Mid-Week Inspiration: Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge

 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! 

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 was a busy girl this past week. There are lots of new items listed in my vintage shop, Femme Fatale Vintage and my handmade shop The Sparkling Cocktail on Etsy. Here is what's new:

Vintage 1950/60's Seersucker Swirl Dress-Femme Fatale Vintage

Vintage 1960's Floral Tie Collar Mad Men Secretary Dress-Femme Fatale Vintage

Vintage 1970s Butterick Pattern 6717- Femme Fatale Vintage

Vintage 1970's Simplicity Pattern 9672- Femme Fatale Vintage

Retro Cotton Pique Swimsuit Cover Up with Bows- The Sparkling Cocktail

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.