The Outfit Emergency Continues...

... well its actually not an emergency any more, because the outfit is FINISHED!!!!

Yes, the dress was finished on Wednesday night (thanks to hubby and step-son being at rugby training, giving me extra sewing time) and I sewed the bolero last night from start to finish in two hours.

Yes, two hours.

I only made a tiny alteration to the pattern - the same one as the dress - which was to add half an inch to the side seam on the front and back pieces.  And from there it was a very simple sew, mainly due to the fact that there is no collar.  Who needs a collar on the bolero when there is such a fabulous one on the dress???

I'm really happy with the way this outfit turned out.  Especially considering it was a last minute sew.  I've decided I'm going to enter the best dressed competition at the fair, so you all need to cross your fingers for me!!!

I am already planning making this outfit again, and there will be things I will do differently (and I'll make sure I do a much more detailed post when I do).  But they will be very very minor alterations that you won't notice from the outside.

I'm going to make up another version in this fabric, to go with this hat!

This is obviously not me - I think its the Etsy seller I purchased the hat from.

This version will have a lilac satin bolero made with some lovely thick satin that I have in my stash.  I'm going to a ladies day at a race meeting in a couple of weeks and I thought having an enormous bunch of flowers on my head would be perfect for a spring outfit!!!

And due to the vintage fair (and a stallion parade at a thoroughbred stud that I'm attending with my father-in-law) there will be no sewing this weekend.  But never fear!  I'm going to have to fill you in on the goings-on at the Rose Seidler House Fifties Fair, so you WILL be hearing from me!

But if you can't wait until then, go on over to my Facebook Page because I'm sure to post something on there!

Till next week!

Beccie
xxx

Outfit Emergency!!!

This coming weekend is the Rose Seidler 50s Fair - the vintage festival I most look forward to every year.  I've been planning and collecting vintage bits and pieces for my outfit for a couple of months now - all inspired by this gorgeous vintage pagoda shaped parasol.

Isn't it magnificent - and in beautiful condition too!

So I trawled etsy and purchased all the pieces for an outfit that I thought would be wonderful.  Here is my 'mood board' for the outfit.

I bought a different hat, but everything else here now belongs to me

Now I LOVE the dress (I'm wearing it today actually) but its a very dark navy, and when I put the whole outfit on it just didn't work as well as I'd hoped.

Panic Stations!

Trying to get to sleep on Monday night I was obsessing about the whole thing and realised I *could* wear it, but I just wouldn't be happy, and its such a big event for me that I really want to be happy with what I wear.  So then my mind wandered to the vintage patterns that had just arrived that day, and I realised this one would be PERFECT!

And luckily for me Tuesday is my day off!  I made sure I was at Spotlight at 9am Tuesday morning so I could buy my supplies and get back home as quickly as possible to get started.  I also realised I was going to have to cut some corners to make this happen, but hey - I like being inventive!

The corner that I cut that most concerns me is not pre-washing my fabric.  I just didn't have time!  This dress will be very gently treated in the wash in future and I will have everything crossed that nothing goes wrong!  I'm sure you'll hear if there is a problem...

Anyway, I got the pattern out and did some measuring to see what I needed to do to make it fit - not much as it turns out!  What I would normally do is redraft the pattern piece to the correct size, but I didn't have time for that, so here is another corner cut:

Yes, I got out my chalk pencil and drew my adjustments directly onto the fabric!  All I needed to do was add half an inch to the bodice front and back pieces - simple!  I got cutting, and then I got sewing!

But of course I don't want to make things too easy for myself!  I decided to add some contrasting trims to the collar and the skirt so it wasn't just a navy blue dress.  Here are the finished collar pieces:

I did a bit of thinking before I did this part, because I needed a clean result that matched at the collar seam since it was going to be such a focal point.  Of course, you could attach the ribbon to the collar piece and then sew them together, but I have found that technique a bit of pot luck in the past, and really I was trying to do this as quickly as possible... so this is what I came up with!

I realised that if I matched them at the seams first the rest would be a piece of cake, so I sandwiched the lengths of ribbon in between the fabric pieces and then sewed the seam.  After that, I ironed the seam flat and stuck the ribbon trim pieces down in place, and sewed them!  TA-DA!!

Thats another corner I'm cutting, I'm using hemming tape in two different widths to stick down the trim before I sew it on.  Ideally it would all be hand sewn, but who's got time for that???

The first one took about twice as long as the second one (why is that?) but in record quick time I had them together and on the bodice.

