Completed Projects: Summer Round-Up!

Surprisingly, I've managed to complete a decent number (for me, anyway!) of projects so far this summer.  Sewing isn't really the issue so much as finding the time to model and photograph everything for the blog.  So I've decided to do an all-encompassing round-up! 

First up is McCall's 6965.  Let me tell you, this retro flared shorts pattern is a definite winner!  I love it so much!  They are a ridiculously quick and easy make.  I used a red linen look fabric which really helps with defining the "flare" of the cut.  

Admittedly, this kind of looks like a high school cheerleading skirt on, but I still dig it!  Next time I will make them in a draper fabric like rayon.  

Next up:  The Wiksten Tank.   Another ridiculously quick and easy summer project!  I salvaged the fabric (cotton/poly blend) from two vintage pillow cases that I thrifted for a mere .50 cents.  SCORE!

A lot of my summer projects have been basic wardrobe builders.  This is the Colette Mabel Skirt, whipped up in a mere 2 hours using black ponte knit fabric.  Flattering + figure-hugging pencil cut + no closures + low yardage = highly recommended project!

 

This was my most time-intensive project of the bunch: The now-iconic-within-the-home-sewing-community Bombshell Swimsuit.  This swimsuit is nothing short of amazing....A true miracle....A marvel of retro feminine engineering.  I feel so incredibly sexy and confident while wearing it and I will most definitely make another next summer!

Here's the final line-up (from left to right):  Colette Mabel Skirt, Wiksten Tank, Katy and Laney Tap Shorts (previously blogged with lots of photos HERE), Bombshell Swimsuit and McCall's 6965 Flared Shorts!

"Carefree Patterns From McCall's" Catalog - April 1973

I just nabbed a lot of 35 McCall's, Simplicity, Butterick and Vogue mini catalogs / pamphlets on eBay, all from my favorite decade - the 1970s!  I just love these little pieces of vintage sewing ephemera and, since this particular decade seems to be more reviled than revered for its fashion legacy, it appears that I might be able to continue amassing a collection that won't break the bank (I got all 35 for only $5.00!).  

Are there any fellow 1970s fashion enthusiasts out there?  If so, then this is for you!  I've scanned the "Carefree Pattern From McCall's" issue from April 1973 for you to feast your eyes upon!  This seems to be a special cute couples-themed issue and, unlike most of these free mini catalogs, this particular issue contains no text of write ups about the fashions.

Completed Project: Katy & Laney Tap Shorts

TA-DAAAAH!  So it would appear that I am sewing and blogging again after a one year+ absence!  I was lucky enough to nab a job almost one year ago sewing cushions and upholstery for one of the few locally owned, strictly made-in-the-U.S.A. furniture companies left in my part of the country.  Business has been good so I've been extremely busy.  I also have a rambunctious 4-year-old son, which absorbs a lot of my sewing time.  The plant was closed for the week of the 4th, so I took a minor "sewcation" and actually had a chance to make a few things for myself.  

I'm in dire need of shorts, so my first recorded make after one year: the Katy and Laney Tap Shorts!  These were incredibly quick and easy to construct.  I opted to make view A which features diagonal seams at the front.  No pockets, just a faced waistband, back darts and invisible side-seam zipper.  There are thorough instructions for back welt pockets, but I just wanted to be able to sew something quickly in my limited free time so I nixed those.

I'm a sucker for a high waist, and these are a true high-waisted pair of shorts!  They're extremely comfortable and flattering. 

Back view and side view.  The high waistline is flattering to most backsides, I think!  And this is probably the best and most invisible invisible zipper I've ever sewn!  Their instructions for sewing the zipper are fantastic.

I used a vintage lightweight pinwale corduroy from my deep within my stash (and when I mean deep, I mean that this particular yardage has been in my stash for well over ten - yes, TEN - years!  I thrifted it from a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and could never find the right project for it, mainly because it was only a one yard piece.  View A of the Katy & Laney Tap Shorts only requires one yard of fabric so I finally found the perfect project !

 Inside view of the front diagonal seaming detail.  I finished all interior seams with my trusty serger.

Closer photo of the vintage pinwale corduroy.  Hopefully I will be able to photograph and blog a few more of the projects that I made over my "sewcation" sooner than later.  Thanks for stopping by and happy sewing!