Getting ready for Summer

                    Benson, Frank Weston - Summer, 1909

                                                    


This is the time of year I get nostalgic about making Prairie Skirts.  Warm weather makes me want to  "swish" along in fuller skirts.  Oftentimes we have strong winds blowing across the high prairies and our skirts have to be a little heavier, especially more so than the voile, chiffon, or gauze ones.  The lighter weight skirts require a petticoat or slip.  One could also wear some fuller bloomers.  Just be sure the undergarments match close to the hemline for modest appearance.

This pattern is from Butterick, Fast and Easy, 5330.

New Look has an easy pattern:  6054

Simplicity has a skirt with more detail.

These are patterns that are available as well as many vintage patterns  on internet sites.

Check this site for  ready to wear prairie skirts.

Ringger Clothing has some cute prairie skirts.  You can order from their large choice of fabrics for custom made clothing.

Marie Madeline has a skirt that is very colorful with a contrasting trim.

There is a  tutorial on line for making your own tiered prairie skirt.

Two new fun patterns from Vogue!

I just noticed that Vogue listed their new summer patterns and found a couple that shouldn't take too much work for Spring and Summer wear.

Vogue 8810

Short sleeve with straight skirt.

The long sleeve and flared skirt version.

                                                                              Vogue 8811

                                                                  Vogue 8811


 Both of these patterns can be made with a variety of lightweight fabrics, probably heavier weight if you make the straight skirts of Vogue 8810 of which I would lengthen a bit and taper from the waist out to the hem to make walking a little easier.  Watch the neckline plunge and re-adjust upwards for modesty or wear a pretty lace dickey or undergarment that keeps you covered when you bend over to pick up children or toys, etc

Many of the Vogue patterns can be purchased at discounts from JoAnn stores across the U.S.  We live a couple hours away from our nearest store and I call in and purchase them with a card and pick them up when I am in town the next time.  I prefer to buy patterns on sale as I can invest more in fabric.  There are internet options with reduced costs.  One author I read said that she almost always  buys as much as she is able for what she needs on sale.  If there is no hurry, she waits.

Interesting to note in these two photo shoots how the same handbag is used!  Shoes are definitely at new heights.

More jacket patterns

This is the time of year that one doesn't need a very heavy coat or jacket and there are several cute patterns out that will be perfect to add warmth to an outfit. This one is perfect with skirts and dresses.
I like the easy one called A Little Somethin' by CNT Patterns. It is a very quick and easy and comfortable pattern.

Another one to try is the Serendipity pattern called the Savannah Swing Jacket

I thought this white style would be an interesting jacket to try one's sewing skills on. Vogue 1246

The Classic Shirtwaist

Here is a site that explains shirtdresses and their popularity.

This is one of the many  shirtdresses available at Shabby Apple .

It seems that styles return (retro-to those who haven't lived through the earlier fashion) in similarity with adaptations of the present mode.  When the off-shoulder styles were in, one could find shirtwaist dresses in a variety of pleated, gathered, flared, gored, straight, and A-lines with a standard two-piece collar, or simple collar, notched collar, mandarin collar, Peter Pan collar, and lace collars.  Sleeves were flowing and loose or close fitting and made to all lengths.  It was a very comfortale dress to wear.  The fabrics were endless and it made one feel feminine.  Those were the 80's.

The shirtwaist has returned again and this time with a variety similar to the past.  The tops are more closefitting as were those constructed in the 50's and 60's. The lengths are shorter now and the tops have deeper necklines and the buttons don't go as high.  Here is a site that shows a variety of styles of the past at least from the '30s - '50s.

For the home seamstress there are many patterns that will lend themselves to a nice, comfortable shirtwaist.  McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick, and others have usually have some shirtwaist style available in their catalogs.
There is really quite a variety available. If you don't like the sleeve style, use another pattern with something you are more comfortable with. The same goes with the skirt style or any other detail that you would like to change.
There are vintage pattern sites that offer shirtwaists, too. It is fun to look at those older styles to see the uniqueness of each one.

 

Very Easy Vogue 8785

Vogue 8577

McCalls 6279

Marfy Dress F1663

McCalls 5847

Vogue 1233

McCalls 4769

Kwik Sew 3488



Here are a few that are some of my favorites along with McCalls 4769 that I have had success with.

Vogue 8021 (out of print)

                                                          Vogue 8028 (out of print)

Everyday Dresses pattern book is  sometimes listed  on Amazon.

Nothern Lights by Dana Marie


One final comment, if you don't find the shirtwaist dress pattern you like, you can always use your favorite blouse and add a skirt to it and it becomes a shirtwaist with some adjustments. You could make it button all the way down to the hem of the dress or put a placket in or a side zipper or make a loose waist and gather it in with elastic or a belt. Just be sure to allow yourself room to get in and out easily.

A Cute Jacket!

This is available from Creations of Kerrville, Texas. I think that this would be very nice in a fun print that expresses your interests. They have a wonderful supply of great fabrics to choose from. Here is another jacket idea from their site.

These are available from Creations of Kerrville, TX.

Kwik-Sew Ideas

I've been considering this outfit for a summer "pretty". It has been in Kwik-Sew since winter 2005 and is still available from the pattern company. I would definitely raise the neckline for a modest display of your sewing talents. Possiblities for fabric choices are limitless. One could use large bold prints for the skirt and a matching solid for the top. A tea length skirt would be a nice length for tops with the 3/4 sleeves. Kwik Sew 3381

The other pattern I have found has some very comfortable lines and here again, the choices of fabrics is limitless for this summer outfit. I am not sure if it available from Kwik-Sew but Sew Thankful has it and there may be other sources on the internet where it is available. This is a good one if you like matching skirt and tops and like elastic waistlines for comfort. One can always get a matching solid to make a complete coordinating outfit to mix and match with a print. This is Kwik Sew 2956

Another pattern that would work for jersey or interlock knit fabrics: Kwik Sew 2771. It features an 8 gore skirt with a simple bateau(boat)-neck top with a choice of sleeve lengths. A very simple pattern to make.

Time to gear up!

I have been on a hiatus since mid-November due to strong antibiotics taken for a tooth infection.  I ended up with clostridium difficile and candida.  Hence, my time has been spent researching the best courses to take to tame candida as the Lord took care of  "c. diff." and He is giving me insight on candida.  I have seen a naturopath for a great start on the battle.   I am really feeling great and am eating very healthy.  I did lose 20 pounds at the start and haven't gained any back.   I have had to drop a couple sizes and am adjusting my wardrobe so I don't look so thin.  Layering really helps in cold weather and adding bulk.


Anyway, I am eager to sew some new things and will share them soon.