Browsing Tag

Vintage Sewing

Valentines Day. Bah Humbug.

Uncategorized February 14, 2012


I’m feeling rather “blah” this Valentines Day. To be completely honest, I had totally forgotten it was Valentines day until I checked Facebook.

I’ve been working on a few pieces lately, but am feeling kind of uninspired! How do you stay inspired or get out of a creative rut?

New (to me) sewing machine!

Uncategorized February 13, 2012

Ooohhh… Look at my Valentines Day Present! Isn’t it pretty? I got this today at an auction sale, along with some other goodies (a lamp and a table). I’ve been trying to research this well-loved sewing machine all afternoon.

This sewing machine has no obvious identifying marks. I can see where there once was a name plate of some soft, but it has long fallen off… There is a number, “131693” stamped into a metal piece on the front of the machine. I can tell this sewing machine got a lot of use, as the gold detail is worn off where fabric would have passed over it, over & over again. An inlaid mother-of-pearl flower has also “Disappeared.”

It seems to be in working order, and came with one wound bobbin, in the shuttle already in the machine. I haven’t threaded it yet, but have oiled it up and all of the parts move as they should.

The case it came in is beautiful on it’s own – inlaid along the top, and with a beautiful silver handle.

I’ve scoured the bottom of the machine, underneath the machine, inside the case, everywhere – to see who made this machine so I could try to date it, but nothing! I am told it is a German make, and it does resemble the Frister and Rossmann or Herman Kohler machines. I think it looks to be anywhere from 1880 to 1910. What do you think?
I just love old sewing machines… I can’t help but daydream about the woman who had used it before me… what she might have sewed, and for who… what her life was like. I am so excited to get this machine threaded up, and bring it back to life again!
We also picked up this rather unusual lamp… It’s only about 5′ high and has a long tassel pull on it. I think we are going to paint it white. It has made it’s home (for now) next to a lovely old wing-back we got from Dan’s Grandma, which she had upholstered in beautiful grey cut velvet damask.

1960’s Blouse

Uncategorized March 9, 2011

I bought the pattern for this blouse ages ago and have made several versions of it! I made this one yesterday out of the same fabric I made my bra out of.

I really love this pattern. The front is bias cut and it doesn’t require a zipper. I did a single button closure on the back for a little extra room to slide it over my head!
I have also made the version with the cowl in the back, which I think is so sweet and unexpected. It is such a quick, easy sew, and easy to wear with a pair of jeans and a cardigan. I have a feeling I will get a lot of wear out of this one!

Vintage Vogue

Uncategorized March 2, 2011

I made this plaid blouse several weeks ago but have just had a chance to take some pictures. I wear this top all of the time, and it is so cozy in the cold weather I’ve even worn it to bed! I made it of super soft, brushed cotton, and trimmed it in eyelet lace.

I was really excited about this project, since it had a lot of “tricky” sewing, including the placket and the most unusual yoke-sleeve contraption I’ve ever seen in my life!

I added a ribbon tie to the waist to make it a little more feminine. I often find sash-style belts kind of uncomfortable, so stretch and zig-zag stitched some wide elastic into the centre of the sash to add a little stretch to it.
My two days off are no coming to a close. I feel extra sad to have my days over today, I’m not sure why. I’m so tired of my day job… I’m finding it harder and harder every day to feel grateful for this job, even though I know I should be. Has anyone else had a job that they really disliked? If I lived in any other city, I’d just look for another job, but after almost a year of looking for work here, I’ve given up on that hope in that regard! So now I’m just trying to find ways to make the job I have (and hate) a little more bearable…

Rompers, Playsuits, Bodysuits, Teddies..

Uncategorized February 23, 2011

I never get as much done during the day as I intend to… I thought at first that I must be spending too much time “in between tasks” (in other words, slacking). So, I started writing down everything I do during the day to make sure I am making the most of my time! It turns out I waste a lot less time than I thought!

