And So It Begins...The First Project!

Here's the fabric, pattern and notions that I will be using to making the first project from my newly reduced seamstress-friendly sewing pattern collection:

I'll be making the dress - view B. I think it will be perfect to wear during the rest of the hot summer months and I believe I will be able to get a lot of wear out of it this fall as a layering piece! I absolutely love chambray so that's what I'm using. The photo makes it appear a little darker and heavier than it actually is. This pattern requires lots of top stitching, so I'm going to use contrasting bright yellow thread for that. And top complete the look - bright yellow buttons for the front placket!

I just had to show everyone this vintage pattern from 1965. Sadly, it's a super small sub-teen size (31" bust). I think the illustration is one of the neatest I've ever seen, though - it looks like everyone's having a great time, listening to the latest Beatles or Kinks 45, no doubt! I just listed this in my shop this morning if any of you would like to take a peek at the back of the envelope.

Simplicity 6471: 1974 Puff Sleeve Tent Dress

While I'm working on some new projects, here's an older one that I made three years ago from this amazing 1974 pattern - Simplicity 6471! It's a maternity pattern and I actually made the dress way before I was pregnant. At the time, I was attracted to the flared/tent silhouette and the puff sleeves, and the finished dress actually doesn't look much like a maternity dress, in my opinion.

The fabric that I used was a very strange vintage 1970s primary colored animal print bed sheet. Dig those creepy eyes! In fact, I was so fascinated by those eyes, that I used them to make the fabric covered buttons for the front. I was really happy with the outcome, but the neck band and front button closure proved quite a challenge at the time!

This pattern, by the way, is now available for purchase in my Etsy vintage sewing pattern shop! I know there are a bazillon different patterns shops out there right now, but I think my shop has a really great (and growing) selection of patterns for extremely reasonable prices (most are around $4.00-$5.00 each).

Simplicity 7381: 1976 Short Kimono Sleeve Top

Here are a few photos of my most recent sewing project - a short kimono sleeve blouse with shaped neckband yokes. I just love the illustration on the pattern envelope for Simplicity 7381, especially the lady in the beret with her matching turtleneck top and wide leg pants and long pendant necklace. She just oozes bohemian cool circa 1976!

The fabric is a colorful vintage 1970s faux patchwork print cotton that was given to me by Stephanie of Mid West Vintage. The contrasting sleeve and neckbands are made from cotton chambray and are topstitched with white thread. There is a zipper in the back, but I almost never use it since it's easy to just pull on over my head. I would probably omit the zipper if I ever decide to make this again. I highly recommend this pattern if you're looking for a quick and relatively easy 1970s style top - it took me roughly 3 hours to finish. It's one of those designs that's perfect for spring summer, but would also work in the fall and winter as a layering piece since it's pretty roomy.