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I recently finished this black denim suspender skirt from a 50s pattern.

More information can be found on my blog.

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Pattern used:

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I just finished this suspender skirt from McCalls 3730, 1956. I’ve wanted a suspender skirt for a long time, it’s pretty versatile and unique. More information and a pattern review can be found on my blog.

Still not sure how flattering rolls are with my thick hair, but this will have to do for now. I think I’ve finally gotten over my vintage fashion-rebellion and am going back to what I’ve been sewing before. I’m slowly getting over my fear of color as well, but so far have been sticking to dark background prints, red, and black.

I finally this blouse a week or so ago and only had a chance to write about it now. Shown here with Wearing History shorts, I think it’s very versatile and should hopefully work long past Summer and straight into Fall.

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Pattern used:

Simplicity 1554. I made View C, with the peter pan collar.

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More information and a pattern review can be found on my blog.

The weather’s getting colder, so I made some slippers to keep my feet warm on winter mornings.

I used Simplicity 2778 from 1958 – a pattern for a bed jacket and slippers. (Maybe one day I’ll try the bed jacket as well, although I must admit I bought this pattern because of the slippers.)

The pattern came together nicely, and the slippers fit well. There are more details over on my blog.

Made from Style 1077, a vintage pattern from 1976.

I’ve made this pattern up twice this month (images of the other one coming soon) – it’s quick and easy, comfortable to wear, and also works well for a small baby bump. (And conveniently because it isn’t ‘maternity wear’, can be worn after pregnancy as well – perfect!)

For this dress, I made the pattern up in view 2 with short sleeves. Rather than making the self-fabric sash belt, I paired it with a red belt I already own (I think a belt in this busy floral would be just a bit too much with this dress. If you could even see it amongst that print). It’s made up in an island style floral print, I think it’s a cotton but it could be a cotton blend, I’m really not sure. This fabric’s been lurking in my stash for years and I don’t even know where it came from.

There are more details over on my blog.

Mel Campbell is a journalist writing a non-fiction book about the discontents of clothing fit and size. Part of the book will focus on the vintage fashion industry and the reasons people prefer the styles of the past.

If you would like to help Mel with this endeavor, she has created a 10-question survey to glean our opinions and thoughts, as vintage sewing enthusiasts. You can remain anonymous or there is an option to include your name, if you’d like to be credited in the book.

You can locate Mel’s survey below.

Size and Fit in Retro Sewing

Now back to sewing! Happy Friday!

Front view.

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Side view.

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Pattern used:

I recently finished this blouse in swiss dot. More information can be found on my blog.

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Pattern used.

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I recently finished this dress using McCall’s 4994 from 1959. More information can be found on my blog.

Front view #1.

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Front view #2.

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Pattern used:

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I recently finished this sundress from some polka-dot rayon. Construction details can be found on my blog.

The Facts:

Fabric: Cotton shirting bought over four years ago that I found while cleaning out my closet, about $4/yard
Pattern: Simplicity 1554
Year: 1945
Notions: black plastic buttons, $1
Time to complete: 6 hours
First worn: Hasn’t been worn yet!
Wear again? Yes!
Total price: $5?

Pattern used:

I found this already-cut plaid cotton shirting wadded up in a ball at the back of my closet. The blouse is very comfortable and came together pretty quickly (from cutting to stitching) in about an afternoon.

More construction details can be found on my blog.