This is one sewing challenge I was looking forward to, both in my creation and seeing the creations of others.
There are plenty of sewing challenges in the sewing community that I wish to participate in, but time and inspiration are big factors that affect my ability to participate. Sometimes we hear of a challenge only a week or two before the start date. I am both a planner and an inspiration sponge. I like to have my next few makes planned out ahead of time. I usually almost always get side tracked with other inspirational projects that I always try to squeeze in.
For the #flashbacksewingchallenge, I was really excited that Faith and Michele gave us a months notice of the actual challenge. This allowed me to make room in my ever growing schedule to fit this challenge in. Two reasons why I wanted to participate, well because the obvious reason of the hosts being Michele and Faith, such a great combo! The second reason, a few years back my husbands grandmother found out that I sewed and she gave me a box full of old sewing patterns. What a great way to utilize one of her old patterns!
Most of the patterns found in this box are older than me, but a lot of them only come in 1 size, whereas in today’s patterns you can get a multiple of sizes in one pattern envelope. To narrow down my search, I decided to find a size 14 pattern. I could have probably gotten away with a size 12.
I chose a simple design, mainly for the reason of being able to wear this garment in 2019 without looking too dated. The pattern is from 1978. I even tried to get very similar shoes, but the first ones I found were on clearance and they didn’t have my size.
I was going for the aqua color, v-neck, tie belt and the shoes. Did I succeed at this look?!
Let’s chat about the actual sewing of the garment! The first thing I noticed was that the pattern paper was thicker than today’s pattern papers. Also, this pattern included the seam allowance lines – I think these lines are important and I wish they still did that with current patterns.
This was a very easy and straight forward pattern to sew. The only part that I thought was going to be tricky was sewing the ties with turning them right sides out. It turns out with the technique described in the pattern, it was a lot easier than I have done in the past. To show you, I’ve created my very own YouTube channel and I’ve shared a quick tip on tube turning, you can click here.
I really loved the hem detail that I decided to use the border of the fabric to create a belt. I read the instructions on how to create the belt, but I didn’t like them. They had you cut out the belt and then sew a narrow hem all the way around. I would have preferred to sew 2 pieces together and turn them right sides out.
I did make a small bust adjustment, but I do believe I could have gone down a few sizes. I would definitely love to make this pattern again – I’d have to adjust the side seams and bring it in a little bit. I would also like to try the elastic waist option next time around instead of the belt.
I loved working with the rayon as well, I’ve been on a bit of a rayon/viscose kick lately as you will see with my upcoming makes!
PS. I’m wearing a pair of my grandma’s earrings which are probably vintage!
“I wish we could choose which memories to remember.” –Author Unknown
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