Saturday, October 20, 2012

Exploring Mail Order Vintage Sewing Patterns

I found some great mail order vintage sewing patterns on my size through Ebay. I wanted to find vintage patterns on my size to eliminate any kind of grading or slash and spread stuff to match the fitting to my curves. I need more practice on that, but not today. So here is what I won. Peep this:
 Vintage-Womens-Mail-Order-Sewing-Patterns-sz-18-18-1-2
I knew nothing about mail order sewing patterns, but I knew I wanted them because they were in my size. So, I started digging through the internet for information about Anne Adams mail order sewing patterns. 

The best resource I found is here--> http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Mail_Order 

Now, the patterns that I received all have their envelopes minus one and all came with the factory folds. Here is a closer look at the pattern I will explore:
 There were several things I noticed that are different than the current sewing patterns. First of all, the paper used to print the patterns was less flimsy. It had more sustainability which made it easier to pin to fabric. I noticed that the pattern laying on the fabric did not slide or get wrinkles. These were all bonus points for the mail order sewing pattern. Secondly, the ink was bolder, easier to use and clearly leads the eye to the cutting lines. Look closely:
[pocket pattern, front/back facing]

As you can see, anyone new to sewing could easily notice the difference in amount of ink used to  distinguish seam allowance and cutting lines.  Lastly, the sewing pattern gives the directions along with explanations and diagrams about certain details about completing the sewing pattern successfully. 


By far, the best usage of print!! In order to complete my dress, the pattern company provided various diagrams about what to do first, before you start to cut, how to mark the fabric with a tracing wheel, how to join the seam, direction of stitching seams, how to press seams, how to add finishing details, how to complete hems, how to set sleeves, how to mark bound buttonholes, how to do bias finishes, and how to complete a faced belt with carrier.

These sewing hints are a genuine treasure that are worth exploring for any home sewer at any level.      



   





Saturday, October 13, 2012

Endeavour's Last Journey 10-13-12

We decided to get up early this morning to witness history. The shuttle Endeavour will settle at the California Science Center by October 30th. The local news mentioned that the shuttle will rest at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, CA sometime in the morning. The shuttle got to its resting point earlier than expected, which was great for us. Here you go:

The caption for this picture: Endeavour Under The Morning Sun. The shuttle takes a break. Check it out:

It was exhilarating, amazing and will remain a lifetime memory. I turned to my hubby and saw the reflection of the shuttle on his sunglasses. I ran with it, took the pic, and added some pop art. Take a hard look:
 
I gave myself some bonus points for creativity on this one..lol. Hubby suggested the caption on this one: Reflections of Endeavour.

Enjoy your Saturday!!!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Thinking Scalloped

My sewing teacher did some alterations on my muslin. This is the pattern I'm using:
 
I felt fortunate to have an expert eye do an alteration based on my curves. I used basting stitching, so it was easy for her to remove the stitches from the bottom to my natural waistline. She basically draped the fabric gently over my waistline, high hipline and hipline. She mentions that the pattern companies make the sizes almost like a box to fit all body types. That is why making a muslin is an important part of the fitting process. I will post pictures of the alterations on the muslin later. Besides making the fitting change, I wanted to change the hem to make it a scalloped hem. I searched for images but could not find any showing a tailored jacket with a scalloped hemline. Then, I decided to enter a highly expensive store and search through their inventory. Voala!! Check it out-
  
Here is the description:
Valentino

Lace Suit

This Valentino Pre-Fall 2012 suit combines lavish lace with a trim silhouette and menswear-inspired tailoring.
  • Lace Jacket:
    • Lace with covered buttons.
    • Notched collar; four-button front.
    • Long sleeves with scalloped cuffs.
    • Scalloped hem.
    • Cotton/viscose/polyamide.
    • Made in Italy.
  • Cinched Lace Skirt:
    • Floral lace.
    • Cinched waist with tie.
    • Straight style.
    • Cotton/viscose/polyamide.
    • Made in Italy.
  • About Valentino:
    Italian designer Valentino Garavani held his first significant show in 1962 at Florence's Pitti Palace, an appropriate setting for his opulent collection. Gorgeous lace, feminine details, gossamer-like chiffon, and a vibrant shade of red were Valentino's hallmarks. Today, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli honor the house's heritage while adding more modern touches.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Make Up Essential: Egg Sponge


I have heard of the egg sponge applicator for foundation make up from two sources: The Doctors on CBS and the make up artist who used it on me for my friend's wedding. Can I say, Wow!?! First of all, I prefer to wear make-up to look like I am not wearing any make up- a minimalist. I love to wear the browns, neutrals, gold shimmer on the eyelids. I always wear mascara.

Tailoring Tidbits

Recently, I have been looking at tailored, close fitting jackets through Bing images. My sewing teacher suggested to surf the net for jackets that are to your liking. She also suggested to go to a retail store and just try on different types of jackets to see what compliments your curves. Let me show you what has caught my eye...
 
All of these blazers are fitted with one or two buttons that are under the bust area which really flatters my silhoutte. These jackets are sticking to one color mixed with stripes or herringbone patterns. Now, check out the color blocking on these jackets...
   
Now, let's see how peplum jackets have jazzed up the fashion world. I'm really crushing on the peplum, totally my favorite style...
 
That's all for now.