Mid-Week Inspiration: Sewing for Summer

Beach vacations are booked (Key West in May)! Summer will arrive...at some point! Lately, I've been inspired to start sewing up some Summer fashions. Now is the time to get the stash organized and patterns planned. 

How about some beach cover-ups?

For inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest.

My Vintage Vanity: Striped 1960's Bikini and Cover-Up

I have to admit, I'm a little nervous showing my un-photoshopped 40 year old self here in a bikini but this vintage suit is way too cute not to share! From the 60's, this pistachio and soft white striped suit is complete with a matching cover-up and Gidget stylin' top and shorts. Perfect for Coney Island, where these photos were taken. 

I thrifted this amazing un-worn find a few years ago and I love wearing it on my rare days off at the beach (warning: pale skin alert!) 

I love chevron the stripes! 

The 1960's bra shaping here, is the best! 

Detail!

And let us not forget my vintage rhinestoned pink plastic sunnies from ArtDecoDame! 

Would you wear a vintage swim suit? Do you have a vintage suit that is your favorite? 

Newly Listed This Week!

I listed some wonderful vintage sewing patterns in my shop Femme Fatale Vintage this week. Make yourself a 60's style nightgown, a 50's robe, or a 60's cover up. Available either at femmefatalevintage.com or on Etsy.

Vintage 1960's Simplicity Pattern 7912 Nightgown Sleep Shirt 2 Lengths Bust 34-36-$5

Vintage 1958 Vogue Pattern 9409 Robe House Coat with Patch Pockets Bust 34-36- $6

Vintage 1960's Simplictiy Pattern 2566 Muu Muu Nightgown with Panties Bust 34-36- $5

Vintage 1960/70s Vogue Pattern 7317 One Piece A-Line Kimono Cover Up Bust 34-36- $4

My Projects: Bathing Suit Cover Up

I finished making the two cotton pique bathing suit cover ups from the 1960's McCall's pattern I bought awhile back (pictured above). They are one of a kinds as I bought the last yardage off the bolts. Yesterday I modeled the finished products in Coney Island. Here is how they came out:
White cotton pique with red and white stripe linen bias piping and side tie bows. Three red buttons decorate the front.

White embroidered floral cotton pique with red grosgrain side tie bows and a larger grosgrain ribbon bow off center.

I have entered these cover ups in the Singer/Craftzine Swimsuit cover up contest! Wish me luck! After the contest is over I will be putting them up for sale in my Etsy shop, The Sparkling Cocktail. If you are interested in one of these beauties before I can get them listed send me an email.

Mid-Week Inspiration: Esther Williams

Is it obvious I'm ready to go swimming? I've been posting a lot about vintage swimsuits, beach accessories, and the cover up I'm making. It's time to hit the beach! If only I could be as graceful as the lovely Esther Williams is here in this photo. Beautiful!

Vintage Finds of the Week: Day at the Beach

I love vintage swimwear and all of the essential bathing accessories. For this weeks edition of Etsy vintage finds I have put together an outfit for a day at the beach or the pool.

(Above) Vintage 1950s Alexa of California Black Floral Cotton Bathing Suit-$48-retrotrend

Vintage Sarong Wrap Blue Hawaii-$45-GoodEye

Vintage 50's Rubber Swim Cap Turquoise with Flower Accents-$30-FireGypsyVintage


Vintage Summer Fun Beach Bag-$22-auroramae

Vintage 1940's Colorful Carved Wooden Wedge Scene Heels from the Philippines-$18-TeaAtHomeWithOlivia

My Projects

I finished the crochet fingerless gloves! I am pleased with how they came out and will be putting them up for sale soon in my Etsy store, The Sparkling Cocktail. I added beautiful rose painted shell buttons on the side. I'm going to start a purple pair next!

I have also finally started to make the romper and bathing suit cover up from the vintage pattern I bought last March. I bought some white cotton pique, one solid and one with red flowers for two cover ups. I also picked out some white swiss dot for the romper. The red and white stripe is for contrast piping. I will continue to show you the progress I make, so stay tuned!

Vintage Finds of the Week: Vintage Bathing Suit Patterns

A few weeks ago I bought the vintage bathing suit pattern above from Pattern Peddler. In today's world I would wear it as a little romper with my wedge heeled espadrilles. I have already bought some red and white gingham ruffled elastic trim to go around the leg holes and some cherry print buttons! I still need to buy fabric and am open to suggestions, perhaps a white terry or cotton pique? In the meantime, here are some vintage bathing suit patterns for you, as my vintage finds of the week. If we get started now, we can have them finished in time for the hot weather! 1960 Vogue bathing suit and skirt- $10- Vintage Jubilee

Vintage 1969 Swim Bathing Suit and Cover-up Beach Dress- $7- Bonton Vintage


Gidget Era Swim Suit and Beach Cover-up- $10.99- Pattern Peddler

1963 Vintage Sewing Pattern- Bathing Suit and Skirt- $9- Selvedge Shop