In which I make things complicated for myself

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that I was in the middle of sewing something complicated. I finally finished it. Butterick 8459 itself is probably not that difficult but the one I have is missing the instructions and the pattern piece for the collar has half of it ripped off. This meant I had to re-draft the collar piece before even beginning. I am usually terrible at following instructions but the diagrams are always handy. It took me awhile to figure everything out but I got there in the end.

For my version I used the bodice of View A and the skirt of View B because I wanted sleeves. I also cheated a bit. The buttons on the front are purely decorative. The bodice closes with four snaps.

I'm pretty pleased with the result, although I don't really like the drape of the fabric.

(Please excuse the wonky seams on my stockings).

Things are not always as they seem

I have a habit of buying beautiful things that are completely unwearable. I feel like I am saving pieces of history that would otherwise be thrown away. I have vintage 1940s shoes that are too small and 1950s shoes that are too big. The dress I am wearing above is a 50s party dress. Unfortunately, there is a huge rip in the back where the fabric has weakened, numerous rust spots, a large sun damaged strip and a few other problems. It is basically unfixable, yet I can't bear to get rid of it. What makes it worse is that it fits like it was made for me. I'm going to hang it up in my sewing room so at least I can admire its beauty, even if I can't wear it.

I also have a lovely new banner thanks to Katrina of Pugly Pixel, who very generously made me two banners from which I choose my new one. She made my previous banner as well. Thanks Katrina.

50s Style Full Skirt

Sometimes when I'm in the middle of sewing something complicated or time consuming I need a quick sewing fix. Something fast and easy to get that sense of achievement from finishing a garment.

This skirt is one such project. I sewed it in a few hours over a couple of days. It's a simple gathered skirt on a waistband with a zip. The fabric is a lovely vintage cotton. I got it with a whole pile of other stuff in a vintage suitcase for $5.



Now I've got my quick fix I can continue on with my more daunting sewing projects (and yes sewing is my drug of choice).

Awards Season

Thank you to Leizel over at Crafty as Hell for awarding me the Kreativ Blogger Award.

The rules!
1. Copy/paste the Kreativ Blogger Award picture onto your blog
2. Thank the person who awarded it to you and post a link to her/his blog
3. Write 7 things about yourself we might not know
4. Choose 7 other bloggers to award
5. Link to them
6. Notify your 7 bloggers of their award



Thank you also to Marina at the mome rath who awarded me the Haute Mess Award.

Since both require me to list seven facts about myself and pass it on to seven other bloggers, I'm just going to do it once because I'm lazy and can't think of seven let alone 14 interesting facts about myself

Here goes:

1. I love reading and will read almost any genre but my favourites are science fiction and mysteries.
2. Aside from collecting vintage clothing I also collect vintage religious pictures.
3. I'm almost 21 but only recently learnt to drive (you can start driving in New Zealand at 15).
4. I'm just about to start my third year of a five year degree but I still have no idea what I want to do when I grow up.
5. I am the youngest of three and the only girl.
6. I love my vegetable garden which has sweet corn, zuchinnis, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, gooseberries, raspberries and strawberries in it.
7. I cut my own hair because I am too lazy/cheap to get it cut at the hairdresser.

I'm going to give the Kreativ Blogger Award to:
Jodi of Jodi is feeling creative - who sews awesome clothes.
Marina of the mome rath - who loves craft and second hand stuff as much as I do.
Vivian Von Dimples - who makes amazing vintage style desses.
And Katrina of Pugly Pixel - who takes beautiful photos.

Since I can't think of more bloggers right now to give the Haute Mess Award to, I'm going to give it to anyone who is kind enough to read my blog and considers themselves a Haute Mess. I would love to hear seven facts about you.

Loot!

My Mum has come to stay with me for a few days so we spent all day today op-shopping. I got 3 pairs of leather gloves for $2 each. The ones below have never been worn and were still in their packet.

Zips and bias binding. I love getting sewing supplies at the op-shop because they are always unbelievably cheap. All together these cost me less than one zip usually costs from the fabric store.
A really cute cream, felt hat.

Lace-up boots which will be handy considering all the rain we've been having lately.

Books for Girls

When I go op-shopping I love buying old Girls Annuals. Usually they are only about $1. I think most of the ones above are from the 40s and 50s judging from the clothes and the inscriptions. The book on the top left has written on the inside cover, 'Given to me by Nana in 1946'. The pictures of the clothes are really interesting (and the stories are pretty good too).

Little Purple Riding Hood

Ages ago, I made a cape out of purple velvet using the above pattern but I wasn't happy with the way it turned out. The topstitching along the bottom puckered the fabric and because it's velvet I couldn't iron the creases out without ruining it. I bought some white trim last week really cheaply without any particular plan for it (I do this way too often). I found a use for it covering up the puckers.

I also made a detachable hood using the hood from a jacket pattern.


The fabric is much brighter purple in real life. I love velvet but rarely sew with it because it's so expensive.


I can't wait for Autumn when I can actually wear it.