I hope to inspire and entertain you with a lot of sewing and a little of everything else!
As I was looking through my vintage pattern images, I realized that this post was going to be very long. So I decided to make it a little series of posts. By the way, I do not own all of the featured patterns.
Reason #1: I Want to Make It!
This is the most obvious reason to buy a pattern. I have more on my to-do list than I have time to do it, but I still keep buying patterns that I want to make!
I love this sunsuit and jumper. If I can find it in a bigger size, I'd like to make one for Andy.
My Andy would look sweet in this adorable double-breasted coat, cap, and leggings.
Yes, I even have sewing for myself on my to-do list. I have made myself one 1940s housedress, but I'd like to do more.
Reason #2: Tie-in to a Movie or Character
These patterns tend to sell for more money. The more popular the character or the more rare the pattern, the more $$ you will have to spend to get it.
The Campbell's Soup Kids are popular on transfers and some patterns. Aren't these aprons cute?
This old Walt Disney Peter Pan pattern sold for about $55. It's very simple, but the artwork is cool. It would appeal to a Disney collector as well as a pattern enthusiast.
This pattern is inspired by The Sound of Music. I remember watching it every year at Easter time with my sister. I also have an adorable sailor dress from this movie.
This pattern could also go in my "I Want to Make it" category. Andy is so cute in pointed front pants. It fits this category because it was inspired the the motion picture "Hansel & Gretel".
Ding Dong School with Miss Frances was one of the first TV programs just for kids. It started in 1954 and was long before my time, but I love the children's patterns it inspired! I even watched some old episodes online when I first saw these patterns.
I'll be back tomorrow with more cool patterns and more reasons that I have to collect them!
I found this adorable snowman flannel at Joann's the other day. It just wanted to be brought home and made into PJs for Andy. I had an easy McCall's raglan sleeve pajama pattern in sizes 1-2-3. According to the measurements on the pattern, Andy (who is 2 years 5 mos) is smaller than a size 1. Are they drafting patterns for children of Hagrid and Shrek or what?? It made me remember why I don't usually use the commercial patterns. BUT I made the size 1 and they did turn out very cute. I don't like the huge neck opening, but the rest of them are a good fit. I like the soft ribbing cuffs on the sleeves and pants. Andy put them on and has been wearing them all day. I guess he likes them!
This project was a quick & easy break from the Christening Gown and Medieval Bracers I'm working on. I've really got a variety going lately!
I completed the machine embroidery for the Christening Gown today! I am very happy with all 25,000 stitches! I am using Satin Batiste from Fine Stitchery. The embroidery is a combination of elements from Linny's Heirloom by Artistic Designs.
Here's the whole design. It is hard to get white on white to show up well.
I stabilized with 2 layers of Wash n Gone under the batiste and a layer of Water Soluble Solvy on top. You can still see the plastic wrap-looking stabilizer in some areas, since I haven't washed this yet. I ironed and starched the fabric, too. All of those things worked so that the design neither shifted nor puckered. I used Madeira Cotona 80 wt cotton thread for the top and bobbin threads. I stitched with a size 70 needle and had no problems with thread breaking or shredding.
The next thing I will do is the smocking. I hope my measurements are accurate! If not, I can add or subtract a little from the fancy band and ruffle. This has been fun so far!
t
