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2018 Retro Round Up
As the end of December approaches, as do my university deadlines, I thought I would make a little round up of my sewing year. I usually take time out of the online world during the Christmas period to enjoy time with friends and family, but before I do enjoy this final post of 2018.
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I Made a…. 1940s Winter Coat
My 1940s winter coat is complete! I am so thrilled with how it turned out and really pleased I was able to finish it before the cold weather truly sets in. I used a vintage Vogue pattern from The Vintage Pattern Store* with a selection of new, vintage and organic fabrics. Take a closer look below.
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The Rizzo Blouse – Poison Grrls Test Knit
I recently had the opportunity to be a test knitter for the latest pattern from Poison Grrls, The Rizzo Blouse. Being a test knitter is something I have always wanted to try, and it was such a pleasure to work with Amy.
The pattern is GORGEOUS. I love to knit vintage patterns but they can be so crazy. Literally, scratching your head, turning things around. Constant WTF.
But the Rizzo Blouse is knitted in one piece, top down. No funny yokes, no side ways construction. Yes please.
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1940s Pyjama Playsuit Take Two
After I finished my 1940s Pyjama Playsuit, I had just enough fabric left to make an alternative top to match the playsuit shorts. I wanted to create another sun top, like this one I made before. That way I would have two 1940s playsuit outfits in one! So I started cutting my sun top, a different style this time but from the same pattern, Simplicity 1462*. Take a look at the process below.
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1940s Joan Crawford Knitted Jumper
My usual posting, and making, schedule has been interrupted by the arrival of some work. I’ve been working on a local outdoor Shakespeare festival as a wardrobe assistant. So far I’ve mostly been working on Henry V, however this production is set in a WW1 field hospital, making it my 6th WW1 production in 4 years. I’m hoping to update my portfolio with some production shots once they become available but in the mean time enjoy this photo of some of the adorable company I’ve been keeping.
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1940s Pyjama Playsuit
When I started this blog I wanted to inspire and motivate myself to make my own clothes and it looks like it has worked! I have been sewing for 10 years and finally, I have made something exclusively for me to wear; a 1940s playsuit.
I can’t believe it!
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PSB – Challenge No. 1 – 1940s Style Sun Top
So the deadline for the first Petersfield Sewing Bee has passed and my entry is on display in the window of my local fabric shop. So now I think would be a good time to show you what I made, a 1940s style sun top.
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I Made a … 1940s Crochet Hat, Again
Back to crochet hats! After the success of my first 1940s crochet hat, I decided to try out another pattern. This one is more of a bonnet or Juliet style and had a large frill around the front.
Having learnt from my previous mistakes this hat went much smoother. However, when I came to the frill around the front I decided to make a few changes.
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I Made a … 1940s Crochet Hat
I am very fortunate in that I suit every type of hat I have ever tried on. However, I am also incredibly unfortunate in that I have an enormous head and lots of hair meaning I can never find hats that fit. So I thought I would give making my own crochet vintage hat a go.
As part of my Costume Production degree, I was lucky enough to undertake a week of basic millinery. We looked at 19th century hats and bonnets and I ended up making a 1880s style riding hat. Here it is in all its feathery glory:
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How to Start Dressing Vintage?
How to start dressing vintage is a question I hear so often as if vintage is a mystery that I have somehow unlocked the answers to. I get it, it can seem intimidating when you are surrounding yourself with images of professional pin up models and hairstylist thanks to Instagram and Pinterest. But it’s important to remember, those people ARE PROFESSIONALS. They have dedicated a lot of time and money to getting to the point they are at. If you’re New Year’s Resolution is to take up jogging you’re not going to be running a marathon in February are you?
