one of the many christmas surprises i received this year was quite unexpected but wholly appreciated. my mom gave me a brand new sewing machine! i’ve been talking to her about vintage patterns here and there; i always look for them at thrift stores and estate sales. i love vintage dresses, but it can be a huge challenge finding them, let alone in my size! especially when it comes to cotton house dresses from the 30’s or 40’s. they’re already very rare to find because these are the types of dresses women would have worn on a daily basis until they got holes and were tossed out. then, once i find them, they’re rarely in my size. solution: find a vintage pattern and make one yourself!
i actually have a sewing machine, but it’s seen better days. it’s my mom’s sewing machine from the 70’s. a very simple singer model, which has done me well for years. but sadly, i think it’s finally slipped past the point of repair. i guess i talked about it a lot, since my mom remembered and gave me a new one. so while i don’t tend to think too much about new year’s resolutions, i think that i’ll just have to resolve to start sewing more clothes in 2010. so besides all the vintage patterns i hope to begin acquiring, i’m also inspired by the patterns offered at colette patterns and built by wendy for simplicity! they’re vintage-inspired with a modern twist. ah, a whole new world has just opened up.
12 comments
lovely! i've never sewn from a pattern before and am usually frustrated by snags with my machine…it seems the thread gets caught pretty often and drives me crazy.
Oh fun! I really need to get myself a sewing machine because I have made a goal of learning to sew this new year. Good luck with your patterns! I can't wait to see what you make! :)
Natalie xx
(aka The Wandering Writer)
What fun! If I had more time and energy I'd try to make more stuff, but alas. I'm excited to see what you make!
Oh my goodness! I'm so excited for you. Hubs got my sewing machine fixed for my birthday and it is my 2010 goal to learn to sew. We're even turning a guest room into a little sewing room for me. I have NO IDEA what I'm doing. I am so excited to get inspiration from YOU as I'm learning to sew this year.
As for that plaid Wendy coat at the bottom? I have it, made by Wendy herself as a prototype for the patterns! She gifted it to me a couple years ago after I walked in a fashion show for her.
-Indiana
(Adored Austin)
The other day my grandma was teaching me a thing or two about patterns. I wish I could have started out with an easier one. XD But you did an amazing job! I absolutely love that dress, it's cute!
I have to say, that I'm too impatient for sewing. I wish you luck with all projects for the next year. I love all those patterns. Can't wait to see what happens next year!!
I've never seen these patterns before! this is perfect, I'm going to try them soon hopefully! thanks for sharing :)
lovelove,
http://marissaexplains.blogspot.cm
Oooohh! As a vintage pattern collector, let me say: GREAT POST!!!! THANKS!!!!!
lol that is awesome!!
Do you know that Wendy of Built by Wendy has a sewing book? I think it's called Sew U. It's a really cool book and great for learning to sew. It even comes with some simple patterns. I have quite the collection of sewing books, but just had to add that one, too.
I asked and received a sewing machine for my last birthday for this very same reason. I look for patterns every time I'm at thrift/vintage stores. These patterns are great! Annie.
I also got a sewing machine from my mum for Christmas so you've made my day with those great web links! thanks :)