Saturday, August 24, 2019

DuBarry 2451B

I love finding a pattern that I like, that is approximately my size. And making it up? Bliss!!

This pattern is a 42 bust, which means - theoretically - the arm holes and neck and shoulders should fit me. And they did.
I added a wedge of width to the center back: 2" at the waist and 0" at the neck.
I added 2" all the way down the center back of the skirt, and added a bit to the hips of the side back skirt pieces.
No length alterations, and I turned up the 3" hem called for in the pattern.
I had originally added 1" to the length of the bodice, but undid that on the pink flamingo dress.

Now the sleeves, there is a tale. From having made a DuBarry pair of 1940 PJs, I knew that DuBarry sleeves are very very skinny. I added 4 1/2 " to the bicep of the sleeve, while leaving the armscye untouched.  And it worked! I do not particularly care for my fat arms, but this pleated sleeve is so charming I could not resist.






For even more fun, I sewed this entirely on my new-to-me vintage Singer sewing machine. A 1948 15-31. It has the best topstitching!





Trusty automatic buttonholer attachment

Grandma's buttonhole scissors

Walmart buttons on clearance!

Yes, I have not done up all the buttons: needed to move the waist over a bit.


Friday, August 23, 2019

Singer 15-31 1948

8/23/19
About a month ago, I impulse bought a vintage sewing machine.
So FUN

I will not post tips or links to vintage sewing machine supplies or repair tips.
I will suggest you seek out the Facebook group Vintage & Antique Singer Sewing Machines & Products


It needed a little bit of work: tension, bobbin winder, presser foot pressure.
Eventually, it will need to be rewired (I have got to get up in there and grease the speed control knee lever - it squeaks like a Halloween prop.
It does need a bit of cleaning and oiling, but I'll do that after Labor Day.

Here are random photos of the machine and me fixing it up.









I also have a  copy of the Singer Sewing Book from 1949. Right at the beginning is a sketch of the exact machine I have in the exact cabinet!
How cool is that?!


She's BAAAAACK (how many times have I said this?)

8/23/19

Well, I'm not even going to look at the date of the last post. Because that's just darn depressing.

I have continued to sew some vintage things, but frankly, I spend my days either in pants and a white or black shirt (work) or in PJ bottoms and a tank top (home).
Grocery store trips only happen on my way home from work.
But, on the rare occasions when I do venture out, I try to dress like woman who has  not given up.

Grab some tea or whatever while I catch you up.

So, I have a couple of early 1950s sleeveless dresses I like. One in red with tiny white polka dots and one in black with, you guessed it! tiny white polka dots.



And a mid 1940s that I also like.



Incredibles fabric for that sleeveless 40s dress

Recently, I've ventured into the late 1930s. I LIKE.

I've made some A-line skirts, which I love, but I seem to like dresses better. One thing to choose. No matching required.

I've also made some blouses. Oh, and a couple vests.


I've even finally gotten a basic pants draft that fits! Thank you American Sewing Guild local chapter!
I've made some 30s palazzo pants and tried a Hepburn-esque pair (wrong fabric, didn't really work out).

Ok, I totally lied. It has been about exactly TWO YEARS since my last post. Oy.

Now, the trick is to round up all these photos. Some are on Google Drive. Some are on my phone. Some are on the phone that died. Oops. Some were taken through Facebook. Or Instagram. Or gods know where.

Well. That was futile. I hate pictures of me SO MUCH. SO VERY MUCH. Aaaaaaargh.



I work in a fabric store, and we get to dress up on October weekends. So I chose to go vintage last year. Every Single Weekend. Only one picture. I shall do the same this year (dressing, and probably a paucity of photographic evidence).


Stay posted for some news about a late 1930s dress and a late 1940s sewing machine ...