I sewed this romper this morning, which was a quick, easy sew. It is basically a bodice block and pant block with the darts removed and extra fullness added. I lengthened the bodice block a bit for blousing and did some tapering around the bum. The two pieces are then sewn together with a french seam, then a piece of elastic is inserted into the casing, and voila, a super cute retro-styled romper. I added a contrast panel to the front with a little lace, as well as some vintage 1950’s plastic buttons! I think this one is my favourite style romper.
While I’m hoping to sell these, this is a pretty simple style to Frankenstein out of patterns I’m sure pretty much any sewist has laying around!
A few days ago I placed an order from Lush, and it came in the mail today! I ordered my favourite Porridge soap, Buffy scrub, a chocolate and honey scented massage bar, some shampoo and a few other things. I cannot say enough how much I LOVE everything from lush, especially their solid shampoos and the body butters. All I want to do is shower and wash my hair all day long….

Betsey Johnson makes it Fast & Easy!

Uncategorized February 3, 2011

Between family “stuff” I’ve actually been getting quite a bit of sewing done. I mentioned earlier, a Betsey Johnson pattern I had finished – I got this in a box lot of patterns and fell in love. It is SO Little House on the Prairie Meets Star Trek. The banded cap sleeve makes me giggle, but actually looks very cute on. I want to make a longer version for spring. This is completely the type of dress I could live in in the summer. Ah summer…
This was a very quick sew – as I mentioned in an earlier post, I took extra time to do french seams, a rolled hem, and lined the sleeve bands in broiderie angialise.
I also started on some more “ready made” stuff for My Etsy Shop including this knit “jacquard” set, which reminds me of the coziest pair of long-johns I had as a kid – perfect log cabin wear.

I’ve had this romper on my dress form for a few weeks. I love the print on this satin, it has cute little pink birds and reminds me of the 1920’s. I will make one of these for myself I think…
And last but not least, I sewed a bra before going to the visitation this afternoon. I like the gathered front. I sewed three little yellow buttons down the front and am contemplating a bow…
I am trying to kill some time between going to my Grandmother’s second viewing tonight… I’ve had a headache all week! The Funeral is tomorrow… even though it was an open casket viewing, it still hasn’t really “hit” me yet. My dad looks fantastic, which is good news, but I think he is getting cabin fever from not being able to go to work… or even go for a drive. While my cousin and I were preparing photos for the funeral, we found old wedding pictures of both of our parents. My mom and dad were such a good looking couple! I put one of their wedding photos up on my fridge to inspire…

Spring Jacket… in January!

Uncategorized January 16, 2011

I purchased a huge lot of Vintage patterns off Ebay a few weeks ago, and received it early last week. It has some really special things in it, including a Betsy Johnson pattern from the late 1970’s. I really love the styling of 1970’s clothing – though I often dislike the original choice of fabrics. I am enjoying sewing these up in cottons and other natural fabrics.
Maybe I am feeling extra inspired by the clothing of the ’70’s because we were into the 1970’s in our Oscar Movie Marathon. Last night I slept my way through The Sting but have thoroughly enjoyed The French Connection, The Godfather, and Midnight Cowboy and am really looking forward to watching Annie Hall again! It is one of my all time favourite movies – mostly because I think Annie Hall is a copy of myself.I am super excited about this little jacket – I love the idea of the contrasting lapels and pointy cuffs. It looks very cute with a pair of dark, skinny jeans, but I am excited to make myself a pair of wide-legged pants to go with it. I bound all the seams in the contrast fabric, and added a sewn on facing to the back-neck to hide the collar seam around the neck opening. I really liked the faux-notched collar on this jacket, was really quick and easy to sew!I am also preparing for the give away I mentioned earlier – I should be posting a Great Big Official Give Away Post on Tuesday! Stay tuned!

Sewing Marathon before getting back to real life…

Uncategorized January 6, 2011

Well, my two days off flew by, as usual. Back to work tomorrow. I am really hoping my New Years resolution comes to fruition quickly. I’m trying to decide what is worse… being terribly underemployed, or being unemployed… Every month, I cringe with regret when I pay my student loans. Surely I deserve more than to sweep the floor and scrub the toilet! Oh… I miss my old job….

