Sunday, July 3, 2011

My 1950's halter top...

I am so happy to have finally completed my oldest unfinished sewing project for this last week's theme at the Sew Weekly!

I used Simplicity 3879 which according to the Vintage Pattern Wiki is from 1952.  There's actually a nicer non-decapitated image of the pattern cover on the Vintage Pattern Wiki.

I had already made the bolero and skirt in a lovely printed cotton and wear those separates quite frequently.  I didn't end up doing the full skirt from this pattern but modified another pattern for more of a pencil skirt:

You'll see that the cuffs on the bolero are from the same fabric as my new halter top.  I've also made another A-line skirt from this same purple cotton material from a 1940's hollywood pattern:

I love how the new halter looks with this skirt!  I also really love the soft folds on the neck of the halter:

The main reason for not finishing the halter two years ago was that I was a bit befuddled by the instructions and the fit.  This time around (after quite a bit more sewing under my belt) I was able to finish and fit it without too many hitches.  I think what was confusing me before was the way they decribe the bias underfacing--something I had never done when I first tackled this pattern.  I did end up taking it in about 3 inches in the sides at the bust area (despite this being my size) and ended up sewing the halter back together as opposed to having it close with a button.  There is a side zip that makes it quite easy to get on.  It's about hip length (it's tucked in with the skirt).

I also knew I wanted a splash of colour to break up the purple.  I was recently in Ness with my sister (btw, I've just found out that they ship worldwide) and I picked up the adorable Ness shoes and wallet and I picked up the scarf with the intention of making a belt out of it. 

I purchased the belt making kit from Sunni over at A Fashionable Stitch.  I absolutely love the belt making kit as it makes it easy peasy.  Before I was following the directions on the vintage patterns with ok results but I didn't really feel that the belts could stand up to constant wear.  This belt backing is fantastic plus it includes a self-cover buckle.  It also includes a prong and gromits but I just left those out and made it into a slide belt.

Actually I should rephrase....David actually made the belt for me! How amazing is that?  I was sneaking in early hours sewing since my sister was in town and we were touring around Scotland during the day!  David knew I really wanted to make the belt and offered to do it for me! awwww....thanks sweetiepie!  He also very kindly took photos of how he did it.  Here's what we started out with, the knit scarf, the belt kit, matching thread and a hand sewing needle:

And here's what making the self-cover buckle looks like:

And finally the actual buckle:

I love it, I love it, I love it!!!  My very own matching belt!

I'm really glad I finished the halter top as we are having unbelievable beautiful weather at the moment! YAY!
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25 comments

  1. What an achievement for you to have finished your oldest UFO, well done Debi! It's gorgeous too and I love all the matching accessories...how cute of David to make the belt for you!

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  2. what a great idea to make the belt from the matching scarf! so fancy! :)

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  3. You have many treasures, from beautiful patterns to a sweet husband! That UFO is impressive, often miss the adorable are these clothes after so long forgotten in the pile of sewing.

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  4. Congrats on finishing the halter top! I love it all.

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  5. That dress is so cute but your brilliant styling takes it to another level! LOVE!

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  6. Congrats! And I have to say the red and purple plaid accessories are fab!

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  7. This outfit is gorgeous. That color is beautiful on you and I love the way you've brought all the accent colors together with the belt, flower, and cardigan. FABULOUS.

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  8. Great UFO. What I like is that, unlike a lot of halter-neck patterns from the era, it is flattering without too much fabric over the chest or too high a neckline. The 50s halter-necks I've seen made up tend to look frumpy, finally one that is sexy!

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  9. looks fantastic! And so cute that David made the belt--and took pictures! Sweet.

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  10. Wow look at you all smart looking in your purple and plaid I love it. Good deal on your husband making the belt. I'm going to have to mail order a belt kit myself I feel the need coming on!

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  11. I love this outfit! The purple with the plaid looks fantastic - fabulous ensemble, my dear! Well done!

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  12. Super cute outfit. I love the matching belt, shoes and clutch. Oh and your hair looks gorgeous!

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  13. You look great! The halter is very pretty, and I think purple may be your best color. And the little tartan touches are so cute!

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  14. Wow! Isn't is nice to finally finish something that's been around for a long time. It looks fantastic and the colour really suits you.

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  15. Ooh, what a great colour! I really love halter tops. And I like the matching accessories, too. =D
    -Andi x

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  16. looks great! I like the interchangeable idea!

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  17. Wow, I really love what you've done with the scarf and the bag and everything :O Where can you buy those self-cover buckles? I've been looking for those.

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  18. That colour is really lovely on you - and great for such summery looking weather!

    Early morning sewing? I had heard rumours of it happening in some places but never had a face to put to the phenomenon before :-)

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  19. wonderfull and bold. Your belt is just amazing too.

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  20. I love that belt!!! What a brilliant idea :)

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  21. I love the combination of red and purple. I really like those soft folds at the neck, too. Very pretty!

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  22. Love the styling on this one! Bright and happy - perfect for summer.

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  23. Beautiful! I just love halter style tops for the summertime (I just made a 50s halter midriff top this past weekend myself... ;); the shade of purple you made it up in is gorgeous. Those accessories really pop against that color too! :)

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  24. OMG, so fantastic! And I love the belt! How did I miss that her kit is for making a self-fabric belt buckle? I assumed it was just a metal buckle. That is so great!

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  25. Your purple halter ensemble is the perfect Lisbon Holiday get-up, Debi!

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I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

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