What I'm Working On...

This week's outfit ticks several boxes of things I am working on....  First, we are stepping back a decade to 1933.  Originally, I was saving this pattern to be a bonus pattern to the Sewing Through the Decades Challenge but it's perfect for this week for several reasons:

1) It's an EvaDress pattern and they've just announced a competition for sewing up their patterns (with a prize of $100 to spend in their store! eep....more patterns! yippeeee...definitely worth the work to enter!!)  Check out the competition rules here but basically you just need to sew up one of their patterns between 15 Jan (this last Saturday) and 15 March and send in your photos.  Then people vote on Facebook for the winners!

2) This pattern fits in with my Sewing Through the Decades Challenge as the pièce de résistance is the blouse/jacket...

3) This pattern fits with the Hepburn & Hepburn Challenge that I am also doing as this pattern is from one of the first movies that Katherine Hepburn starred in!

and

4) This pattern fits with this week's theme for the Sew Weekly Challenge as it's about a movie which features unrequited love (and all sorts of other love issues).

Phew! Not to mention that I've been so curious as to what this pattern will actually be like to sew!  So, without further ado...this is what I've started sewing this past weekend and continuing on with this week:

You may recognize the pattern as it was featured in a past issue of Threads magazine.

I'm sewing the jacket/blouse with a superfine wool that is a olive/brown small herringbone:

And the skirt I'm sewing up in a brown viscose stretchy fabric!

Can't wait to see how this turns out!

Everyone's a Winner...

Thanks again to everyone who entered the giveaway!  I am really happy to announce that Lauren from Wearing History is giving a 10% discount on her reproduction patterns to all my readers!  Actually, the 10% discount is for anything in her store until the end of January.  Just mention the code "sewinghappyblog" for the discount.

whoohooo...I'm heading over there now :-)

And the winners are...

I had such a lovely time with this giveaway and have many new blogs to check out! Thanks for all your wonderful comments!

The competition was really tough for these patterns!  But without further ado...

The winner of her choice of Wearing History repro pattern (and shipping) is.....

Gabrielle from Sydney who blogs at Up Sew Late.  I just found Gabrielle's blog and I'm so glad I did! She's made some amazing blouses recently and I love her tagline 'Stealing from sleep to sew'.  Definitely check out her blog!  Gabrielle, get in touch with Lauren from Wearing History (wearinghistory [at] gmail [dot] com) to pick your pattern and arrange for shipping!

The winner of the Sewaholic Pendrell blouse pattern is....

Nataliabird from 52 Things to Make and Do.  Natalia is a new blogger and has a challenge to make and do 52 things (either finish already started projects or do new ones--like the Pendrell blouse!!).  Natalia, get in touch with Tasia (Tasia [at] Sewaholic [dot] net) to order your pattern and arrange for shipping!

Thank you everyone for participating!  Giveaways are one of my favorite things as I hear from and find so many new bloggers.  So I will definitely have lots more in the future!

My 1943 blouse

YAY! My first blouse for the Sewing Through the Decades Challenge:

And it also corresponded to the Sew Weekly Theme as well (Coco Chanel)..check out my post there...

This is my classic white blouse:

I absolutely love it.  The silk taffeta was great to work with (though really tough material--hand hemming required the trusty thimble!).  Here's a view of the shirt front:

And the back:

One of my favorite things about this pattern is the gathering on both the front and back as well as the pleats at the bottom.  It really looks best with high-waisted trousers (in fact the final blouse length and the pleats make it more difficult to wear with normal waisted trousers).

I finally feel fairly confident doing topstitching!  Here's a photo from the front:

I also hand stitched the sleeve cuffs onto the sleeve.  This was a pain because the material is quite tough.  When I went back to the directions, it said to topstitch--oops!  Ah well, I think the extra effort was worth it (because I'm sure with all the gathered fullness my topstitching would have been wonky!):

Also, instead of snap buttons, I used cuff links.  This is because I have small wrists and actually like my blouses to be quite fitted on my wrists.  Cuff links are perfect (and I can change them in and out) and it only requires two buttonholes on either side (instead of a fiddly snap--which I hate doing because I never line them up perfectly!)

I have to say that one of the greatest things about sewing is getting a garment to fit your body perfectly.  One of my biggest problems with blouses is the long-sleeves tend to run slightly short on me.  Now I can lengthen the sleeves--so it's just right.

And I'm happy to say that the Peacock chairs came to our new place (our only piece of furniture we kept):

This photo was taken on the camera phone that was jerry-rigged onto a stool (with string) and the self-timer button (which gave me just enough time to sit down)! hahaha

Check out more photos on the Sewing Through the Decades Challenge flickr group (and post your photos!)

Also, don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the pattern giveaway.  It's open until midnight UK time and I'll be choosing and posting the winners tomorrow!

The classic white blouse: A 1943 staple

I was browsing through the 1943 Sears fall and spring catalogues (courtesy of ancestry.com) and came across some similar blouses to the DuBarry 5327 from my last post.

