Friday, March 15, 2013

What Were They Thinking?

Have you seen the  "You Can't Judge An Ugly Vintage Pattern By It's Cover"  party at  Simple Simon and Co.?   The idea behind the party is that many ‘ugly’ vintage patterns may have some redeeming qualities if you look hard enough.  That is absolutely true. Fashions change over the years, but many things stay the same or return in some shape or form.  Vintage patterns are a fabulous way to bring the past to life, and to put your own spin on current fashion trends.
As a vintage pattern seller, it is easy to say that I have at least 1000+ patterns on hand at a time.  There is usually something on the pattern that can be used, a skirt, a dress or top, even a sleeve style or collar can be adapted to another current pattern. Vintage patterns carry a wealth of information that newer patterns don’t.  Sewing techniques, tips and style ideas abound.
But sometimes, it is very difficult to see the positive for the all to obvious negatives in a pattern.
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At first glance, this 1985 Vogue 9238 Maternity pattern looks shapeless and ugly.  But lets look at it a different way.  The skirt is a simple shape that is very wearable today.  The pants are a little short, but that isn’t a big problem, just lengthen the hem!  The vest, well, maybe we’ll leave that out of our wardrobe.  On to the tunic/dress.   Take a look at this current pattern,  Vogue 8771.
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Anything look familiar?  The sleeves!  Granted there is a slight difference in shape, but overall the style is the same.  Shape the sides of the tunic from our vintage pattern  and pair it with a belt and skinny pants. You have a totally up-to-date look!
Moving on to our next pattern,  Butterick 6319.  Look past the 80’s hair and headband, and what do you see?  Flashdance?  A bad 80’s exercise class?
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Lets look again. Look at the components individually.  A basic tank top or tankini top shape, a basic underwear or bathing suit bottom, tights or leggings, a basic tee.  Keep in mind that the pattern pieces can be altered slightly to change the fit and style, and the possibilities are almost endless!
At the beginning of this post I said that most vintage patterns have some redeeming qualities.  Most.  Not ALL.  The last pattern I’m going to show you is a 90’s Butterick 4820 Maternity pattern.  If you can see the potential in this pattern, please let me know. It is one of the few patterns I have ever come across in the 1000’s of patterns I’ve owned that just screams  ‘WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?’  I don’t know about you, but when I was pregnant I FELT like a beachball.  I didn’t want to LOOK like one too! This is my entry to Simple Simon's ugly pattern contest.
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So now you can see the advantages of a vintage pattern.  Look past the poor illustrations or photos on the covers of some of them, and look at the ‘bones’ of the pattern. Everything may not be as it seems at first glance.  I like to look at the line drawings first (usually found on the back of the envelope) to see what you are really getting.  Let your imagination soar!
To find your perfect vintage sewing pattern, go to my shop,  Stitching By Numbers,  or check out one of the fabulous vintage pattern shops of my Etsy teamies from  Pattern Patter!  Please check out our shops on Wednesday March 20th, for our HUGE BLITZ PATTERN SALE for 20% off in my shop and others!

Happy Stitching!
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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Sewing For The Season

The Stashbusting theme for March is sewing for the season change.  I sewed this little outfit for my granddaughter in February, but no matter, it fits the theme!  I have a few more items that I’m anxious to sew for her for the coming warmer weather that I’m hoping to get to soon.  I love this little outfit!

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Unfortunately Iphone pictures at ten o’clock at night in the bathroom aren’t all that flattering.  Surprisingly enough,  the colours are fairly close to the real thing.  The only difference is that the pinks are closer in colour than they appear.

I used Butterick 5017,  but added ruffles to the pants.

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The fabric is adorable.  MacKensie loves cows,  so the little cows on the fabric are a hit.  The pink and white polka dot fabric is cut from a pillowcase,  also from my stash.  These little outfits don’t take alot of fabric, but every bit counts in my stashbusting quest!

Happy Stitching!

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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

And the Stash Busting Continues……

My daughter LOVES scarves. In the colder months I don’t think she is ever without one.  So I thought I’d use my stash busting as an excuse to make one…… or three for her!
The first one is made from a soft, pretty knit with sequin swirls on the fabric.  Although it looks brown in the picture, it is actually a lovely shade of grey, one of her favourite colours.
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The second is made from an ultra soft knit, a black back ground with white/grey accents.
The third is made from a cosy ivory sweater knit. I actually made two in this fabric, one is for her friend.
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Unfortunately I miscalculated with the ivory scarves and made them a tad short, so they are more like a long cowl instead of infinity scarves like the others.  But my daughter was still able to wrap hers twice around her neck, so they aren’t too bad.
In total I made four infinity scarves in under two hours and was able to use about two and a half meters of fabric. I call that a win win!
Happy Stitching!
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Join me at these parties!

Wow Me Wednesday @ Ginger Snap Crafts
Lil' Luna Link Party
What We Wore, Read, and Made Link Party @ Rae Gun Ramblings
Made By Me Wednesday @ JACS Studio
Whimsy Wednesday @ The Melrose Family
Look What I Made @ Creations By Kara
We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado