Time for change

Christine Jonson Pattern 1219

All things considered, it is probably about time to re-assess my current wardrobe as I have to find ready-to-wear and patterns in a couple sizes smaller than I wore last year.  I had some favorites, but they don't fit well anymore so most of them are going to thrift stores.  I don't feel like remodeling the garments as they never fit the same when redone.

We live where there are definitely two seasons:  winter and summer, with spring and fall being rather short-lived.  A few transitional pieces of medium weight work as well as layering for the spring and fall wear.  Summer has been very warm this year and winter was cold, dry, and windy.


I have often dreamed of making a coordinated wardrobe but have yet to set aside the time and money for the fabrics and patterns.  So it seems now is a good time to start. Fall is here in another month and with my sewing time, I may have to find a pattern and make pieces as the seasons progress.

The basics usually consist of tops, skirts, vests, jackets, jumpers, and dresses.  JoAnn's and Hancocks are having pattern sales this month so be sure to check out the catalogs for styles you like.  At  $.99 , $1.99, and $3.99 per pattern of the four major companies, it really is a savings considering the 40% discounts or full prices.

Classic with a twist!

Serendipity Studio has entered the circle of shirtwaists worthy of putting together.  Kay Whitt has taken the classic and made it with a new twist:  The Sally Shirtdress.  Rather than sewing the bodice to the skirt as in most shisrtwaist patterns, this is a one-piece front and back with tucks/pleats to make the waist indented.

I like the idea of being able to use a border print.  The dress looks very comfortable and I hope to be able to have the pattern to work with soon.  I have several fabrics waiting for "the perfect pattern."

50's Circle Skirt

This was passed down to me along with several dresses of different eras-even a handwoven milk-maid dress. I found some shoes at the thrift store that matched.

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.