Vintage For Girls

I've been sewing a lot lately, and today was the first good day to take pictures in my garden. I found this lovely vintage pattern , and all my supplies for this dress at the Dublin flea market.

First off the pattern. Its a pretty demure little dress which looks like its dated from the early 60's.

All of the pieces were un-marked, which was a bit of a bummer. You just have to read the guide on the pattern to figure out whats what.

I used a piece of red crepe fabric, well I think its crepe. It didnt iron very well at all. But hey I got like 2 metres for very little money.

I added a cute little red  and white ribbon that I found at the Flea also. I hemmed the sleeves and the dress with the ribbon also. It looks cute when the hem shows with the addition of the ribbon. ignore the wonky stitching.

Below is a shot of the back. Sadly my daughter did not want to model the dress, you know what 10 year olds are like.

 I hope she will wear it this Sunday...

Stil Patterns

While on holidays this Summer, I came across these fabulous vintage patterns. Both by the name of Stil. They have instructions in both Finnish & Swedish, thankfully they have amazing detailed drawings of each step, cos I dont speak either Finnish or Swedish.

The first pattern is a cute halterneck dress, which i will make for next Summer.

Its in my size and was only 50c, why I didnt buy more I dont know.

The second pattern is for a really cute dress, that I plan to start very very soon.

I especially like the neckline and view A.
On that same trip I bought this gorgeous fabric for 2 euro. I have a sneaky feeling it might be rayon. Although I am not sure.

But before any of that sewing takes place I really need to sort out my garden, to say its a mess is an umderstatement!!

No we didnt get hit with a hurricane, just digging up all the hedges that died after last winters snow. Will post some more sewing pictures soon.

Dress a Girl Around the World

I made some pillowcase dresses for The Dress a Girl for Charity. The lovely Louise over at Sew Scrumptous is asking for people to make and donate dresses for little girls in need.

The tutorial can be found here. They come together so quickly, the hardest part is if you decide to make your own bias binding.

So if you have time or the inclination do go check out the above link.

New Tops

This week I made myself 2 Summer tops. Both from Burdastyle, the first is a pattern for a cami top. I used an Ikea duvet cover for this. Not crazy about the colour, but it was cheap!!

I did not add the elastic under the bust cos I like it better to hang loose.

I like how it turned out, now we just need some more warm weather.

The second top is this great free pattern from Burdastyle again, found here. I love this pattern I love how it drapes.

I used a vintage sheet to make it, washed of course. And I also used fold over elastic for the neck line.

I will definately be making more of this one, its such an easy shape to wear.

Happy weekend.

Harem Pants

I love harem pants on kiddies, and I found a great pattern on Burdastyle on how to draft a pair for yourself or your little one. You can find the link here.

I used a light cotton non stretch fabric.

I added some extra width to the waist and bottom cuffs, as the fabric was not stretchy.

These are super easy to make and super comfy to wear.

Also great for jumping in. What do you think of harem pants, good for adults or just kiddies?

Spring Top

Spring is here,so its almost time to put away the winter coats and jumpers. Time for a new Spring top.
I used my latest vintage pattern find, its from 1979, and only cost 50c.

I made the view with the short sleeves. I had to alter it slightly.

I put a zip in the back instead of buttons, cos I still cant do a buttonhole. And its driving me mad. The pattern was too large also and the sleeves were huge when I first attached them. So seam ripper was used to take them out, and I cut them smaller and re-attached them.

The fabric was last used here, I didnt add the bow on the front I just used some self bias binding. Will I wear it, thats the question? Or will it end up in the pile of unworn items I've made, only time will tell.

Tailoring sewalong

I'll be taking part in a tailoring sewalong, which takes place here. Lately its been on my mind to be able to make a nice jacket.

I'm thinking of  using either of these vintage patterns.

Liking the long one but it has no buttons, only a belt.

Then there is this short one. I love this one but it might be bit too big for me.

Think it would be really cute with the dress also. Now must check out the local flea for some nice fabric. if you feel like doing the sewalong, check it out. If you have any thoughts on which pattern I should use please jump in!

Vintage 60's Blouse

I finally got the time to use some of this fabric, to make myself a new tunic type blouse. I used a vintage pattern, which looks like its from the sixties. I made view A with short sleeves.

I seem to have a thing for tunics, I think they look great with jeans or leggings. I'm not really a skirt kind of girl.

The fabric was amazing to work with. Think it might be a cotton voile, not linen as I first thought.

I am very happy with the result .Its really comfortable to wear, and the pattern was super easy too. I am thinking  next time I might lengthen it and add pockets to make a dress.  Will be on the look out for some more tasty vintage fabrics.

Flea Market Finds

Todays finds involve loads of lovely fabric and a nice pattern.
There is about 5 meters of this for 4 euro.

Its has a nice drape, its kind of floaty, and a bit lineny, if you know what I mean.

The I found a cute little shirt dress pattern for 1 euro.

I like the drape on the sleeves, and it has button loops on the front, instead of button holes.

 Watch this space for finished dress pictures. Find more fab finds here.

Mug Rugs

I have seen a few of these on the web lately, and thought I'd give them a try.
I made 4 of them so far in various colours.

I machine stitched the steam from the teapot.

These are just the right size for your mug of tea or coffee, and a little treat.

I like em, and they will be gifted to my friends soon.

Vintage Pattern

I planned to get this dress finished for Christmas, but unfortunately didn't have the time. Today I finally hemmed it. Only two weeks late. Its a sixties pattern, it has princess seams, which I love.

I made view H, but with sleeves.

The dress had a really low v-neck which was gaping after I had finished it. So I made an alteration in the shoulder seams, and now the neck sits flat.

The fabric is fabulous Liberty of London, and it cost me next to nothing. I hope to wear this when weather improves.

Sewing machine issues.

As the title suggests my machine is broken again...
Last week I had huge loops on the bottom stitches, this was fixed by a new bobbin holder.
Now this week I have huge loops on the top stitches...
Picture below, I've tried adjusting everything possible, any ideas how to fix it?

With that the time was right to make a Christmas cake. I used a recipe from this book.

Its a well used "Vintage" school book dated from 1950. Was my old school book, but I'm not that old. The  recipes are the best, and the cake turned out fab. Here it is in the tin before cooking.

And here it is cooked, nicely browned and no cracks.

And the best part, it has to be "fed", with brandy or whiskey! This keeps it fresh and alcoholy, cant wait to taste it.

Has anyone else made their cake yet? Do tell.