Before and After "Hit Parade" - Marvy Mod 70s

The Seamstress: Prefers to remain anonymous
 The Pattern: Vintage 1970 Simplicity 8889

The Result: In her own words: "I'm only an occasional seamstress but the pattern was very easy and I love the result. I bought some pretty vintage fabric as well as vintage seam binding lace to make a real job of this and I'm so pleased, I'm going to make others from it as well. I varied the sleeve length to a three quarter and used the scoop neck option and the fabric is a slightly heavy weave cotton."

Did you notice those fab hoop earrings? They're perfect with the dress! Altogether it's classically wonderful, delightful fashion straight from 1970!:D

Before and After "Hit Parade" - Chic Asymmetry

 The Seamstress: "Polly Esther"

 The Pattern: Vintage 1952 Butterick 6063

The Results: Polly Esther, who is keen on the fashions of the 40s and 50s, loved the asymmetrical bodice of this pattern, but chose a slim skirt over the full one.

Isn't it beautiful? What a gorgeous blue fabric. And check out those fabulous vintage buttons. To read the details of her adventures with this pattern, go to Polly Esther - a Sewing Obsession.

Before and After "Hit Parade" - Wedding Bliss

I just love it when my customers share with me the results of a pattern they have sewn up. Sometimes they post about it in their blog, others simply convo me with a photo or two, and some post me "appreciation photos". So here is the most recent, a perfect ending to June, the favorite month for weddings.

The Seamstress: Cristine, with an Etsy shop of her own (please check it out!): cheariefearie
Cristine sewed this beautiful wedding gown for her niece.
The Pattern: Classic 1996 McCall's 8563 Sewing Pattern

The Result: Note the exquisite floral details on the skirt. She changed the bodice slightly to add petal sleeves. Gorgeous!

 

Cristine used a pearl seed bead trim for the vine, and hand-sewed all the vines on by hand with fishing line. This was to make sure that you couldn't see how it was attached because it was sewn on a sheer overlay. She also used silk flowers and glued rhinestones in the center of each and then hand-stitched those on as well. She and the bride then decided it would look awesome to have some floating rhinestones as well randomly on the dress. Stunning results!

Perfection, Cristine. Thank you! And be watching for future postings of "Before and After" Hit Parade. :)

Farewell, Sailor!

Opening day of boating season has come and gone! Here's a review of a few of the patterns featuring sailor collars and nautical style that I listed in Midvale Cottage in the past week. The sailor collar and nautical style in general will long endure in popularity, and rightly so. :) So what is next? My next post will reveal a new theme... so stay tuned!

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

 

A Salute to the Sailor

Ahoy, there, and keep a lookout for patterns featuring a sailor collar that I will be posting soon at Midvale Cottage!

In my home town of Seattle the first Saturday of May is Opening Day of boating season, a wonderful traditional rite of spring here. It is a festive event and the only one of its kind in the world. So, with a nod to all sailors, fashion with nautical style is my inspiration for the next week or two. Here is a preview of what will be appearing in my ship-shape shop in the days ahead:

1940s

1950s

  

 1960s

 

1970s

 

 

The Blitzie!

Not long ago I listed an item from the 1940s and Vogue, which was labeled on the pattern as "Blouse-Shorts":

This rare (to me) pattern is what I have since found out is a "blitzie", a one-in-piece blouse with shorts (as in underwear, not outerwear). I found one definition from 1940: "Blitzies-is the name of a garment which combines blouse and pantie." I have found sales in vintage newspapers of the 1940s that list blitzies for sale along with shortalls, playsuits, and other women's garments.

Alas, none of these vintage newspaper ads includes an image of a blitzie. It is clearly an item distinct from a playsuit, however. Thoughts, anyone?

Hand Embroidery Artist Jillian Tamaki

If you love hand embroidery, you will want to check out the work of Jillian Tamaki and her fabulous book covers commissioned by Penguin Classics. Amazing and gorgeous!

http://blog.jilliantamaki.com/2011/03/penguin-threads-deluxe-classics/