At this point, I feel that I ought to add that there will not be any maribou feathers involved in this project before you either (a) get your hopes up because you would love to see me tackle the "Sexy Santa" slip or (b) cringe because you think the "Sexy Santa" slip is horrifically tacky. There will be none of this going on in the Craft Lounge. I want a slip that is beautiful and wearable - under clothing and in more months than just December.
Back to the pattern! Like other old patterns, there was only one size in the envelope. The pattern pieces were cut, but complete. And I loved that they had a cutting line (actually, a double line and you cut in between), a sewing line and just 1/2" seam allowances. The pattern was very clearly marked.
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| Real pieces and my tracings |
One of the interesting/unusual aspects of this pattern (at least to me) is that the measurements were much closer to my actual measurements than any modern pattern that I've used. With princess seams, like this pattern has, I can usually adjust the bust as I sew rather than doing a small FBA. So, my changes to the pattern were pretty minimal. I added some length to the bodice and about 2" total to the hip by slashing and spreading the front and back side pieces, which is what the pattern instructions specified.
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| Aren't the instructions awesome looking? |
Speaking of which, I'm just loving how the pattern instructions were drawn and written. They're minimal and assume that you know the basics of garment sewing, but they're very clear. I so rarely follow instructions anymore, but I'm giving these ones a shot. Oh, well, except for the closure on the side. This slip actually has a row of hooks and eyes down the left side. Since I'm using a stretch silk, I'm hoping to do without, but if it is too tight to easily get on, then I'll add the closure.
Those of you who have sewn vintage patterns, what do you think of the measurements? The instructions and markings?
19 comments:
I havent sewn many vintage patterns yet, though the one I've worked with that just had dots was clearly marked and made for a really easy sewing experience! Granted, I only worked on a muslin, but everything seemed to go together without too many issues :)
I love the color you are using for this! it's going to be stunning and add a fantastic splash of color to your winter wardrobe.
This will be gorgeous. If you're using stretch silk, however, it may be looser in some areas since this would not have been designed for it (hence the use of designs cut on the more clingy bias). I doubt you'll need a closure.
I have sewn a couple of vintage slip patterns (http://sewblooms.blogspot.com.au/search/label/slip) and I found the bust shaping to be different to modern day. There was also more bust coverage. None of mine had princess seams though.
Thanks Peter - that's exactly what I was thinking/hoping!
I, for one, am really pleased there will be no feathers or boas involved in this project, beautiful and elegant all the way. Just what I would expect from you. 8-)
color is fabulous, and i have a pattern almost identical to this. when we were talking about slips the other day, i was thinking to myself that a bias cut princess seam baby was the way to go--easy to make, easy to fit, easy to wear! i hope it inspires many more for you...
Actually it's not bias cut, which makes me a bit nervous and also why I chose a stretch fabric for it. Fingers crossed!
Ha! Yeah, when I paused and thought about the fact that I'm making a red slip in December I thought I should manage expectations.
Thanks so much! I enjoyed reading about your slip sewing!
Thanks! Yes, I'm hoping it goes together easily!
Damn that colour is hot!
i just wanna say, how much do i love that we've met IRL enough for me to actually hear your voice when i read your posts?
Love the color. I'm looking forward to see how this turns out
LOL - that's an incredibly polite way of saying what goes thru my head generally comes out my mouth IRL, too. I hope I do slightly better with the self-censoring on the blog. ;-)
Thanks Katherine and Neeno - I love red! It always makes me feel more glamorous somehow.
Ooh, this is going to be so fun! I love sewing with vintage patterns-- the instructions always seem really clear to me and they don't give you any more or any less than you need.
I've only sewn up one vintage pattern (http://wp.me/p10rnC-Do), and was completely in love with the detail in the pattern marking and the instructions! No cryptic figure-it-out instructions. It was a pleasure to make up such a project.
That's exactly it - they're clear and just enough, but not too much.
Ooh! That's a great dress on you! Exactly - there's no "what do they mean when they say______?"
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