I'm really glad that I decided to make a white blouse.  The DuBarry pattern is very similar to view C below:

But with the sleeves of view B from this photo:

I love this photo:

I have a feeling I'll be wearing my new blouse with my high-waisted trousers like these ladies:

What about you?  Any classic wardrobe sewing projects in your future?

What I'm working on: Coco inspired blouse

If you haven't heard already the theme for the Sew Weekly this week is 'Coco Chanel'.  Have a look at the lovely creations so far and add your own Coco-inspired outfit!

For the theme, I am working on a DuBarry pattern blouse (as part of my Sewing Through the Decades Challenge) from 1943:

If you recognize this pattern, it's because I've sewn up view 2A (minus the pocket) before:

Now for the 'Coco' inspired bit....I'm making this blouse in a white silk taffeta!

Nothing says Coco Chanel to me more than the basic white blouse (and a white blouse that drapes really well).  I wanted a long-sleeved version that had great (but not overly dramatic) draping sleeves.  I think the pattern fits the bill perfectly!

Are you going to sew something 'Coco Chanel' inspired this week?  What style of hers do you like best?

300 Followers Giveaway

I'm delighted to host another giveaway as a thank you to all my lovely readers!  Thanks for all your support and enthusiasm for the Sewing Through the Decades Challenge--I am super excited about it!

You may have noticed that I am planning to sew up a pattern (or a couple) from Lauren's Wearing History Reproduction Patterns line as well as Tasia's new pattern from the Sewaholic patterns line.  I'm delighted to offer up two patterns in this giveaway: 1) your choice of one of Lauren's Wearing History patterns and 2) Tasia's Pendrell blouse pattern (or a credit for Tasia's next pattern).

Here's a sample of some of Lauren's patterns to choose from:
1) Fabulous 1940's sailor girl playsuit:

2) Brand new 1930's blanket coat pattern:

3) Lovely 1930's hats (I have this pattern):

4) Chic Ahoy! Super cute 1930's outfit:

5) Smooth Sailing--Classic 1930's trousers and blouse:

There are a few more patterns that you can choose from (including, beach trousers, a swimsuit and tap pants!!!), check out the whole range at the Wearing History etsy shop.

Also up for grabs is Tasia's new Pendrell blouse pattern:

Tasia's currently hosting a sew-along for this blouse pattern (I'm sewing this one up too!)  Not to worry if you already have this pattern, if you win and you want you can get a credit for the next Sewaholic pattern.

This giveaway is open to everyone.  You just need to be a follower of this blog and leave a comment below by Friday the 14th of January stating which pattern you want (or if you want to be put in for both the Wearing History and Sewaholic patterns, just say 'enter me for both').  I'll pick one winner on Friday for each pattern line and it includes the pattern AND shipping to anywhere in the world! 

I absolutely adore these patterns and looking forward to sharing the talents of these two lovely ladies with you!

Sewing Through the Decades Challenge

When I was taking stock of my sewn wardrobe (which is very easy to do when you’re packing it all up!), I noticed I have quite a few separates.  In the last year I’ve made three skirts and 1 pair of trousers (with more trousers on the way). However, I only have two vintage blouses I’ve made (and a dickey)!  My normal ready to wear wardrobe is the opposite.  I have very few trousers (all in classic colors) and TONS of blouses and tops for both work and after work occasions. 

Here's some photos of some of the separates I already have:

I wanted a super fun way to add blouses to my wardrobe and had been chatting about a sewing challenge for the New Year with Sarah from Rhinestones and Telephones.  We will be co-hosting the Sewing through the Decades Challenge.  I am going to sew up a blouse from each year of 1931-1949.  Yup, that’s 20 blouses—each from their own specific year!  Plus, I am planning a bunch of bonus blouses as well (hello Pendrell pattern!).  By the end of this challenge, I will have an almost complete wardrobe of separates! 

Why don’t you join along?  This isn’t a sew-along (as there are a lot of great sew-alongs happening at the moment), so you can do your own thing.  You can go as fast or as slow as you want (no deadlines).  And you can sew however many things you want.  The basic thought is to challenge yourself to explore different time periods (which can be three years in one decade—1943, 1944, 1945) or several patterns across several decades (50’s, 60’s, 70’s).  You can sew blouses, skirts, dresses, trousers…whatever you want!  It will be fun to share our experiences in sewing from different time periods.  The patterns can span both vintage and modern years.

<a href="http://fashionsfromthepast.blogspot.com/2011/01/sewing-through-decades-challenge.html"><img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j159/marvellous_mouse/Blog/Decades-Logo2JPGSm.jpg" /></a>

Check out the photos on the Sewing Through the Decades Challenge flickr group (and post your photos!)

I’m going to be tying my sewing through the decades challenge along with my sew weekly posts as much as I can.  I’m also going to try and experiment with lots of different types of fabrics.

