I'm not one for "sew-alongs"or "knit-alongs", heck even book clubs don't work for me. I like to work on my projects in my own time, especially since the free time I have for them is really limited. Do you remember the "That's Sew Cinematic" sew along I wanted to participate in back in 2012? Nope, I still haven't made that dress! But I still want to!
I also want to sew more from my vintage pattern collection. I've got some goodies in there and I did tell myself at the beginning of the year that it's time to start using them. I have always sewn more from my own drafted patterns and still do. Sewing from published patterns can be strange when you are used to your own. But my collection of vintage and repro patterns needs to be explored!
Here are a few projects from the past where I've used vintage patterns.
You may remember this swimsuit cover up from 2009. I used McCall's 6370; an adorable pattern from the Sixties.
And of course, last summer I did my peasant blouse series. That was a lot of fun. I made three using the Butterick pattern above. Black Swiss Dot, Fruity Peasant Blouse and Hawaiian. Oh and I found some white Swiss Dot in my fabric stash so I will be making one more this summer, too!
Considering the amount of sewing patterns I have, this is not a great turn out. So, I was pleased to find out about Marie's Vintage Sewing Pledge from a A Stitching Odyssey. I first discovered it from her guest post on By Gum, By Golly. Not only did I discover the pledge but also her fine blog! I love when that happens. I also discovered that I'm not alone in the vintage pattern hoarding collecting dust scenario. This is common amongst us vintage crafty types, and we have the fabric stash to prove it.
Marie has made a pledge at the beginning of the year to sew at least 5 of her patterns from her stash in 2014. That to me, seems achievable! I'm starting 6 months too late (realistically it will be June before I start!), but better late than never. Let's see how many I can do. Unlike other sew alongs- I've got time and can share along the way. All is required is to share with #vintagepledge on twitter. This is a pledge, not a sew-along. This is inspiring!
Here are some patterns in my hopeful pile! Oh and that Lana Turner dress too!
1950's Vogue Pattern 6581 Smock Bed Jacket 3 Lengths-$6
1960's McCall's Pattern 2085 Band Collar Dress and Long Vest-$5
1980's Black Eel Skin Large Clutch-$28
Vintage McCalls 6724 Vintage Slim Dress Pattern with Smocking 1963 Bust 34- $6
Simplicity 1171 Vintage 1950's Pattern 2 Blouses V-Neck Peplum Bust 34-$5