Then it was on to the skirt!  When I bought the pattern it was pointed out by the seller that the pieces had been cut at the 'lengthen or shorten here' line and the pieces that were cut off were not included.  Not that this is a major issue, but I expected that I might have to lengthen the pieces, so I measured them.  They were cut to 31 inches and the perfect skirt length for me is 27-28 inches - HOORAY!

I started sewing all the pieces together and pinning the pleats (they are soft pleats so only need to be held down until they were sewed to the bodice).  I cut another corner at this point - I didn't do my normal seam treatments, I just cut them with pinking shears.  If it was good enough for home sewers in the 1950s, its good enough for me!

The skirt and the bodice sewed together in record time and the zipper went in without a drama.  I hemmed the skirt to my preferred length, and started putting the trim on the skirt.

You can tell when its getting late by the quality of the lighting in my photos!

This trim is all being stuck down with hemming tape too, and then it will be sewn, just like the collar.  I'm measuring the distance from the bottom trim and the hem, but the rest of it I'm doing by eye (my eye is reasonably accurate).  I haven't finished sticking the ribbon trim on yet, but I couldn't resist taking a photo to show you all!

I need to explain about the cream cotton satteen thats draped over the shoulders.  It is going to be a bolero, but I haven't started it yet, so I just draped the fabric for illustrative purposes.  The reason I chose cream is because of the light colour on the parasol AND the lining and fold-over bits of my basket purse.  Besides that, it also makes the collar really stand out!

And here's another photo of my accessories - I'm so in love with all of them!

And in case you were wondering, the bangles are bakelite.  I've discovered a seller on Etsy that polishes bakelite, removing patina to take it back to its original colour.  Seriously, I've never seen anything like it!  Go and check out Brighter Bakelite!!

So tonight, I hope to finish sticking the ribbon trim on and then sew it down, and then finish the arm holes with bias.  If that all happens with a minimum of fuss and bother, I'll start on the bolero!

Wish me luck!!!

Beccie
xxx

UPDATE!

This is for Doris Button and anyone else who'd like to know what hat I'm wearing with my outfit.  I bought this one, which REALLY needs a good steam before the weekend.  I'll add that to my list of things I need to do!

 

The Tropical Wrap Dress : Here it is!!!!

So for the benefit of those of you that don't follow my Facebook page, I got the bolero all sewn up on Saturday in time to wear to the party on Saturday night (so much hand sewing!!!).  HOWEVER, we had monsoon like conditions on the weekend with howling winds and lashing rain, and while it wasn't cold, it just wasn't the right weather to be wearing this ensemble.

Sad face.

Luckily, the sun has come out since so I was able to get all dolled up and take these photos to show you the end result.  I am so pleased with how it came out, words can't even begin to describe it!

TA DA!!!

Excuse my slightly squinty face... 

I made the bolero by adjusting a pattern I already had - all I needed to do was redraft the front pieces, which was pretty easy, then add a mandarin collar.  I probably could have done a better job on that bit, because I have never done a collar like this before.  I just did a straight piece, but I think it could sit better if it had a slight curve in it.  Never mind!

The detail you probably can't see from this photo is the brooch I used as a clasp.  The pattern envelope doesn't show how they intended to fasten the bolero - no buttons or frogs or hooks and eyes.  I toyed with the idea of adding a frog, but couldnt find one ANYWHERE.  Then I came across this brooch and I knew it was perfect:

Its a vintage brooch with rhinestones and enamel, and while its probably seen better days I couldn't resist it!

Here is the back.  I really like the way that the green bobble trim on the edge of the bolero defines where the bolero ends and the dress starts.  I was originally thinking I would wear the bolero green side out, but it was just a bit too green for me... its still possible though, and I might wear it that way at times...

I just love the way that the rayon feels on - it drapes beautifully!

The whole ensemble is so comfortable to wear and I feel so glamorous in it.  I need someone to throw an outdoor party - possibly in a tropical location - and invite me quick!!!

I also had this gorgeous hair accessory made by the fabulous Mira Mae at Berry Bombshell.  Mira Mae has been making hair clips for a while and has FINALLY decided to open a dedicated Facebook page on which to sell them.  You should really go and like her page here and have a look at her gorgeous hair pieces.  The hibiscus flowers she used match the ones on the fabric PERFECTLY!

Sadly though, when I got home I realised I had forgotten to put on these gorgeous vintage earrings that I had purchased especially:

Aren't they just so precious!  They are made of porcelain, and I'm going to try really hard to remember to wear them next time!

So what do you all think?  Was it worth the 5 weeks work?  Was there anything I should have done differently?

Beccie

xxx

Oh So Cherrylicious!

My first outfit post of the year makes me think of this song.

