This was originally posted on my main blog site, but I know there are LJ people that might not visit that site.

Earlier this week, I was contacted by someone from www.fabric.com. For mentioning their site on the blog, they are giving my readers a $5 off coupon, valid until 2/19.

coupon code: blognewvintage

So, after 2 weeks of testing garments, I think I’ve come to a conclusion. I need to let go of the need to be “historically accurate”. Back when I was involved in historical reenactment, this was a HUGE deal for me. It has remained with me as I started to get into vintage clothing. However, after seeing all the various garments on me, I’ve come ( Read more... )

Today, I ordered my fabric! This feels like a huge step forward. I've been waiting to get paid before ordering and it felt like I was just treading water.

Here is my final choice for my print fabric. It has the same chocolate, blue and cream, but a more classic print.


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I've given up on the idea of a completely vintage SWAP. The reality is that sewing knits is so much faster and less stressful that a huge chunk of my SWAP will be jersey knit. I've decided to use Simplicity 3688 for my trouser and woven skirt pattern


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Here is my toile of Hollywood 932. This pattern is 12in smaller than my measurements, so it was a huge grading project. In addition to the straight grade, I also added a 1in FBA, 1in to the bicep and 3/4in in length above the waist. I think I need a little more room in the bicep. I'm just not happy with this. Anyone have any suggestions?


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I am considering doing a SWAP for summer of 2009. SWAP stands for Sewing With A Plan and usually consists of 6 tops, 4 bottoms and 1 jacket that all go together. A dress can be included if it can be worn with the jacket. There have been SWAP contests running for several years, on various websites. I think I'm too late enter this year's contests ( Read more... )

I've been tagged several times, but I've put it off, thinking I didn't have 25 interesting thing to say about myself ( Read more... )

So, despite my first couple of failed attempts at 30's fashions, I have bought a couple more. I did some research, evaluated both my figure and 30's fashion to try to figure out what will work with me. I recently got a copy of Everyday Fashions of the Thirties as Pictured in Sears catalogs. Normally, these books are pretty good, having several ( Read more... )

Today, we have Butterick 7439. According to http://www.cemetarian.com, this pattern was published in 1955. I'm not quite sure about this one. While I love the neckline and collar and the bodice fit without any adjustment, I think the skirt is too narrow. The brown flannel dress has an A- ( Read more... )

Today, we have yet another failure. This is Patt-o-rama 8304. Haven’t heard of Patt-o-rama before? Neither had I until I came across this one. Now, I see it everywhere. I LUV the neckline on this dress. Little details like that are what I like about vintage patterns. Also, it came in my size, which is a rarity in 50’s pattern.
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