Quilted Heart Booties, c 1950s

 It's definitely starting to feel like winter down here in the southern hemisphere, and i'm awfully tempted to make these super sweet heart booties!

They're from Pins and Needles Magazine, published sometime in the early 1950s. The pattern gives instructions for crocheted bottoms, but I think they would look good with just plain sewn soles too.

Available in three sizes, requiring less than half a meter of fabric!

Photos and Outfits from 'Summer Bride', 1954

Is anyone planning a 1950s wedding?

I was very lucky to get my hands (briefly) on a 1950s Bridal magazine and rushed off some quick scans of the nicest pages to share with you.

Presenting, Summer Bride 1954

Bust detail to die for!

The dresses in this magazine are gorgeous!

My ideal wedding dress, I think

The magazine is absolutely filled with bride-to-be advertisements. Some very relevant....

Some, not so much! (I think this advertiser is clutching at straws)

And suggestions for what to wear on your 1950s Honeymoon.

I would love to get married again in Australia - on the day it's made legal. I know it's probably a long way off the way the political climate is at the moment, but a girl can dream right?

The full set of images are here on Flickr, I hope you enjoy them!

FO: The Picnics and Parties Dress

At long last!

I'm apologising now for the headless photos, but it's 7am in the morning, cold, misty and I had a very unattractive sleepy face. Unfortunately this was the only time I could get photos before I fly to Darwin this weekend.

 

Anyhoo.

Here is the original inspiration from ButchWax Vintage - a 1950s gathered waist skirt, with over sized collar. The collar is gathered at the bust line, with tassel trim around the edges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here's mine.

 

 

 I'm over the moon with how it turned out! I used the Billie Jean pattern from Bluegingerdoll, and only made a few changes from the original.

 

MODS:



- raising the back neck line a bit to make it easier to attach the collar.

- deepening the arm holes (I found them a bit small).

- doing a lower start back zip (similar to how you would do a side zip, but centre back - photo below).

- completely lining the dress in poplin, as the gingham was very soft.

- pleated the lining skirt, instead of gathering.

- drafting an oversize collar with novelty trim!

 

The pattern is fairly easy to follow, and I sewed the pattern up pretty much as directed (size 16).

I didn't need nearly as much fabric as requested on the pattern - without the collar I think I used 3.5m? It's probably due to me cutting the skirt pieces differently.

A long time was spent making muslins (four in total) before I was happy with the fit. Billie Jean is a princess seamed dress, and I always have issues getting them to fit my large bust/small waist.

 

I'm glad I did take the time to do several muslins - the fit is fabulous! And for once I didn't have to shorten the bodice, the waist is exactly where it should be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The collar was pretty painful to draft - I ended up pulling out my pattern drafting books to get a better idea of where I needed to add fullness etc for the bust gather but in the end it was worth it.

I simply draped the finished collar piece over the dress, and adjusted it to suit. The whole thing is securely (and invisibly) sewn on by hand.

 

If anyone is planning to sew the same dress and would like a quick copy of the collar let me know.

 

Pockets! Of course!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cannot wait to wear this dress out to a rockabilly gig!

 

Outfit extras:

1940s Rayen Shoes - Surry Hills Markets

Maine Lobster Brooch - Williamsburg Flea Markets

Hair Flower - Viva Las Vegas

Energy sapping to energy zapping!

I'm sure every sewer knows what I mean - you're trying to get a sewing project to work, and the effort is sucking the life out of you. So you put it in the 'One Day' pile and leave it for a couple of years.

Which is what I had planned for my ButchWax-inspired dress as four muslins for the bodice, and another four for the collar was really draining me.

I'm really glad I gave it a final go as it's come out perfect! Even Jakk was really suprised at how good the dress looks. Unfortunately I ran out of pompom trim, so heres a sneak boob-shot of its unfinished state. (I'm full of energy at the moment, really buzzing about how cute it looks).

I'm ducking down to Spotlight tomorrow to get more trim so hopefully in the next few days it'll be ready for proper photos...

1940s Fair Isle Beret and Mittens, Bestway 1226

I know it's been a bit silent here at the moment - but believe me, I've been working my little heart out trying to get the Billie Jean dress to fit the way I want! Four muslins down, and I'm finally happy with the fit.  (large bust size + princess seams = trouble for me).

More about that later.

It so cold here in Sydney at the moment, I love it! Rugging up, electric blankets on, pulling out the wool coats. It's also reminded me that I meant to sew a new coat last year and completely forgot.

I wish I had time to make this little fair-isle set from Bestway, its adorable. Maybe you might have the time?

Hope you like it!

Weddings, parties, anything?

You know that perfect dress, the one you can wear anywhere: picnic in the park, a date, a wedding, drinks with friends?

Could it be this dress?



It's from the fabulous Butchwax Vintage - plaid and tassels yes please.

I think I prefer the modesty panel version on the right though.

Sadly, since it's not my size this means I must make my own, and I'm using the Billie Jean pattern from BlueGingerDoll as a starting point.

Cross your fingers for me!

Tropical Bird Jumper, Stitchcraft Magazine June 1950

As requested by Elsa, the Tropical Bird Jumper.

Don't be put off by the small sizing, the intarsia design is charted and could be used on any basic 4-ply jumper pattern easily.

To fit  32-34 inch bust, using fingering weight yarn on 3.25mm and 2.75mm needles.