But only because Bootylicious and Cherrylicious sound the same.... we could make up some lyrics that would work though!  How about:

I don't think you ready for this much Cherry

I don't think you ready for this much Cherry

I don't think you're ready for this

My outfits so Cherrylicious and so fab!

Thats enough singing for one day - time for some photos!
 

You see what I mean about Cherrylicious now right!  There are cherries on my outfit, in my hair (not that you can see them in this shot), on my shoes...

These are shoes by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Shoes.

And before you all go looking for a pair to buy, they don't make them anymore.  They have become a bit of a collectors item and now sell for more second hand than they ever did new.  I got lucky thought and found a pair in my size that had only been worn once.  It was meant to be!!

... and on my bag...

How darling is this little vintage bag with plastic cherries on top!  Also one of those meant to be purchases.  I wasn't looking for it but it found me!

And here is the back of the outfit

Now, despite what it might look like, this isn't a dress.  Its actually a fully boned strapless top made from this pattern:

And a circle skirt made from a circle skirt pattern!  I thought this would make the outfit better and more wearable wardrobe wise.  I can wear the top with jeans or capris or a different skirt, and I can wear the skirt with other tops!  But today I chose to go to work (and to the uniform shop to buy new school uniform for my stepson) looking like this!  The only difference is I'm not carrying the bag... its adorable and all but WAY too small to carry everything around in.

And for those of you that are dog people, here is a pic of me and the ever adorable Stella!

And before you get grossed out, no I'm not actually kissing her.  I make kissy face and noises at her and she reaches out with her nose towards me.  Somehow I trained her not to lick me or touch me....  I think its more the noise she is fascinated by....

Anyway!  I have been making this outfit for a few weeks now in amongst cleaning and holidaying etc.  Its not the kind of outfit that everyone will want to wear but I love it!  Very over the top and very me.  The only thing its missing is some matchy-matchy Lucy Luxxe jewellery...I'll have to work on that!

What do you all think?  I'm crazy aren't I!

Beccie

xxx

So many CHERRIES!!!!

Recently a friend of mine, Renee (who is the talented lady behind Lucy Luxxe), posted a photo on Facebook of a vintage chapeau that she had purchased on Etsy.  A beautiful confection with pink and cream flowers, and leaves, and cherries!

Isn't it gorgeous!

I happened to comment that I have the perfect fabric in my stash to accompany the chapeau, and before I knew it I was making a circle skirt for her!

See - perfect!!!

Now, believe it or not, but I don't own a circle skirt pattern...  Never fear - Etsy to the rescue!!!

And happily its the correct size for me - about time!

So this is a full circle cut into four quarters, with a simple waistband.  The back of the envelope said I'd need 3 5/8 yards of fabric, and I had 3 metres... I thought it'd be pretty close, but I'd get away with it.  And I did, but not by much!

This is how much I almost didn't make it by!  Close call!!

The skirt was a really really easy sew - something you could totally make up and wear in an afternoon... apart from the fact that you need to let it hang for at least 24 hours before you hem it.  You see, because of the huge size of the pieces, some of it is cut on the bias, and the fabric stretches when gravity gets a hold of it.  If I was to hem it immediately and then hang  it in my wardrobe for a week, the hem would be all over the place!  You have to let the fabric stretch out where it wants to first.

After she knew she was going to have a totally awesome matchy-matchy outfit, Renee did exactly what I would do if I was her, and made a matchy-matchy Lucy Luxxe necklace!

Well I do do that, I just get her to make it for me!

So finally, here is Renee in her wonderfully matchy-matchy outfit, looking gorgeous!

The perfect matchy-matchy outfit!

I must say that there is only one problem with a full circle skirt...

The wind tends to get a hold of them REALLY EASILY! 

Renee has a menagerie on her property.  Meet her pony, Wizzy

Wizzy thinks he's a dog, and doesn't mind wearing hats 

I just love it when things come together and you can do something for a friend!  If you haven't already you should all go and check out Renee's Lucy Luxxe Facebook page and have a look at all the gorgeous things she makes.

Beccie

xxx

Melbourne Cup Dress : Its Cup Day!!!

So Tuesday just gone was Melbourne Cup Day - so I got to finally put the whole outfit together and wear it somewhere appropriate.

Last minute I decided that no matchy-matchy outfit of mine would be complete without a piece of custom jewellery by Lucy Luxxe... and luckily the lovely Renee had time to make me this:

Didn't she do a fabulous job getting the colours right!

I spent the night before in my hotel room painting my fingernails and toenails pink, and studying the form guide so I might look like I knew what I was talking about.

