goals, sew-alongs and what I'm working on...

There's so much exciting inspiration in the blogosphere lately--it must be the start of September but everyone seems to be doing a lot of creative planning!  I've definitely been doing lots of plotting and planning as well!  I've come to the exciting conclusion that I would like to focus for awhile on sewing patterns (especially McCall patterns!) from three specific years: 1939, 1940 and 1941.  I absolutely adore the styles from these years!  So here I go...

There's been a few sew-alongs/projects that are the perfect compliment to exploring sewing vintage patterns from these years.  One is the Hepburn & Hepburn project initiated by Sarah at Rhinestones and Telephones.  You must check out her blog--I absolutely love it!

 

I am really excited because I adore Katherine Hepburn's look:

Especially the trousers!!  I really like the early 1940's trouser styles. For the Hepburn & Hepburn project, I am going to make two pairs of trousers.  I am going to revisit this Simplicity reprint pattern that I love (1941):

For this pair, I am going to make the trousers in a primary color shade of green wool fabric (still have to buy but I've seen it in a local fabric shop!).  I figure that would go great with my DuBarry blouse (this is a picture of the blouse with pants from this pattern in navy lightweight wool):

Then, I was lucky to come across this amazing McCall pattern on ebay UK from 1940:

Aren't these AMAZING?  I'm going to start with the cuffed and flared ones (view B) in a rust/pumpkin color (still have to buy the fabric but I can envision it perfectly!).

I am also planning on doing the winter coat sew-along that Gertie from the New Blog for Better Sewing is hosting.  Most people will be using the Colette 'Lady Grey' pattern pictured below. 

While I love this pattern, I am itching to sew a coat from my favorite time period.  So, I will be  in the sew-along and taking all the tailoring and coat construction tips but working on McCall 3941 also from 1940 (see, isn't it a great year?):

I'm just saving up for the fabric purchase.  My dream fabric for this coat is the celtic green flannel coating fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics.   When I went to put the link for the fabric, I just noticed it is on SALE! eep!  I better get it soon!  I like green because it goes equally well with brown and black.  I'm going to do a faux fur collar (can't decide which collar I like better) that has both brown and black in it.

Isn't planning fun?

So, those are all in the near future.  But what am I working on now?  I think my current project is a reflection of my refusal to accept that summer is nearly over in Scotland.  In fact, I am hoping this sundress will ensure that September will be a sunny and warm month (HA!).  Anyways, here's hoping....but I know I better get movin' to finish this up soon so I can wear it!

This is McCall 4043 (1940):

I'm making it from this striped cotton fabric I bought at IKEA that will go perfectly with my hot pink snood:

I'm loving it so far...I'll keep you up-to-date on the progress!