Here are a few of the patterns I’m planning on making as part of the Sewing Through the Decades Challenge.

This amazing tunic blouse (view B) from 1933 from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library:

For Valentine's Day, I'm planning to make this 1934 Wearing History repro pattern into separates (blouse and skirt):

The blouses I have chosen from the 30's will definitely be more time intensive...but the details, oh the details of the outfits from then!  LOVE them!

For the 1940's I am making this beauty (the short hooded verion) from the year 1940:

And this classic blouse from the year 1944:

And for a bonus blouse I am going to make the Pendrell Pattern from the Sewaholic pattern line:

Ohhhh, I am so excited! I am really excited to explore all the different years and to come up with some great separate pieces for my sewn wardrobe!

I made out like a bandit...

It's my birthday, it's my birthday, I'm gonna party like it's my birthday...woot, woot!!!

I've had a fabulous birthday today!  First off, yesterday I went to a local charity shop and came home with 20 yards of fabric! I kid you not.  And 75% of it was wool...oh, how I love Scotland!

In addition to the fabric, I got 49 vintage zippers and a bunch of hook and eye closures and snaps, as well as thread!

David and I started out the day at a lovely little tea parlour called Eteaket.  Their motto is:

We took a quick walk around Edinburgh.  The Christmas market is still going on:

After that, we checked out the vintage stores in Edinburgh.  The most amazing store is Armstrongs....it is absolutely wonderful...floor to ceiling vintage fashion:

This is definitely the place to come if I need to buy a little hat or vintage gloves to match an outfit!

Then we went to the fabric store....I walked away with some lovely lightweight wool (more wool---I love it so much!) and some very soft viscose:

Finally, we capped off the wonderful day with a lovely dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.  For dessert, I had chocolate souffle...yummy!

And when we walked outside...it was snowing!  What a perfect birthday! Thank you all for your lovely birthday wishes!

I'm Back and Ready to Sew!!

Happy New Year everyone!  Sorry I have been silent these past few weeks.  I am happy to say that we are settling into our lovely new flat in Edinburgh.  I met my work deadline this last week (though there is still tons to do but I have a more sane schedule--at least for now)!

I really did miss sewing.  In fact, I think time away from sewing exponentially increases my time thinking about sewing! hahaha....and I have been doing a lot of plotting and planning!

You may have seen but I have taken the 'Sew Weekly' challenge and am going to try and sew something every week for 2011.  gulp.  I am SUPER excited, a bit nervous, but ready to jump in!  If you haven't already, check out Mena's new layout at The Sew Weekly blog.  Every week we'll be trying to sew around a specific theme and everyone's invited!

I was already thinking about a sewing challenge when I saw Mena's invitation.  I have some really fun and exciting sewing plans--but more on that later this weekend!

Yippppeeeeee...I am so excited to jump back into it!

Happy New Year from our new home

Hi everyone!  Sorry it's been silent on my end.  Just wanted to do a quick post just in case you thought I accidentially got packed in one of our boxes :-)

We moved to our new flat on the 23rd of December (we're crazy, I know!).  We are absolutely LOVING it!  Edinburgh is such a wonderful city.

I just wanted to post a couple of pictures of our new place.  This is part of our new living room:

Of course, I've claimed the guest bedroom as my sewing room!  Here's the view out the sewing room window:

 Isn't it beautiful?  You'll have to wait until we unpack to see the rest of the place as it's currently covered in boxes!

I'll be incognito for another 4 days as I have a major work deadline this week but after that I am going to do some major sewing! I can't wait!!  I have some wonderful and exciting plans for 2011.

But just in case you thought it was all work and no play at this end, David and I did go out to a lovely French restaurant for New Year's Eve and were able to see the fireworks from our table:

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve and many best wishes for 2011!

It's our moving week!

Sorry for the silence on this end....it's getting close to that time...yes, we are moving this week!  I know, I know...what could have possible possessed us to move in the middle of December?  We've just had a fresh dusting of snow.  So, hopefully the movers will still show up!

I dismantled the dressform today and finally came to terms with the fact that I won't be finishing the cape until we unpack on the other side. 

I'm so excited about the move that all the usual moving chaos and hard work (not to mention that I'm in the middle of a big consulting contract on top of my normal work) will definitely all pay off.  We are so excited to be moving to Edinburgh!  We have so much planned...swing dancing classes, regular Sunday brunches out in the city, operas, plays (not to mention the 'fringe festival' every summer), FABRIC STORES, etc. etc.  It's all so exciting!  You must visit Edinburgh, if you've never been.  It's such a fantastic city!

So, it might be a bit quiet around here for the next week or two while we unpack and settle into our new flat.  I'll be sure to post some pictures of our new hometown.  I have some exciting sewing plans for 2011 and I can't wait to get started!

Happy holidays everyone--hope you have a wonderful end to 2010!  I look forward to starting a fun and exciting new year with you all!