I've been giving this some thought, as in this post, I said my goals for 2015 were to not make any goals. However, I like the idea of the Vintage Pattern Pledge hosted this year by Marie and Kerry, and I can actually tie the Vintage Pattern Pledge into my non-goal goal (which is to finish WIPs and use my stash). So I am joining in, but I am keeping things simple, and pledging to complete 2 specific patterns.
Firstly the WIP.
I started this coat in 2012. It saw a bit of progression at the end of 2013, but work stopped when I got to the bound button holes. If you've never sewn bound button holes before then you'll not know that unlike "normal" buttonholes which are pretty much the last thing you sew on a garment, bound buttonholes are pretty much the first thing you sew... yeah, it really hasn't seen much progression. I don't know how many times I have committed to finishing it, and then reneged on that commitment. To be fair, I probably wouldn't have got a lot of wear out of it this winter, since the 3/4 sleeves are not hugely practical, and it probably wouldn't look fantastic worn with a baby (in a sling) on top. But apart from anything else, I want it out of my WIP pile, and the fabric is far too beautiful to be sitting in a plastic bag in a cupboard.
Secondly, this pattern:
I found this pattern, when browsing for patterns printed in 1974. One seller on Etsy had listed this as having been printed in 1974, but actually it was 1973, but I loved the pattern so much, I had to have it. Just look at that sassy lady in red!!!! She absolutely sold me the pattern, but I also love the extended shoulder/cap sleeve of the short sleeved version. The seller was US based and didn't ship overseas, so I had her send it to my sister in law who lives in Yonkers, NY. My mother in law was over visiting at Christmas, so she brought it back for me. Since I went to the effort to buy this pattern, it seems obvious that I should prioritise it for this year. If I can make it from stash fabric, so much the better, but nothing that I have is currently springing to mind. Plus, I'm not sure I can see beyond a red version...
So, here I go:
During 2015, I, Helen of Grosgrain Green will complete 2 specific vintage patterns: Simplicity 6095 and McCalls 7619.
Are you joining in? If so, what is your pledge?
What gorgeous coat material. I also love the red dress, and the pattern reminds me of one in my stash which must date to around the same time. I must look it out and see
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you have the same one? How funny if you do.
DeleteI would recommend Karen from Did you make that's bound buttonholes book. It makes it really clear. The anise sewalong on the colette blog also has good instructions for bound buttonholes. They are a bit fiddly but really satisfying!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. I did buy that when Karen first released it, but I think my issue is more psychological, than capability driven!!!
DeleteI would recommend Karen from Did you make that's bound buttonholes book. It makes it really clear. The anise sewalong on the colette blog also has good instructions for bound buttonholes. They are a bit fiddly but really satisfying!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing both of these. They are beautiful patterns and I'm completely with you on the red dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire. Looks like everyone agrees on the red!!
DeleteLooking forward to seeing your makes - I love that dress pattern! I'm pledging to sew up one vintage pattern, just need to decide which one now.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing which you choose Kathryn! X
DeleteGreat plans.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise!
DeleteOh!! I totally understand about the buttonholes - it is so very intimidating cutting holes into the front piece of your cut out coat, knowing full well that if you stuff it up, it's curtains. No Pressure! But it is never tht bad and with that gorgeous fabric you can really use the grain to help you get them bang on straight. And that shirt dress pattern is gorgeous. I used t love them when I was a teenager, and probably wore that one.I love seeing them come around again and the makes people are chosing, in fact over here in NZ the WSBN is holding a Shirt dress Challenge among its members, so expect to see an explosion of them in a couple of months!
ReplyDeleteThanks Maryanne! I haven't ever made, or even worn a shirt dress before, so I'm looking forward to this one!
DeleteJust quietly, I think we have the same fabric!! The little squares one in the top photo? Is it wool? I got mine in Edinburgh at the end of 2013, so, it's very likely! I love when things like that happen :) I was planning on making a pencil skirt with mine, but that's now going to have to wait me thinks...
ReplyDeleteReally? That's amazing! Yes, it's 100% wool and was something ridiculous like £13 a metre! It would make a beautiful pencil skirt. And to think you were in Edinburgh and I didn't know who you were then...
DeleteThis will be lovely and satisfying. Oh, I think I might have a go at a vintage pattern pledge, Kerry gave me a pattern that I love years ago, I should have an attempt! I'm nervous of vintage patterns and their fit!
ReplyDelete