So, I worked my butt off the last two days and sewed 5 (well 6, including the bodysuit) new items for my Etsy Shop.


I’ve been renewing my interest in Victorian Fashion lately… unearthing some old Victorian magazines that I had been collecting. This Chemise and Pantie set remind me of a delicate, Victorian woman’s under-things. Frothy with lace, crisp white.

They photographed nicely on my vintage, turn of the century dress form. I have to thank Dan for that one.


Lately, I’ve had an obsession with sewing contrast bibs onto everything. I suppose I just like any excuse to add a little ruffle and some lace, so I added one to a pair of panties… the fabric I used is so soft and worn-feeling, it feels vintage.


I made myself 2 of these thongs about a month ago, and I have to say they are the most comfortable pair of underwear I own. The fabric is is light and airy, the elastic perfectly stretchy, it feels like you are wearing nothing at all. I can’t stand man-made fibers or too-tight clothing!

I am actually going to keep the sample for this black set for myself to wear under my work uniform. I like to wear something ultra-feminine under my hideous man shirt to remind myself that, yes, indeed I am a woman!

While I was photographing my new items, I flipped through my 1876 Munsey’s Magazine and saw this interesting advertisement for Burnett’s Cocaine For the Hair! Apparently it will cure you of your dandruff…
Dan started back to school on Monday. It’s a 2 hour drive there and then back again. I feel like I have hardly seen him. It’s only Wednesday and I already miss him tons… Luckily the course is only 2 months, and when he finishes he will have his full Mechanics License! I am already so proud and excited for him!

I am looking forward to the Weekend already, even though mine doesn’t start until Saturday Evening. Our plans are to stay in and play some video games and follow up on our Oscar Movie Marathon!

A Ruffle Obsession…

Uncategorized December 16, 2010
This One Piece Romper has been in my sewing pile for a week or so… Yesterday I got called in to work, which threw my sewing schedule way off… However, I think it worked in my favour because this turned out way, way more cute than I had anticipated. Sometimes I get this foggy vision in the back of my mind of how I want something to turn out, but I don’t quite have all the details… It is fun to see it come to life in front of me!
I stopped by our Best (wo)Man’s place for coffee this morning and chatted about wedding stuff, and guys, and her little one, then stopped in a new antique store that just opened up Downtown. They had some great stuff and cheap too! The owner said she will keep her eyes peeled for vintage patterns for me… Here’s hoping.

After I finished the Romper, I dug out a piece of fabric that my best friend donated to me out of her stash and came up with my Ruffled Abigail Bloomers, which you can see more pictures of Here . I cut out a matching top which I will sew on Sunday if I’m not too busy… I still have some Christmas things to do…

And last but not least, I made these fleece lined knitted leggings. I literally was dreaming of this fabric. It was expensive (in my books), at $20/yard, But these are the warmest, snuggliest things I own! Pair that with the sweater my mom knitted me and my Sorrel Boots and I am ready to drop-kick winter!
Our Staff Christmas Party is this Saturday. I’m excited to not have to wear my hideous, oversized uniform shirt!

Leopard Print Romper

Uncategorized November 30, 2010
I love fun things to wear to bed… though I have to admit with the cold weather coming this Romper isn’t probably the most practical but pretty nonetheless!

I made this with the nicest weight of jersey I have laid my hands on in a long time, and I am a total sucker for anything leopard. It is so soft and stretchy and comfortable! I added snaps to the crotch and little pink bows at the side seams. This is going to be one of Ohhh Lulu’s newest offerings (but this particular one is for me).
I finished up two of my orders today, including this padded lace and jersey bra. I am loving the light padding so, so much. I wish I had time to make some for ME! I haven’t had a new bra in ages!!!

Yesterday was the One of a Kind Show, which was awesome! I am doing all of my Christmas Shopping there next year. I picked up two things for Dan, and something for my soon-to-be sister in law and her husband, as well as something special for my mom. My mom surprised me with this beautiful, hand scuplted miniature pug. It is so life like and looks just like my Oliver. I am so in love with it and will cherish it forever.