A few weeks back I was having a completely horrid week at work and outside of work there were so many things going wrong. By Friday I was completely wrung out and just wanted a good nights sleep and some quiet time sewing.
To help brighten my day I picked up these patterns from Pattern Runway.
I still haven’t gotten around to sewing them up, but even just knowing they are there waiting for me makes me smile.
My collection of vintage patterns is large, very large. From the 1940’s onwards I have a fantastic array of patterns covering all the styles of the era’s.
But they make me a little sad as there is no way I can use them all and I feel like they should be getting used. So I’m offering them up for sale!
This way I know they will be going off to good sewing homes and lots of lovely dresses, coats, blouses and all kinds of outfits will be made from them. This makes me far happier as I know the joy they will give to all the other sewers out there.
Now all the patterns are vintage, so yes they have been used and while every care has been taken with them some of them have crinkles in the packaging or a bit of a rip and most of the patterns have been pre cut out (some are still pristine and never been cut at all). I’ve tried to put the details into the descriptions so check them out.
The first batch are available here in the store and for the next fortnight if you use the code HAPPYsewing you will get an extra 10% discount. Be sure to check back often as I will be adding more styles to the sale and please help spread the word so as many sewers as possible can take advantage of these lovely patterns and offer them good homes.
This dress has been hanging round the “to finish” pile longer than I care to remember. I pulled it out over the weekend, attached the sleeves, added a centre back zip and ran some bias binding round the neck and it was done. It was so easy I was wondering why I had left it for so long?
I’ve used this Simplicity 2846 pattern before and it worked out well. Previously it was in a heavier weight wool herringbone which I got a lot of use out of throughout the winter time. This version is a cotton I took from mum’s stash some time ago. The polka dots are actually tiny little flocked spots. Which makes pressing an interesting challenge as to get the iron hot enough to get the cotton straight makes the polka dots come off!
It was while pressing that I discovered potentially why it had been in the “to finish” pile so long. I’d added the pockets before putting in the darts. I could even see some marks where I must’ve attempted the darts at some time? After a quick try on I decided if I added a belt then I don’t need to worry about the darts. I used my cummerbund style belt I got from Antipodium forever ago, which is not only supremely cute but incredibly comfy.
So how dd your weekend sewing go? get any pesky projects out of the way?
Another Monday morning and we are well and truly into summer! This weekend was glorious long sunshine filled days and more than a little warm too.
Sewing wise I spent the entire weekend making and packing orders for Rocket Fuel. With it being practically peak cycling season it’s nice to see so many packages heading off to new homes.
I normally try and do all my orders during the week and then spend at least one day of the weekend doing some sewing for myself but sometimes there are extra orders. I like sewing the caps though, as I like to imagine the life they are going on to live.
A snappy wool might be destined for a Tweed Ride, a sturdy cotton with club colours might be bound for weekend races and a collection printed with nicknames are due for a lads weekend of cycling and camping in lieu of a bachelors party.
It’s fun to marry 2 of my big passions of sewing and cycling together.
Hope you all had a wonderful sewing filled weekend too?
I thought each Monday morning it would be nice to have a bit of a recap on my weekly weekend sewing adventures.
This weekend I finished a project that has been on the almost done pile for quite some time.
It is a mushroom,white and lilac Japanese print cotton I picked up at Spotlight about 2 years ago. It’s super cute as there are little tiny birds in the print. The dress was a breeze to put together and I love love that all the Cynthia Rowley patterns have pockets in the dresses. I’m guessing that the bow will become slightly annoying to keep tying it each time I wear the dress and am toying with the idea of getting it right once and then just hand stitching it in place?
Despite being a breeze to put together it wasn’t until I went to photograph this dress that I realised I had made a mistake. I’ve added the zip to the non bow side. Getting in and out of it is a 2 person job! So last night I unpicked the zipper and will be installing it on the correct side today, thank goodness for a long weekend so I can finally finish this dress.
It’s a sunny Monday morning and while the air is still just a tiny bit crisp, summer is about to hit and after such a mild winter it’s looking like a long hot summer! Yay!
I love summer, they always feel so full of potential (though inevitably in a few months I could do with a break from the constant heat).
As always, my plan this year is to get as much sewing done as possible before it gets too warm to even consider unfolding the fabric to cut it out.
So this past weekend while the sun was shining, the kitty was basking in the sun and the bread was rising I got to sewing.
First up this cute Simplicity built by Wendy pattern (now out of print).
This series came out years ago but quickly become one of my favourite tops to sew. Not only is it a breeze to make the fullness of the style means it is perfect for summer when sometimes you need a bit more ventilation and air around your body. I love pairing it with jeans or shorts. It is an essential piece in my travel wardrobe as it can be dressed up or down and can survive being crumpled in a bag. It’s also my go to top for a quick spin on the bike when I am off to the shops or the farmers markets.
As is usual for me with this pattern I have chosen a lightweight Japanese cotton. I love their hand feel and they are lightweight but not see through which is just about perfect for summer. This one was a lucky find at my local Spotlight.
I’m normally a very bright colours kind of dresser and it felt a little flat so I added a cute zig zag in a neon contrast thread.
In fact I have a whole packet of neon Madeira Threads so expect to see some more of them in future creations.
The second sewing project for the weekend was this Cynthia Rowley Pattern. Again it’s another tried and tested pattern for me.
It fits me perfectly with zero adjustments being needed, so it is really a case of cut and sew and bam! Job done.
I choose a vintage fabric that I picked up at the Lismore car boot markets.
It’s very pink! And when I sent a quick happy snap to one of my best friends her response was “well if anyone can wear that colour it’s going to be you”.
And so it’s Monday and I am on the train to work, and already I am thinking, what I can make next?
