I was delighted to be asked to participate as a blogger in the Big Vintage Sew-along, hosted by the McCall Pattern Company. As part of a year-long event, 20 patterns have been selected from the Vintage Vogue, Retro Butterick and McCalls Archive pattern lines. Proceeds from the sales of those 20 patterns will go to the Eve […]
The Big Vintage Sew-along Read More »
I was really thrilled to be asked by Sew Over It to help pattern test their new pattern the Joan Dress. The version shown here was made using the test version of the pattern. I graded between an 8 at the bust, and 10 at the waist and hips. The design is a vintage-inspired wiggle dress,
Mustard Crepe Joan Dress, Plus Giveaway Read More »
A lazy post this evening, while watching some Orange is the New Black (and possibly Revenge of the Nerds). I picked up these vintage knitting patterns at a recent meeting of my Weavers, Spinners and Dyers guild. The sewing notions included in a couple of photos are courtesy of Maddie; I won them in a
Vintage Knitting Spam Read More »
The library at the university where I work has some interesting books. My especially random find of last week was Barbie Fashion by Sarah Sink Eames, a pictorial catalogue of all Barbie outfit packs made between 1959-1967. Obviously, it was immediately checked out. A quick look at Barbie’s wardrobe from the 60s suggests she’d fit
Barbie – Sewing Blogger Read More »
While visiting Brussels during November, me and Phil visited the Glamorous 30s exhibition at the Costume and Lace Museum. As suggested by the title, the exhibition focuses mainly on glamorous women’s clothing – evening gowns, day dresses, underwear, swimwear and accessories. A small selection of children’s clothing is also included. The museum has a permanent collection
The Glamorous 30s Exhibition, Brussels Read More »
While in Paris recently, I picked up a selection of vintage French holiday postcards for €1 each from Marché aux Puces, Saint-Ouen. I made them into Christmas cards for my family by cutting slits in the corners of blank cards (rather messily, with a pair of scissors I might add…) and slotting the postcards in. Super
Vintage Postcard Christmas Cards Read More »
I was one of the pattern testers for what will be the first sewing pattern by Ready Ruthie, the Dolores Pocket Skirt. It’s a really cute design, and I’m looking forward to seeing it on sale soon. The skirt fit me without alteration, but I made one due to preference – I cut a big chunk
Charm of Magpies Dolores Pocket Skirt Read More »
I had to share this knitting pattern which I found recently in a charity shop while on holiday in Ambleside. Oinkerrific! I actually think the little pig is quite cute just not on this jumper… Any ideas what he could be used on – maybe a children’s blanket?
At the beginning of the year I set myself the goal of sewing three items of clothing that I’ve never made before – trousers, a swimsuit, and a coat. One down, two to go, as I recently made my first pair of trousers! Simplicity contacted me last month and offered me a free pattern. With my
Trousers! Vintage Simplicity 3688 Read More »
I wish I made this coat, but it is actually a vintage coat, given to me by my Nan when I was a teenager. The brand is Paul Blanche. Is anyone familiar with the brand? Surprisingly I can’t find anything online. As kids me and my brother went on holiday each year with our parents and
Vintage Paul Blanche Coat Read More »