Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Visual Chart for "Figure Flaws" (Part 2 of 4)

My quest to use images to demonstrate possible solutions for our "figure flaws" according to McCall's Step-By-Step Book continues. If you are interested, click here for part 1 of 4.

If you have a Thick Rib Cage, McCall's book suggest these solutions:
"Boxy jackets, bloused bodices, soft draping and over blouses." Check these images:

   
and AVOID the following trends:
"Snug midriff styles"
   

If you are Short-Waisted, McCall suggest the following solutions:
"Low waisted designs, hip length jackets, and over blouses with smooth, uninterrupted lines. Peep this:
    
McCall's sewing book suggest AVOIDING these styles:
"Contrasting waist belts, very slim and very full skirts."

  

If you are Long-Waisted, some Suitable Solutions include:
"Wide sashes, set-in midriffs, contrasting belts, tunics, peplums, [and] long jackets."
     
McCall's book suggest to AVOID these fashion designs:
"Top heavy look from wearing skirts too short." Picture it:
  

Peace.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Muslin for Simplicity 1777

     

This was the perfect time to be more environmentally friendly. I decided to use the leftover scraps of a stripped linen sheet used here. There are several other popular slogans from the 1940's, but the "Make Do and Mend" really speaks to me. During those times, Americans were in the midst of a war and had to figure out how to work with the resources within their reach. Now, we have slogans such as "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" or "Go Green" to protect our planet Earth. Our actions make a global difference.

Here are my pattern pieces:
  

A couple of hours later...

 
I used baste stitches to assemble this wearable muslin. I was surprised at the 5 inches given to fabric and design ease at the bust area, which made me choose a size smaller. I have to go back and figure out the front part because the bodice front is suppose to have a point, mine does not. The linen fabric has some drape, but it looks stiff around the waistline. The pattern suggested matte jersey, is that the same as jersey? O-well, I guess I just have to "make do and mend!!"

Toodles.
 


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Made My Choice: Simplicity 1777



Alas I have figured out what pattern I will be working on for the sewing challenge popping over here.
I have purchased this gray jersey fabric with sparkle. I'll keep you updated.

Ta-Tah.

1940's Inspirational Photos

Here is a collection of images that spur the retro 1940's vibe (for me at least):

     

  
       
 


Late.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

My First Sew Along

 

By far the most exciting project that I'm (crossing fingers) hoping to complete. I crush the 1940's. I'll be gathering a variety of inspirational photos, facts, movies, and quotes that represent the 40's era, sort of like a mood board.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Madeleine Bloomers in Stripes

I am so proud of my stripped bloomers! These are my first pair. I used linen fabric that I bought from a thrift store a while back. The pattern was a free downloadable pdf mentioned in an earlier post. I'm using these as my wearable muslin because I think I will go a size down for the next pair. For the next pair of bloomers, I will be using holiday fabric as pictured above.
I did have to make some changes regarding the elastic. I only had 1/2 inch elastic on hand, so I just made one 5/8 inch casing at the waistband. For the leg opening, I stitched the hem, folded it, and edge stitched the casing for the ribbon. The pattern was easy to follow with helpful pictures.

Night. Night.