I love vintage fashions, and my sweet husband bought this pattern for my most recent Birthday.
It is from the company: Decades of Style. (www.decadesofstyle.com) This design is adapted from typical, feminine skirts of the 1930's -- this particular one is from 1936. Decades of Style pattern company faithfully recreates American women's fashions from each decade of the 20th Century. They do not, however, dictate vintage sewing techniques. I like that! The construction techniques detailed represent some of the best industry techniques, and tips I have ever seen. A couple of steps looked strange to me, as I read the instructions, but made perfect sense as I performed them. I shall purchase and sew up these patterns again!
The shaped seam is not accomplished with a typical 301 butterfly (right sides together, press open); but rather, the seam allowance on the RF is turned under and pressed, then lapped RS's up, over the LF and topstitiched. I finished the seam edges first with a 3-thread narrow overlock (have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE my Babylock!!!), and topstitched with one of the decorative stitches on Pfaffie (have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE my Pfaff??), using rayon embroidery thread.
I'll make this pattern again, but next time, I'll lengthen it about 4 inches. This time I used a lightweight, loosely woven linen; but I have a lovely warm brown wool tweed that I bought last summer at Pendleton, that will make this up nicely. I didn't line this one, perferring, instead to wear a Swiss batiste slip under it -- the wool will get lined with my usual favorite Bemberg rayon.
Although I didn't need to make any adjustments for fit (some days, you just get lucky), the designer has some wonderful advice about that. Allow me to quote: " This pattern conforms to a fictional standard size." Fictional. That about sums up standardized sizing.
That looks like a tricky plaid to match! Nice job! The embroidery is a pretty touch, too. Funny you should mention the lapped seam. That is the method that the 1940s baby dress pattern I made for Myra instructed for attaching the yoke to the dress. I ignored them and did a lined yoke instead, but interesting that the '30s repro pattern should have the same technique.
ReplyDeleteCute skirt! I am imagining the wool skirt with a riding jacket!
ReplyDeleteKID: Thanks! I am proud of the matching job I did on the shaped seam and on the zipper.
ReplyDeleteGwen: a matching or coordinating riding jacket -- That's just the thing!!! I don't ride, but: that doesn't mean I can't look dashing! I have a Folkwear patterns that's just right for it. Thanks!