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! 

My Projects: Lana Turner Dress and Fat Bottom Bag Update

Here's an update on a couple of projects that I have been slowly working on:

You may remember me hoping to join the That's Sew Cinematic Sew Along with Lana Turner, from The Postman Always Ring Twice, as my inspiration. Well I may be past the deadline but I'm going to make it! I recently purchased some delightful white cotton sateen and found this lovely vintage wrap dress pattern in my stash. I'm ready to get started! 

I'm nearly done with my crochet Fat Bottom Bag. I have wooden handles and some lovely grosgrain for a bow. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out! 

Stay tuned for finished project photos! Sooner or later these projects will be done. 

My Projects: More Bridal Garters!

Bridal season is here and I am on a roll! Here is a sampling of some freshly sewn up garters for my Etsy  shop, The Sparkling Cocktail. Check out my Handmade Wedding section for more! 

Other project updates: 

Crochet Tweed Fat Bottom Bag- I'm still working on it. S L O W L Y. Update pics coming soon! 

That's Sew Cinematic Lana Turner dress- I found a pattern! Yay! Need to buy fabric. Any suggestions? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice

 When I first saw The Postman Always Rings Twice starring the lovely Lana Turner, I immediately fell in love with this dress. I have always wanted it! 

I love the pockets and that large keyhole neckline! 

 I also love this shorts ensemble. If only I had those legs! 

Well, if I can get my act together, I can recreate these looks as part of the That's Sew Cinematic sew-along! I'm running out of time as the finish is in May but I'm really hoping to turn this Mid-Week Inspiration into a future My Projects post!

Do you have any pattern suggestions? With my busy work schedule, I don't have enough time to draft and drape my own.

Are you participating in the sew-along too? If not check out Rhinestones and Telephones for more information on this super fun project!