Sense and Sensibility Sew-Along

In the midst of all the craziness surrounding Annie at Hartford Children's Theatre I have decided on my New Year's Sewing Goal: to sew myself a complete outfit from the gorgeous regency patterns of Sense and Sensibility Patterns. I dream of wearing it for walks in the woods nearby, reading novels and contemplating life with a cup of tea.

That includes a gown, spencer or pelisse, chemise, and stays! I know it is a tall order, but I'm giving myself (and you as well, if you want to participate) the whole year. You can also pick and choose...want to make just the underthings? That's fine by me!

 From the Sense and Sensibility Patterns website.

The way I figure it is I will split it into three four-month long periods, first doing the underthings (January-April), then the dress (May-August) and lastly the coat (September-December). When I find the time I will also make an easy-peasy bonnet tutorial so we all can have matching hats as well. We can have posts about period fabrics, color choices, Jane Austen, and inspirational films and music.

This is a project I have thought about for probably about a year and so I know it is something I definitely want to do. If you care to join in leave a comment, and decide soon, as they are having a sale until Sunday, 10% off the patterns! And, if you will eventually make a dress for the little girl in your life you might want to buy the Regency Bundle, which is discounted.

Progress: A Bias Extravaganza

Bias-cut garments are said to be some of the most difficult to sew and yet they are a staple of a 1930s wardrobe. So for Annie, set in 1933, I had to suck it up and try something new. On top of assigning myself four bias-cut sewing projects I also had to tackle slippery fabrics for the first time. After all, evening gowns were not made of quilter's cotton! So it was off to the Jo-Ann's for some costume satin and charmeuse.

PROJECT I: Hollywood 544

-A bias-cut evening gown from 1940 converted to an evening gown-

 Courtesy the Vintage Pattern Wikipedia.

 I am in the final stages of finishing this project but I thought I would show you some progress shots. It is for Grace Farrell, Mr. Warbucks secretary, as her Christmas dress.

 Note: It looks extra blousey because I had to pin up the top so the skirt could hang before hemming.

Fabric: Parachute Purple Crinkle Charmeuse from the Midnight Jewels collection, 57", at Jo-Ann. Currently on sale ($4.79/yd)! I LOVE this fabric and even went back and bought some more in the teal colorway. Its only downfall is it gets a bit static-y. I originally had a green satin but it wasn't wide enough for the skirt piece without having to piece in a corner. Casey from Casey's Elegant Musings assured me that it wouldn't look out of place but I didn't love the green color all that much anyways and so back it went.

It has a gorgeous tie-back which I made from black satin. I re-drafted it so it was twice as long as the pattern originally had it for a dramatic, almost floor-sweeping length.

PROJECT II/III/IV: Simplicity 2418

-3 sassy bias-cut blouses for some swinging radio sisters-

 I noticed that this patterns looks suspiciously like Simplicity 2594, only it had less sleeve options and was much cheaper.

Fabric: Costume Glitter Satin from Jo-Ann in Teal, Cornflower and Green Glow. Since the Boylan sisters are sponsored by Oxydent, I went with toothpaste colors! I also really like this fabric, so much so that I plan on making my own version of this shirt with this fabric (minus the glitter).

I've only made one up yet, the one in teal but it came out delightful and only took one night and one morning to complete, which included tracing a new copy of the pattern.

The best part is it is designed so that you don't end up with raw seams on the inside, side seams excepted. So I just used my 1/4" hem foot on those.

WWNDW: Holiday Edition

insWhat Would Nancy Drew Wear...to a Holiday Party?

Well, Nancy always goes with the classics...

From theprivateparty, $32

From stilettogirl, $89

From dayglodiva, $25

From brenhann, $14.50

Bess is always feminine...

 From animalheadvintage, $85

From thetrashyvictorian, $40

From therarebird, $52

From theluckyfish, $24

And George is always funky!

From DearGoldenVintage, $134

From SpunSugarVintage, $32

From DearGoldenVintage, $34

From FoxyBritVintage, $16.95

Annie Renderings II

I finally finished my renderings...all I really had was Ms. Hannigan but I didn't want to post the others separately.

My favorite, because of the "angry eyebrows".

These clippings were from the ever-helpful Fedora Lounge.

Christmas Mittens for Mom

Although I've had really good intentions about doing crafty christmas gifts, this might be the only one I get done! That's OK though, because I feel super satisfied about getting these ones done.

I originally decided to make them after seeing the yarn Amazing by Lion Brand, specifically the Ruby colorway to be careful not to pick a skein where the colors are muddied. Love it, although you have Unfortunately, I started them in September and didn't finish them until the day after Thanksgiving, due to problems with the pattern (which you can get for free on Ravelry). Having never knit mittens before, I didn't realize that the lengths given for where to start the thumb, and the total length were all wrong for a normal adult-size hand.

So, besides fixing some mistakes on my own I had to  re-do the first mitten several times. Frustration mounted, but I persisted. Of course, I was an expert by the time I got to the second one, and now I can't wait until I have free time to make my own pair, maybe with a fleur-de-lis designed into the top. The best part is they have a nice, rustic, vintage look to them, which will be made even more so when the mitten clips I ordered are delivered.

1940s Thanksgiving

I know I'm late, but Happy Thanksgiving!

Naturally, I took advantage of the occasion to dress up. Heavily inspired by Debi over at My Happy Sewing Place, as you might note. Normally I don't go for a clear-cut 1940's style, but the outfit worked perfectly.

Jacket: vintage 1980's "Rrrruss" (Savers)

Pants: "Grace Elements"

Shoes: Payless

Necklace: Wet Seal

Headband: Claire's

Gloves: "Lady Gay" vintage, a gift