Butterick 9405

While I was staying at my parents' house for the holidays I started making Butterick 9405, a blouse pattern from 1959. I made View C (top right) which has a tie in the front. The fabric I used was a floral patterned sheet I got from the op-shop for $1. Because I've never made a blouse before I didn't want to spend money on fabric and risk ruining it. Luckily I had Mum to help me with the collar and button holes because I have never done either before. I'm pretty pleased with my first attempt at a blouse even if it's not perfect.

The tie at the front. It loops over rather than ties in a bow.


I used some vintage buttons my Mum gave me.

New Year, New Dress

One of my New Year's resolutions is to finish all the sewing projects that I have started and then abandoned. I cut out the fabric for Butterick 4919, one of the retro '52 reprints, over 6 months ago but gave up on it after having trouble figuring out the bodice. The bodice has no side seams and closes at the back with hooks and eyes, over which goes a zip and then there is also two ties that wrap around the front. It's confusing. I'm terrible at following pattern instructions, so when I couldn't work out how to sew the bodice to the skirt I just abandoned it.

Finally (with my Mum's help) I got around to finishing it when I went to my parents' house for the holidays.


The neckline was too low-cut and not at all flattering on me so I added a bow. I used two different coloured gingham fabrics because I didn't realise the pink fabric was only 100cm wide rather than the standard 120cm and I ran out of it. When I went back to get more all the pink was sold out, so I got the blue. The fabrics look strange in the photos but are actually nicer and brighter in person.

Twirling

Op-shopping kismet

Another day, another dollar (or ten) spent. I go op-shopping way too much but I justify it to myself by only spending about ten dollars each time I go. This week I spent my money on 2 pairs of shoes, 4 pairs of stockings and also some cardigans.

I was wearing the seamed stockings above while my friend and I were shopping and one of the ladies at the Sallies told me she hadn't seen anyone wearing stockings like that for years. She also said that during the war they used to get so excited when they got a new pair of silk stockings. I love having these kinds of conversations. Quite often my stockings elicit comments from sweet old ladies like this.
As we were about to leave I looked in a drawer and found the bag below. I thought they were just odd stockings rather than pairs because they were all different colours but I got them anyway (for $1).



When I got home I discovered that there were 4 pairs of fully fashioned seamed stockings. I was so excited to find vintage seamed stockings and for only $1 as well.

Another Dress

Here is another dress I bought recently on my dress buying spree. Contrary to the expression on my face I am not the least bit miserable about my new vintage purchase. It has the cutest bow under the bust and covered buttons on the bodice. There's also a built-in crinoline made of stiff cotton to make the skirt look fuller. I think it will be perfect to wear on Christmas day.

Two for one

After my exams finished I went on a bit of a dress buying binge. When I got home today this blue, lace 60's dress was waiting for me. I'm so glad it fits. I'm not usually into 60's clothes but I love this dress.


I also got this black wiggle style dress. It has a little bow under the bust and the fabric has a faint rose print. It only cost $5.50. I wish the weather was cooler so I could wear it all the time. Now I'm going to go eat some chocolate macarons and watch the rest of Cabaret.

Nautical Fashion

I love vintage sailor style clothing so I thought a sailor collar would be ideal for summer. There's lots of tutorials on the internet on how to make them (for costumes) but after looking at a few I figured I could draft my own pattern. I used some fabric I had left over from something else and some bias binding that my Mum had given me.

It didn't take long to make and was really simple. I first tried it on with a full skirted dress but I felt a bit too much like Sailor Moon so instead paired it with some men's trousers and a white shirt. I think I will be wearing it lots with t-shirts this summer.

You've got mail

Like everyone, I'm sure, I love getting things in the mail. Today I received the blouse in the post that I had bought off Trademe. It's perfect for summer; lovely, sheer cotton. Of course I had to put it on straight away. I paired it with one of my favourite skirts. I love it because it's got pockets. They're so useful. Mail, a new blouse and skirts with pockets are enough to make my day perfect.