the concept

the fabric

the result

what's on the dvd player?

Desk Set

useful links

Christine's Vintage Fashion Pages: 1950s

Timeline of Costume History: 1950-59

bibliography

Laboissonniere, Wade. Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1950s. Schiffer Publishing, 1999.

Schaeffer, Claire B. Couture Sewing Techniques. Taunton Press, 2001.

Monday, August 11, 2003

I finished the skirt forever-ago, but never got around to taking pictures! I really like the way it hangs. The only problem is that the waistband is too loose, so someday if I get inspired (shyeah RIGHT) I'll take it off and take it in a bit.

I have no idea if I'll ever get inspired to do the jacket -- too many other exciting projects (and too many other good uses for this fabric)! So don't hold your breath.

posted by démodé 9:24 AM

Wednesday, February 26, 2003

I've spent the last two nights working on the hem. This has been my first attempt to incorporate some tailoring techniques into my sewing (I recently picked up a copy of Claire Schaeffer's Couture Sewing Techniques, and I recommend it to the tailoring challenged such as myself). The main technique I used on the skirt was steam shrinking the hem to fit. I was really impressed at how well it worked, and now I have a non-bubbly, non-irritating skirt hem!

I always hand sew my hems, partially because my machine doesn't have a hem stitch, and partially because I enjoy hand sewing (I think we've already established that I'm insane). I've finished hemming the skirt (you can see shots of the hem inside and outside) -- now I just need to hem the lining, and sew hooks & eyes to the waistband.

Then it's on to the jacket, which I'm sure will be a challenge!

Monday, February 24, 2003

I've recently gotten excited about the 1950s -- no, not the huge bouffant skirts, which I always thought were way too over the top, but the more restrained A-line silhouette. I've always loved the 1940s, and after making a series of 1940s dresses, I came to a startling conclusion: they aren't flattering on me! I need a defined waist, which the 1940s (with its blousier top) doesn't have.

I've also wanted to start making some clothes that I can wear in every day life. Since I need more work clothes, suits seem like the obvious answer. I can wear the skirts for less dressy occasions, and the whole suit for times when I need to be spiffier.

A few weeks ago I graded the skirt up to my size, and since I was temporarily foiled on my 1760 robe a la francaise project, I decided to get to work on the skirt before the cats ate the pattern. I cut out the skirt on Saturday afternoon, and by Sunday evening had everything finished but the hem.

I really like the hang of the skirt -- the grain of the fabric runs up the middle of each gore (rather than along the center front and back), which gives a really pretty drape at the hem (please ignore the striped socks and other unfashionable accoutrements):

One of my favorite things about sewing my own clothes (aside from making them FIT) is changing things that I don't like in off-the-rack clothing. While I love wool, I hate the feel of it against my skin, and I have never been able to understand why wool skirts have an inner waistband made of itchy wool! Yes, I know the theory is that you're supposed to tuck in your top, but I am so not a tucker. So I lined the inside of the waistband -- I know, genius!