The Queen
Queen Elizabeth II has just reached an important milestone. She has been sitting on the throne for longer than her Great Grandmother Queen Victoria, who managed 63 years too, (but less days). Good on you, Ma’am. In 2007 she and … Continued
How to sew chiffon (based on my experience)
In order to improve my sewing techniques I decided to make a silk chiffon blouse with lace inserts, using a 1959 Vogue blouse pattern. Before I started I researched the theory. Finally I have finished, and worn, the blouse. In case … Continued
How I made up the chiffon blouse
In order to prepare myself for designing and using sheer fabrics I bought a piece of silk chiffon and a blouse pattern (ostensibly) designed for sheers. Here is how I got on. Design The pattern is my size (b34) and … Continued
How to sew chiffon (the theory)
Before I embark on my sheer chiffon blouse with cuffed, puffed sleeves, I have had a lot of very helpful advice from the amazing sewing community, I have consulted my own sewing library and I have made a few samples. … Continued
A sheer blouse (Vogue 9783)
I mentioned that I don’t have much experience with sheer fabrics so before I start designing something clever I plan to grips with the techniques. I really appreciate the feedback I have in the way of designing – how to … Continued
Vintage Fashion illustrations now available on line
Many of us who like to make vintage outfits will admit that we are often seduced by “envelope art” – the lovely pictures on the front of a pattern envelope that encourage us to make up something to wear, presented … Continued
Late 20th Century body shapes – which decade are you?
Yesterday I did a post, illustrated with vintage patterns, showing which styles are best for each of the three main body types (shaped, semi-straight, and straight). !950s Are you a curvy girl with a shaped figure? Then the shapes of … Continued
Nina Ricci Vogue Paris Original 1650 – Part Two
Does anyone apart from me, Lyn and Helen remember these? A polyester “permanently pleated” kilt, attached to a nylon jersey vest – suitable attire for little girls’ Sunday best. Often worn with an Acrylic Arran jumper over the top. Oh … Continued
The circular skirt – who can wear them and how to make one
I saw these amazing circular skirts at the Women, Fashion, Power exhibition last month. initially I couldn’t see any link between novelty skirts and women’s power, but maybe I lack imagination. On the other hand these items come from are … Continued
Making a 1950s jacket – fitting issues
My pattern (Simplicity 100) is quite a small size (32″ bust, 34″ hips). While I anticipated the fit at the shoulder and neckline would be fine, ease, styling and other factors often mean a pattern will make up bigger than … Continued
You must be logged in to post a comment.