And then the big day dawned and I got to get all dolled up!!!

The whole outfit came together so well I just couldn't have asked for anything better.  I felt really pretty all day and got a lot of compliments.  One of the bookies wanted to know how long it took me to find a necklace that matched so well - I told him not long at all - I had it custom made!  It helps to know the right people!

Here is a close up so you can see just how well the necklace co-ordinated

I couldn't decide which horse to back, so I went with a box trifecta of the top four favourite horses.  Basically if any of them came in first, second and third in any order I won!

I just noticed that the ticket says welcome to Grafton Races at the top.

I was not at Grafton Races...... weird!

But none of them did!!!

Actually, that was pretty much how the day went.  I was there with five friends and none of us backed a single winner all day!!!  Very disappointing.

Here is one last photo of me and my lovely husband:

Somehow we managed to co-ordinate our outfits without trying... thats true love right there.

All in all I had a fabulous day and I loved my outfit - total success!

And a reminder, for fabulous jewellery custom made, go see Lucy Luxxe, and for the most divine fascinators, Bobbie at Madly Hatted Millinery is your girl.

Beccie

xxx

Do you impose sewing deadlines???

Have any of you sewn under a self imposed deadline?  I seem to do it to myself all the time, and I'm not a good boss!

My most recent deadline was to sew a dress to accompany my new red coat.  And the deadline is due to the event that was on on Sunday.

The Rose Seidler 50s Fair is a wonderful, annual, purely vintage festival in Sydney (more on this later on in the week - its worth the wait!), and funnily enough the original coat that I've been re-visiting was worn for the first time at this event last year.  So of course I wanted to finish my outfit to wear to the same event!

But that meant sewing a whole dress, from start to finish, in one day.

ONE DAY.

And of course I didn't make my job any easier by choosing a pattern that I'd used before, or even one pattern for that matter.  No, I decided to use a modern pattern for the bodice that I then modified, and a vintage pattern for the skirt.

Here is the pattern I decided to use... version C

Version C has a cross over bust detail with pleats in a style that I always like, and cute little cap sleeves.  I decided to modify the pattern so it had a V back instead of the rounded neck back - easy!

But wait - I haven't talked about my fabric yet!

Now, regular readers will know about my love of matchy-matchy, so therefore I adore the idea matching coat linings to dresses like this:

Maximum Matchy-Matchy!

So with the opportunity in front of me, how could I resist making myself a dress out of red polka dot satin!!!

Right, so because my fabric is satin and therefore flimsy, I decided to interline the bodice with a light cotton to give it some... robustness for want of a better word.  The bodice goes together in two separate sections that look like this:

The fronts at the front, the backs at the back

It was a fairly straight-forward sew to this point even though I had an extra thickness of fabric, but this is where it started to go off track.

I put the bodice on my dress form and noticed that the front section fell straight down from the boobs, rather than curving under the boobs.  So I added a dart so there was some shape:

 I'd say the pattern was drafted for people with small boobs...

Then there was the issue with the cap sleeves.  As per the pattern illustration (which lie - as previously established) I expected the sleeve to be angled downwards, but no:

 

Wing sleeves = yuck! 

And due to the fact that the sleeve is inserted with the lining in a single step (its then turned through to create one single piece for each side - really easy construction!) I was not going to unpick the thing and start again... so I decided to fix it like this:

 

See the little tuck with the pin?  I replaced the pin with a couple of stitches

So then it came time to attach the skirt, and due to the fact that I cut it out in a hurry (ie, minimum measuring maximum guessing) and had added darts to the bodice, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it fitted perfectly AND the bodice darts matched a seam on the front of the skirt!!!  Total fluke!!!

 

A very happy coincidence! 

And then I sat up half the night re-hemming the coat (did a crap job the first time), sewing on buttons, and doing some handsewing on the dress.  And I did it, I got there, I made a dress in a day!!!

And here it is - the moment you've all been waiting for - THE UNVEILING OF THE WHOLE OUTFIT!!!

Yep, I went with the lips buttons, even though they got the least number of votes!

And the coat does have large shoulders, and I've put shoulder pads in, but I'm thinking that the ones I've used were too flimsy and it needs heavy duty ones...

I just love the shape of this coat, its really feminine, and I love the bigger collar

Matchy-matchy!

This is so cute I could die!

And how AHHHMAZING is the handbag!!!

I like the V back much better than the rounded neck look

So, what does everyone think?  I love it, and the dress is really comfy and the satin suprisingly doesn't crush easily!  Hooray!!  

Now to decide on my next project... hmmmm.....

Beccie

xxx