Completed Project: 1970s Betsey Johnson High Waist Pants

When I moved back to North Carolina almost 9 months ago, I unintentionally lost a lot of weight due to stress and other factors. I found that all of the pants and trousers that I'd put so much time into making no longer fit, which left me without a few essential wardrobe basics. So now, along with looking for thrifted vintage pieces, I'm trying to sew and build up my wardrobe again (with a 1970s slant, of course)! I used Butterick #3846 (a "Young Designer" pattern by Betsey Johnson) to make this pair of simple high waist pants:

Do forgive the dark and pixelated photos! I am well in need of a new camera (and some natural sunlight)!

I omitted quite a few details from the original design and opted to keep these pants extremely basic. I thought the extreme high waist fit and wide legs made enough of a statement. The original pattern design included huge patch pockets over the hips, round applique patches at the knees and a detachable bib.

I wore these out to lunch today and received a few nice compliments. The fabric that I used is a lightly slubbed medium weight denim-look cotton that I purchased with a huge lot of patterns at a local sale. I thought this type of fabric would be perfect for the transition from winter to spring - not too heavy or too light. The pants have a front zipper, wider than usual waistband and button closure.

I will definitely be wearing these often and I'm so glad to have a basic pair of high waist pants in my wardrobe again!

TOTAL PROJECT COST:

Fabric - approximately $1.00

Zipper - approximately $2.00

Pattern - $6.49 from Granni Gert's Attic @ Etsy

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$9.49

Completed Project: Waves Print Dress

This was a relatively speedy project for me! The total time spent cutting out and constructing was a little over 2 hours....because I didn't have to construct or hem the skirt!

I used an early 1980s pattern for the bodice, which is made from black ponte knit (the best knit fabric in the whole wide world to work with, by the way!). It has puff petal sleeves and I added a white embroidered floral collar to brighten up the bodice. The skirt is actually an upcycled vintage 1980s rayon skirt that I thrifted a while back. I love the crazy squiggly waves print and the bright primary colors! Altogether, a quite satisfying project for a very time-strapped person like myself!

Latest Etsy Faves

As usual, there are too many drool-worthy objects of desire on Etsy than my tiny wallet can accommodate!

"Uber Cool 80s Inspired Floppy Top" by veronicadarling. Bright 1980s geometric fabric + empire waist babydoll silhouette + flutter sleeves = LOVE!

"1970s Collage Luminary" by ArtsyChica. Perfect for those of us who are obsessed with the 1970s!

"Upcycled Red White and Blue Mini Briefcase" by GetReadySetGO. I love how this seller breathes new life into vintage suitcases, plus the Mod 1960s vibe on this is very strong!

Cute Alice in Wonderland glittery resin bottlecap necklace by Coolstuffforsale. She is having a huge store closing sale, and this is only $7.00 right now!

Amazing over sized hand knit "bow in crimson" by Softspoken. This seller has tons & tons of enviable style!

Latest Etsy Faves / Finds

I never cease to be amazed by the huge number of inventive handmade goods that I find on Etsy every single day:

Kites, mice and diablos, Chinese kids at play - 1960's style blouse - Women's size 12. By Betty Oatmeal. She takes vintage linens & textiles and incorporates them into amazing designs using vintage sewing patterns!!! Her designs really do take my breath away.

Lou Reed dress. By Paperdollfashion. I love the cross-hatch fabric and those pockets!

Faye Scarf. By Flutter. Made from vintage fabric! I really dig the simplicity of this design and it would be so perfect for the fall.

Circus balloon dress. By Nenee. She is, by far, one of my favorite Etsy designers because she makes it a point to use upcycled thrift store clothing as her raw material.

Retro Girl Pink Bangle Bracelet. By Sparklerama. Images from vintage sewing patterns decoupaged onto a bright bubblegum pink bangle - what isn't there to love about this?!?!