I think that the best way to do this is to sew lots and lots of garments ~ as many as I can! To help me work on this, I’ve decided to do a list {surprise, surprise} of the clothes I’d like to sew up this year.
- March:
Circle skirt {w/ elastic waist, stash busting} - April:
Summer Wrap Dress: Simplicity 2275{stash busting – done in May instead of blouse}
- May:
1940’s Winter Blouse: Simplicity 3688 {stash busting??}
1940’s Summer Blouse: Simplicity 1590{Done in April; Spring for Cotton challenge} - June: Winter 3/4 Sleeve 1940's Navy Shirtwaist Dress:
Hollywood Pattern 1244
~ Leaving a space for the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pattern project I’m apart of ~ - July: Swing pants: Simplicity 3688 {baby corduroy}
Winter Circle Skirt {baby corduroy} - August: Playsuit & Skirt: Simplicity 4289
- September: Jersey Dress x2: Advance 3886 & Advance 9785
- October: 2nd Playsuit w/ separate Top, Shorts, & Skirt:
Simplicity 4289 - November:
Peasant Blouses x2:No pattern for this project yetPattern found; Simplicity 2483. One blouse sewn up for Christmas, December 2015
Also, I shall probably have to trace most of these patterns off depending on how fragile they are. I must admit, I’ve gotten quite slack with this recently and just used the pattern straight out without tracing off first.
This is mostly because I don’t use pins for cutting, just fabric weights {old horse shoes I’ve collected off a few of my horses that were shod when we bought them (＾-＾)}, and I don’t do any adjustments to the pattern, or mark it in anyway. However, I feel this is not the best habit to fall into because the tissue paper is so fragile, and really I should be making a better effort to preserve the pattern. I’m going to make sure I take the time to trace and to photocopy the pattern instructions.
What do you think though? Do you trace your vintage patterns before using them? Also, do you have any sewing plans this year?
xox,
bonita
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You have some wonderful patterns! I'm loving all those wrap and shirt dresses :) I think thats such a good way to plan your sewing, its good to have set goals within a time frame. If I weren't at university I'd be doing the same. I know that with my schedule some months are pretty much void of sewing, depending on workload. I try to trace all my patterns too, I find it so nerve wracking using the old fragile tissue. I feel as if the patterns have gotten 70 or so years without being ruined it would be a shame for it to happen now.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love wrap dresses and shirtwaists; having babies that need nursing requires something with easy access. So I have quite a collection of both!
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I know, the fragile tissue bothers me too. I just don't want to ruin the pattern! After all, there is less and less actual vintage to be found, and patterns really are the next best thing. I'm a pattern hoarder for sure.
That's a gorgeous list of garments - you have some absolutely beautiful vintage patterns there. I've just decided to do something similar and try to sew a dress a month this year - huzzah for great minds thinking alike!
ReplyDeleteI've just started tracing patterns instead of cutting them straight out so I can make adjustments without worrying about damaging the original. This is just for modern patterns at the moment, but I imagine I'd do the same for my op shopped patterns when I get to them
Have fun with your sewing plan! I'm looking forward to seeing them appear on the blog.
Katie Writes Stuff
Yay for sewing goals! I can't wait to see what you come up with too!
DeleteI've traced off modern patterns too ~ mostly for adjustment reasons as well. I have to do a FBA on any bodice, so I always trace the bodice at least. But yes, I have to stop being lazy and get tracing. It is better for preserving the patterns.
Those projects sound dreamy! Have fun, and I hope you're successful with your sewing goals :)
ReplyDeletexo,
-Charlotte
boyerfamilysingersblog.com
Thank you Charlotte! I'll have to work pretty hard if I want to get them all done, but I will try. :)
DeleteThis is a great goal, and you have some wonderful projects lined up! I especially love the wrap dress.
ReplyDeleteOver the past year or so I've improved my sewing a lot, and that does include tracing patterns now! I just need to actually scan the directions now...
And I went through a "sew it all really fast" phase, and I've since slowed down a bit to make sure I'm not cutting corners. A quality garment that fits and lasts is better than a quick garment that just doesn't work.
Hmm, that is certainly something to consider. I don't want to rush and hurry to the point of making mistakes... Thank you for that sound word of advice Emileigh.
DeleteI shall have to revise my plans if that starts happening ~ as I do want to make quality garments that are going to last me! I hope I have space enough "quick and easy" projects in the mix to balance it all out. I guess we shall see! : )
I think the resewing the same patterns (assuming you liked how they turned out the first time around) is a great idea. I have no doubt that were I sewer, I'd do that often (especially with staple items like pencil and circle skirts).
ReplyDeleteHappy sewing, dear gal!
♥ Jessica
Yes, I haven't found any 'tried and true' {TNT} patterns that I absolute love to sew over and over again, but I will definitely try these patterns over twice. I don't think I'd be able to sew all this up if I didn't! :)
DeleteWhat lovely plans! I do hope you'll be able to accomplish them, and share them with all of us! I don't always trace off my patterns. Typically if they are from the 50's or newer, and in really good condition I won't trace them off the first time I use them; but for the 40's and older I typically will trace my patterns.
ReplyDeleteSmooth sewing!
Brigid
the Middle Sister and Singer
Thank you Brigid, I hope so too! :D It makes sense to not trace if you don't think the pattern needs it, particularly if you don't need to make any alterations either. It does take a long time to trace off a pattern.
DeleteAnother little trick I use is to only trace off the smaller pieces that are more likely to be lost or damaged easily ~ bodice, sleeves, pockets, belts, etc and skip the big skirt pieces because usually they are easier to keep intact.
That is a truly impressive about of sewing, and it's wonderful that you've chosen so many beautiful vintage patterns to sew from. I'm just learning to sew myself, and I would love to try some vintage patterns out, but I think that will have to wait until I can do them justice.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with all of that! I can't wait to see how everything comes out.
xoxo,
Jessica, Zella Maybe
Thanks Jessica! I will give it my best shot, and I'll have to see how I get on, but I am hoping to do it all. :D
DeleteI have a lot of sewing plans this year too, although I'm trying to focus on doing everything slowly and properly, and learning all the little bits and pieces of technique that I've previously skimmed over. I sort of threw myself in the deep end in my youth and cut a lot of corners. Tracing off patterns and making adjustments are part of my planned learning curve too :)
ReplyDeleteI love all the gorgeous (and nursing appropriate - very inspiring!) patterns you will be working on and I look forward to seeing the results!
Thanks Tanith. I think it's great that you're planning to go back and work on your techniques. I myself are not that strong in different sewing techniques either; I just want to get up some confidence before tackling harder projects.
DeleteYes, as you noticed, all the patterns are nursing appropriate. At this stage in my life, it's just not worth making anything else! : )
you are a busy bee, dear gal! i can't wait to see the results of june, august and september.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I'm still not sure if I've bitten off more that I can chew, but we'll see. (> U < )
DeleteWonderful list! I cannot wait to see your projects results :)
ReplyDeleteBeta x
Thank you Beta, I can't wait to be able to show them! ;)
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