t believe how easy it was to make a swimsuit. If your considering making your own stop all the if, ands, and buts and buy this pattern. It’s a dream.

See how happy I am!? You’ll be that happy too, promise! Check out my blog post for more pics and construction details.

13 Comments

1970s | Dresses | Mad Men Inspired | Vintage Sewing

Vintage Simplicity 8722 – My Mad Men Inspiration dress

By ShanniLoves on April 21, 2013

For Julia Bobbin’s Mad Men Challenge I used vintage Simplicity 8722. My inspiration was a dress Megan wore in Season 5.

I’m quite pleased with the way it turned out. I used some type of cotton blend (it has a slight stretch) from Joann’s. I decided to omit the sleeves. My favorite detail of course is the keyhole opening!

If you would like to see more details/pictures of the dress and read my funny take on Mad Men visit my blog here.

5 Comments

1940s | Pants / Trousers | Vintage Sewing

Retro Simplicity 4044

By ShanniLoves on February 24, 2013

I used retro Simplicity 4044 pattern to create these 1940’s style pants. The fabric is a wool suiting. I absolutely adore the front pleats. The construction was fairly simple with only 4 pieces and can be completed in a day. If you love 40’s style I highly recommend this pattern. The only alterations I made were to reduce the width a bit by bringing in the inseam a half inch on each side. Read all about them on my blog!

6 Comments

Blouses | Vintage Sewing

Gertie’s Portrait Blouse

By ShanniLoves on January 21, 2013

I wanted to share Gertie’s Portrait Blouse from her book Gertie’s New Book For Better Sewing. I can’t stress enough how awesome this book is! Tons of vintage patterns and techniques. Run out and get it now!!

I found this fabric on clearance at JoAnn Fabrics and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. I think it goes with this pattern pretty well. The blouse has bust darts, front and back tucks and a handpicked lapped zipper. Let’s not kid here, I’m lazy and used a invisible zipper instead.

You can see more pics and read all the details on my blog post.

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