Inspiration:
Ever since starting to read (yes, read - not just flip through the pretty, pretty pictures!) 100 Years of Fashion, one particular style has been stuck in my head. I know I've claimed the '60s as my best style decade for its more wearable, cute fashions, but who can resist the New Look.
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| 1947 'Bar' by Dior - V&A |
Something about the fitted jacket and or blouse belted over an a-line or full skirt, idea won't get out of my mind. For some reason I'm picturing myself wearing this type of suit, maybe in dark blue, boarding an airplane? Don't ask. I've found a pattern that I'm dying to try, but then again, I think I could turn Gertie's jacket and skirt from her book into just as nice of a suit, and I wouldn't have to purchase any new patterns. But, just look...
It's even from 1960! But, then there's also this lovely '50s pattern, too.
Pretty! I'm not normally into suits, but these seem so smart and fun to wear. I'm especially liking the look of the jacket being nipped in at the waist and extending down to cover the hips, but not as long as a '40s style suit jacket. This look definitely helps create that hour-glass silhouette, but isn't revealing or racy. I'd call it ladylike but cute - at least that's how I'm hoping it would look on me.
Drooling over inspiration is a lot easier than completing a sewing project, though. Which tends to leave me with too many ideas to narrow down to a starting point and no progress on my current projects.
That said, I'm also being tempted by the Polka Dot Frock Fest that's been talked up over at Scruffy Badger Time.
I already own this pattern but have yet to sew it up. I also own some blue, polka dotted fabric that's been sitting forlorn in my stash for longer than I care to recall. Sounds like a match made in heaven, if you ask me.
If I do participate in the frock fest, I'm hoping to make my version something I could wear in my casual work setting without getting "...you're dressed up today" comments. I'm liking the view that's already illustrated in a spotted fabric on the pattern envelope. Hmm... we'll just have to see.
Refashioning:
Earlier this month, I picked up this black, wool herringbone pencil skirt at the thrift store. I think it's from the '70s or '80s? It's fully lined, has pockets, and has a little strip of elastic on each side of the waistband This might not sound like a plus, but the elastic is not super noticeable and makes a big difference in terms of comfort! It's a great length for a vintage office-y look, but my office is pretty casual, like I mentioned, and I'll get more wear out of this piece if I shorten it to above the knee. Not really a drastic refashion, more an alteration, but yeah. That's the plan.
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| Thrifted wool skirt with pockets - closeup shows elastic at side-waist |
I also have 4-ish other thrifted pieces just sitting in a pile, unwearable until refashioned into something better. I've tucked them away for now because I don't want to get sick of them before I even have time to start working on 'em. I easily get carried away with all of the pieces I see with "potential," rather than keeping in mind what I'll actually have time/energy to work on and will be able to really wear when completed.
Actually Working On...
In the meantime, through all of the swirling inspiration and project plans in my head, I've come to terms with the fact that trying to work on, or even just think about, too many things at once ends up being bad news for my sewing productivity. Once I finish my current project, the Pendrell blouse, I'll move on to address any lingering sewing inspiration or refashioning ideas. That may sound dull, but I think I'll go insane if I don't focus!
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| In-progress, creased and droopy, teal Pendrell |
Today I'm planning to draft a collar to add to my teal rayon Pendrell WIP. Gertie's tutorial from her book seems pretty easy to follow for collar drafting, so, hopefully that'll turn out nicely. I am trying to make an effort to not rush through this relatively simple project. I don't want to be tempted to cut any corners and end up with a poorly finished piece that I won't enjoy wearing. Wish me luck!
Good luck on the collar!! You'll do just fine. I used Gertie's book to draft a collar for my Peony and if I can do it you can do it!
ReplyDeleteUsing Gertie's patterns for making the suit is a great idea, I think! I know she was very inspired by the new look when drafting. Overall, I find that stylewise, her patterns often feels very early 50s to me :) I know what you mean about the casual office, mine is the same. However, I discovered when I beagn wearing vintageinspired below-the knee skirts that after a few times it was no longer weird to my collegues. I'm planningg on making a new look inspired dress for work, and know there will be comments. But maybe after 2-3 times (that can't be too far apart) it will just be another part of my style. I hope.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the sewing! The pendrell will be lovely, and I'm sure you'll be happy you didn't rush the sewing!
Oooh I'm drooling over those suit patterns! The great thing about making a suit is that you also have separates! You can pair that jacket, with another dress - or unbuttoned over jeans - and the skirt you could probably wear with just about anything. Very versatile. I know exactly how you feel when inspiration strikes hard but you're already knee deep in about a million other projects. It can be so frustrating! But it'll all work itself out now. You can bide your time on the suit project by spending some time now searching for the perfect fabric and gathering all your notions.
ReplyDeleteThose suits are gorgeous! I love them so much! I think you would look adorable in that style.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your collar drafting!! And thanks for all the inspiring thoughts in your sewing mind...
ReplyDeleteAnd you know, a blue spotty nl6000 ( longer sleeves) would be a lovely winter/ spring make and good for autumn too.... ;)