HSF: 19 and 20 Catch Up

I'm a bit behind on finishing and documenting some Historical Sew Fortnightly challenges so let's get caught up!

The Challenge: #19 Wood, Metal, Bone

Fabric: 3.5 yds wool flannel, 0.5 yds cotton voile for lining, 1 yd cotton twill for interfacing, 0.5 yd mystery wool fabric for guards

Pattern: Self drafted from tutorial on elizabethancostume.net

Year: 1570s ish

Notions: 4 steel bones, 2 plastic bones, ribbon for lacing

How historically accurate is it? As far as materials go, linen lining would have been more accurate and I should have completely lined the kirtle and not just the bodice but I was going for cheap on the parts you couldn't see. I handsewed almost the entire gown using the tutorials here and here. The only things I sewed by machine are the boning channels and one side of the guard and one side of the skirt facing. So yay for historical accuracy on the construction!

I think that for the next go around, I'll hand sew the bodice only and do the skirt by machine. I really like they ways the bodice went together and how the hand sewn eyelets looked but the skirt was loooooong and boring.

I really like the shape it gives me with just 6 bones! Eeep! And it's so comfy to wear! I plan on wearing it under my court dress instead of a corset when it's cold.

Hours to complete: I lost track somewhere around 30 so I'll say about 40

First worn: October '13 to the Ohio Renaissance Festival

Total cost: $30

The Challenge: Outer Wear

Fabric: cotton voile and faux fur

Pattern: self-drafted

Year: 1570s

Notions: none

How historically accurate is it? I did find some evidence of fur lined parlets in portraits so it's good in theory. Real fur and wool would have been much more accurate but I wanted to do a quick, stash busting project. It does keep me quite warm so I'll call it a success.

Hours to complete: 2

First worn: September '13

Total cost: all stash so free :)

Fur! Woot woot!

I'm a bad blogger who didn't do a dress diary but here's some in progress shots of the kirtle.

A Beginner's Guide to Vintage Patterns: Part 1 Shopping

Entering the world of sewing with vintage patterns can be quite intimidating whether your a seasoned seamstress or getting into sewing for the first time! Today's post will talk about one of my favorite parts in the sewing process-shopping!

There are many places you can find vintage patterns both online or in person.

1. Yard Sales/ Estate Sales/Thrift Stores

Despite how popular vintage sewing patterns have become, there are still people who don't know what they have so good deals can be found at these places! But you will have to do some digging. Mostly I have found that this category yields mostly 70s and 80s patterns with the occasional 60s jem mixed in. Always keep your eye out though! I found this great 40s jacket interfacing at a thrift store. Be on the look out for sewing notions too!

2. Antique Malls/Vintage Stores

These places have a much higher concentration of vintage pretties, but you usually have to pay for it. Like with the first category, I've found that the 40s and 50s patterns are extremely scarce still with 60s onward being easy to find but investigate your area for yourself. Different parts of the country will have different things. If you area is lacking, try to convince your family to let you sneak off to an antique mall on your next vacation. Don't forget to look for basics. A great pencil skirt pattern is great whether it's from the 40s, 80s or modern!

3. Etsy

I get most of my vintage patterns on etsy.com. There are loads of patterns in one easy location. The price on etsy patterns can be high but deals can still be found! I did a whole post way back on shopping on etsy. (It's more geared towards shopping for vintage clothing but a lot can be applied to pattern shopping too.)

I personally don't like paying more than $10 for a pattern. Maybe $15 if I really like it. So I generally search for patterns and sort by lowest price first. You do have to sort through lots of children's and men's patterns first using this method but there are gems hidden too! The other thing I do is set a price limit to stop at. Then I don't even see any of those pricey patterns! Sometimes if I'm looking for something super specific, I'll break this pattern and sort by relevancy but I do try to keep my favorites full of cheap vintage patterns.

4. Ebay

I don't particularly like ebay. The auction style makes me feel pressured to buy on the spot and I much prefer to leisurely ponder patterns and then purchase when I have the money. But there are deals to be found on ebay. You can also find lots on ebay.

5. Other Online Vendors

Some other online vendors have stand alone websites where you can find vintage patterns for sale. I don't use these too often because they tend to have higher prices and less selection than etsy. However, if you can catch a sale, then you can get some good deals. These patterns as well as last week's 40s pattern haul came from Vintage Martini closeout pattern sale which is still ongoing. (They're stopping selling patterns.)

Next up, how to determine your size in vintage patterns and what to do if you find one you love that's not your size.

Date Night Decisions

I had so much fun last year when you guys voted for my date night outfit! So I thought I'd do it again! Next Friday is my church's annual dinner and a vintage movie so let's take a look at my options.

1. 50s Evening Gown

2.  50s Pink Velvet Suit

3. 50s Velvet Print Taffeta Dress

4. Green and Plaid Late 40s Dress

What should I wear?
	50s Evening Gown
	50s Pink Velvet Suit
	50s Velvet Print Tafeta Dress
	Green and Plaid Late 40s Dress
pollcode.com free polls

Voting will close sometime Thursday night so I can decide how I want to do my hair! :D

Back to Old Favorites

I like shiny, new pretty things but sometimes it's nice to go back to old favorites.

This dress is one of my old favorites. It's a printed rayon jersey dress from the late 50s/early 60s.

It's ridiculously comfortable.

This was not what I originally planned on wearing to this event but after a long day at work and a great hair do ruined by rain, it was definitely a day for a jersey dress and a snood.

Thankfully, the weather cleared up enough for pictures.

And, can I just say that I'm so happy that my bangs have finally grown out enough to do this style! Woot!

Fabulous Early 40s

I've stated my love of early 40s here before but the return of chilly weather has got me in the mood for some more pre-war fashions! So when I found a whole slew of them for $6 each, I snatched them up!

First up is Simplicity 3938 from 1941. Love the bows for a hint of femininity.

Simplicity 3997 with some gorgeous gathers! Not to mention the hats.

Simplicity 4113 is actually a set of chic separates! I'd love this in a wool jersey.

Simplicity 3977 is a simple dress perfect for showing off a great print or trim. I have some vintage printed rayon that would be perfect for this dress.

Simplicity 4013 is a classic 40s suit pattern. I've been wanting to do a 40s suit for a while.

McCall 7032 is a great 40s basic skirt. I'm totally converted to the awesomeness of separates.

McCall 7259 is more of a late 40s pattern but also a great separates pattern. (And I need more blouses!)


Has the fall season inspired you in a new fashion direction?

Psssst..... Lucky Lucille and I must be on the same brainwave because she posted a free download of a Simplicity 1940 winter fashion booklet today!

Jewel Tone for Fall

I just adore jewel tones! (You know, because they go well with my coloring.) And the 40s is a great era for jewel tones.

This dress is Simplicity 3895 from the early 40s.

I've been in an early 40s kick lately but more on that later this week.

I also wore out my 40s turban for the first time. My husband wasn't too enthused about it but I loved wearing it!

When I first made this dress, I wasn't sure how I felt about how covered I was but it's a really great look for chilly days!

Overall, it was a winning look! Do you like jewel tones for fall?

Youtube: Easy 50s Hot Sticks Style

This week's tutorial is an easy 50s style using Hot Sticks! I still prefer pin curls but they've been growing on me.