This month, the super-talented Marie over at A Stitching Odyssey has thrown down an irresistible challenge to all us vintage sewing pattern lovers – to make 2014 the year we get those patterns out of the stash and turn them into finished projects!
So I am pledging not only to make at least three of my vintage patterns this year, but also to use at least three of my vintage fabrics (not necessarily on the same projects, though). My first picks will most likely be these Simplicity dresses from the 60s and 70s, given to me by my mum. Luckily we’re the same size, so no major pattern redrafting required!Another pattern I’d love to make up is this funky pant suit, very similar in fact to one my mum had in a deep plum worsted wool back in the early 70s. Cool or what??
And then there’s this baby, which belonged to my gran. I found out recently it’s quite a famous Vogue original from 1964 – and yes, that really is Jean Shrimpton modelling. I’ve had it for maaaany years, so maybe it’s about time I got it out of the envelope and gave it a go!
Do you like my 70s floral cotton/terylene in the background there?? Sadly it’s a bit faded but I’m thinking of using it to line a dress, hmm, not sure if that counts towards my pledge though! How about this, a small piece of psychedelic synthetic jersey from the 70s? I thought I’d use it to make the front panel of this 90s lace-up dress. (Anything early 90s is now officially ‘vintage’, by the way – see this post from Gertie. I’m not sure how I feel about that, myself!)
I also have this fabulous 70s soft cotton lawn that I’ve been wanting to make up for ages. I only have a scant 2 ¾ yards though – I’d love to make my mum’s maxi dress with it but it’s only 35” wide, too narrow for the skirt. Any suggestions or ingenious solutions gratefully received!
And finally I thought I’d leave you with my ultimate 70s fabric gem, gifted to me by my lovely friend Helen.
and just to prove I’m not all talk, this really did become a (fancy) dress…
Are any of you joining in with the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge this year? I’d love to hear about your ideas for makes!
Woohoo, thanks for joining in! You have such a beautiful selection of patterns and fabrics…can’t wait to see what you make in the end! I especially adore the pattern/fabric combo in your 3rd photo from the bottom! I’ve added you to the dedicated Pinterest board – http://www.pinterest.com/stitchodyssey/vintage-sewing-pattern-pledge/
Thanks, Marie! Will have to do some creative thinking to squeeze that dress out of the fabric but I’m gonna try!
I just love that Vogue 1333 from 1964, that draping is gorgeous and that pattern is super special!!
Hi Lizzie, it IS pretty fab, isn’t it? I have a green vintage silk saree that I might use for this!