I’ve bought quite a few sewing patterns recently. Let’s take a look at my haul of shame…
First, the Sewaholic ‘Alma’ blouse. I’ve mentioned my love of Sewaholic patterns before and I snapped up this cute blouse pattern as soon as it was available in the UK. I’m dreaming of view B in polka dot lawn with a plain collar. However, I’m going to have to conquer my fear of inserting an invisible side zip before I can make this blouse.
When I saw the ‘Kelly’ skirt by Megan Nielsen, I loved the design but I felt fairly sure it wouldn’t suit me. It’s far too short, for a start. I’m an old bird and I don’t have great legs, so modest hem lines are essential. However, this version changed my mind. The skirt has been lengthened by about 3 inches, and still looks great.
I think this autumn is going to be all about dresses for me. I’ve been searching for the perfect shirt dress pattern. When I saw Scruffy Badger’s version, I knew I had to try the Lisette Traveler dress. There are so many things to love about this dress pattern – puffed sleeves, gathered skirt and neat collar.
I bought Butterick 5603 after being inspired by another sewing blogger, Dolly Clackett. Take a look at her fabulous version here. In fact, all her makes inspire severe dress envy in me. After reading the pattern envelope, I might have to wait to get stuck into this one, as it requires a lined bodice and I have no idea how to do that. Methinks I need more dressmaking experience first.
Finally, I’ve saved the best until last. I won a vintage sewing pattern for a shirtwaist dress on Ebay – Simplicity 4260. Vintage Patterns Wiki dates it at 1953. It’s a one size pattern, but handily it’s in my bust size so I hope it won’t need too much adjustment. The pattern pieces all seem to be there and intact, apart from a couple of small tears. I’m excited about the prospect of making my first garment from a vintage pattern! How glamorous are the ladies on the pattern envelope with their red lippie and heels?! I don’t trust that one on the right though, she looks a bit sly.
I’ve got so much sewing planned for the autumn and winter, I don’t know how I’m going to fit it all in. I need to write a list…







15 comments
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September 4, 2012 at 8:44 am
craftycripple
You have a great pattern haul. I can’t wait to see some of the finished beauties!
September 5, 2012 at 7:24 pm
agirlinwinter
Thank you! I’m very excited about them
September 4, 2012 at 10:06 am
Siga
I took a craftsy course (sewing studio) and the invisible zipper does not look like it’s that complicated. I’m sure you can find a youtube video on that. Often I find that things sound more complicated than what they really are once you try it.
Good luck with your projects. What’s going to be next then?
September 5, 2012 at 7:25 pm
agirlinwinter
Yes that’s true. I worry about doing a new sewing technique and usually it turns out to be much easier than I anticipated. I’m doing another Simplicity 2444 but I might have a go at a shirt dress next. Not sure whether to try Lisette or the vintage pattern first though!
September 4, 2012 at 11:52 am
prttynpnk
Those are all great patterns- I want to see each of these!
September 5, 2012 at 7:25 pm
agirlinwinter
I know, I’m impatient to make them!
September 4, 2012 at 12:37 pm
dottiedoodle
They look great – look forward to seeing what you make. I’m just finishing my first Kelly skirt, and it’s a lovely pattern (and much longer than the illustration!).
September 5, 2012 at 7:27 pm
agirlinwinter
Oh that’s good news. It looks almost like a mini skirt in the illustration! I look forward to seeing your finished version.
September 4, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Brooke
I have the third and fourth patterns too. =) And that vintage one looks like a great pattern!
Don’t be afraid of lined bodices. Lining a bodice isn’t all that different than attaching facings. I find lining easier and a nicer finish – I generally dislike facings and rarely use them (they are just a way to save fabric). I usually do a lined bodice even when a pattern comes with facings. (You won’t need to serge the seams if there is a lining.)
I’ve been very impressed by the dart shapes on all my vintage patterns – for some crazy reason they are all drafted perfectly for my body (even when I have to grade a pattern to make it my size). That NEVER happens with modern patterns (I always have to fuss with darts on modern patterns to make them fit well). Maybe it is because the vintage ones aren’t computer generated…
September 5, 2012 at 7:29 pm
agirlinwinter
Heh, great minds and all that
I am afraid of many things in sewing – lining a bodice is just one of them! Interesting to know about vintage patterns, I’m looking forward to trying mine out.
September 4, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Stitched Together
An article popped up in my blog feed today and it made me think of you. I don’t know if you subscribe to CRAFT, but if you don’t, here is the link: http://blog.makezine.com/craft/how-to-serge-around-curves/.
September 5, 2012 at 7:29 pm
agirlinwinter
Oh that’s great, thanks so much for sharing the link.
September 5, 2012 at 8:08 am
noknittedknickers
Oh my! haven’t checked in on the blogs for awhile and I come back to find you’re a sewing genius! C.x
September 5, 2012 at 7:29 pm
agirlinwinter
Ha ha, if only! NIce to have you back though
Hope all is well x
September 8, 2012 at 9:13 pm
gingermakes
Ooh, I love these patterns! I am tempted to try the Kelly skirt, although I rarely wear skirts. Can’t wait to see your version!