vintage. voila!

I did some research and discovered that my vintage Simplicity pattern was probably published between 1934-1939. The article is an eBay Guide that shows how to date patterns by envelope illustration. Very cool!

 

And so, revisiting from the mid-1930s, a baby jacket in pink. Voila!

3 vintage baby buttons + silk ribbon

sweet Peter Pan collar + dainty cuffs

gathered to yoke both in front and in back

label placement least likely to bother Baby

finished coat ~ seamstress perspective

In the final 2 photos, I have turned the little coat inside out to show how it's finished. Can you see the precious Lecien stripe fabric lining the collar?

I'm SO glad you dropped by. Next time, the bonnet!
xo, Nancy

vintage. baby.

Do you remember when patterns were 15cents?

I wanted to do some work for brand-new munchkins and picked up this charming vintage pattern from a shop on Etsy! 

I'm guessing that Simplicity 4704 for Baby's wardrobe to be circa 1940s ...earlier? the tissue pieces have nothing printed on them. Zero, zilch, nada! The way to tell if a piece is to be cut on the fold of the fabric is by three holes punched in the pattern; the code for straight of grain is 2 holes and the seamstress lines them up along the grain. Smaller holes indicate 'other' critical construction, to be addressed as the seamstress works her way through the directions.

Since the directions have stumped me a couple of times, I decided to record what I do as I go. I plan to re-use the pattern and will be happy to have crumbs on this path!

pin and then baste body to yoke (front)

edgestitch yoke seams after serging

 Thank goodness I have completed four Sunday Brunch jackets by Oliver + S! Those patterns have fantastic directions. 


The construction of this vintage version is not as intricate as the Oliver + S jackets but I believe the result will have the same panache. On a smaller scale, of course.

I started a bonnet, too. To match. Such a sweet, old-fashioned look. 

That's all for tonight. Tomorrow the sleeves and hem, buttons and button loops. Ah, the joys of sewing!

thanks for dropping by, dear reader.

xo, Nancy

O baby.

I feel giddy when I imagine the little darling who will wear this dress! I love its delicate details. The neckline, the button tab with its wee buttons, the tucks front and back, the top stitching on the hem (there are six rows of stitching, spaced 1/4" apart). 

front

back

This is the same pattern as the one for Mia's blouse, except this time I made view A, the dress. The pattern is 'Family Reunion' by oliver + s. The fabric is by Lecien, the import from Japan that I'm crazy about. I love their whimsical and cheery prints. This one has a lovely very light yellow as its base with a scattering of light pink roses tinged with hot pink, tiny  blue flowers, and green leaves and stems.

When you look at the reverse side up close, you can see how I finished the raw edges. For example, there is very pretty lace binding the seams where the sleeves and bodice join. That's one of my favorite hidden touches. Another is surprise fabric (also by Lecien) for the hem facing. If you have been following me you know I love surprises when they make you smile. This pop of color makes me smile.

back

front

Perhaps it will be a special occasion dress for someone! At size 6-12 months, it may be small for most birthday girls, but I can sew one for you in another size/color way. Please feel free to contact me to discuss options!


xo, Nancy