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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Vintage Simplicity 4464


Here's a fabulous vintage pattern I found listed on ebay.  I didn't buy it though, because I haven't yet scrutinized my pattern stash for something similar.  I think I might have one or two that I could use as a starting point.  I may have to make some modifications to the style, to give it a side zip (or even a back zip), figure out what I want to do for pockets. I have a pocket style in mind, and I'm sure there is a name for it, but I don't know what it is -- think Dale Evans, and in the meantime I'll try to find a vintage photo that shows what I'm thinking about.  Another compelling reason to get this pattern is that blouse!   I love kimono sleeves, dolman sleeves, and batwing sleeves.  I find that styling to work really well with an overly generous bust, particularly if the waist is brought in with a belt, or cummerbund, as illustrated below.  And I love it used unbelted, over the turtleneck as shown in the upper right.

I'm trying to improve my blogging presentation skills. I wish I knew more about making photo collages without purchasing additional software or add-ons.  So, I've been playing around in Microsoft Paint, and reading online about how to use its features.
I wanted to put together a seasonal wardrobe inspiration board, like the ones I've seen on more visually appealing blogs, but I'm not there yet.  Here's what I have come up with so far, a basic palette.



And I even figured out how to change a color on a photographed image, and then collage the result.


It's not the inspiration board I envision, as that is beyond my skills at this time.

I guess it's more important to to make the actual clothes, then I can photo and blog.

To undertake a Me-Made Seasonal Wardrobe project, here are the obstacles to be overcome as I see them:
1.   My sewing room needs a major decluttering and reorganization.
2.  My dress form needs a breast augmentation, and then to be covered.
3. Then she'll need a name, any suggestions?  Better yet, if you do, save them, and when I get her done, I'll celebrate with a giveaway of some sort.  I 'll have to figure out something suitable as a dress form-naming prize.
4.  I need to select my patterns, then modify as needed, and grade for size, and alter for proportion.  My figure type is an inverted triangle.  At least my overweight figure type is.  I put all my weight in my bust and around my middle.  Years ago, when I was slim, I was more of an hourglass.  I'm a little tall, (almost 5'8"), and have a longer torso, and only slightly longer than average legs.
5.  I'll need to source fabric, which may be a bit of a challenge.  There is only one fabric store in spitting distance, and I would prefer to see and touch the fabric before I buy, as I am trying to coordinate my colors pretty tightly.  I think the colors I have chosen are universal, and should be easy to find, but it hasn't been that way online, so we'll see.
6.  Then there's just the making of muslins, cutting and sewing the garments.
7.  And then the shopping for shoes and hosiery, and the accessorizing. 
8.  Then the modeling and the styling and photos and the blogging!
9. Oh yeah, I forgot to add knitting 2 or 3 Shetland cardigans (and selling my plasma to buy the wool!).  After all, I'd like to be dressed at least as well as your average Shetland pony! 

What do you think?  Am I crazy to try this with the holidays approaching?  Or is it too hard to tell, since I haven't actually quantified the scope of the project, like how many of each type of garment.  I'll work on that part of the planning next.

6 comments:

Shybiker said...

What a beautiful outfit! Very appealing vintage style. I can't imagine creating it from scratch: how impressive you're considering this project.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Thanks for visiting my colour palette post and I hope a look at PicMonkey will give you inspiration. I don't have Photo Shop and rely on free editing software for my photos.
Not being a sewer, I can't appreciate your decisions and to do list but hope you find time to accomplish what you want.

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Hi Wendy, check out Pic-Monkey, the free stuff us great! It's what I use.

I applaud your sewing a wardrobe for yourself. I haven't sewn for myself in years! I used to be pretty good too! LOL!

I think you should name your mannequin "Marilyn" - after all, she was quite the woman!

Thanks for visiting today! Oh, we were at Ferry Beach in Saco today! Love it there!

Vee said...

Crazy? Who would I be to call anyone crazy? ; >

This would overwhelm me in short order, though my daughter enjoys creating her own clothes. I have never created any clothing. With my figure challenges, perhaps I should.

All the best. Oh, I can recommend some editing programs. A good free downloadable one is Photoscape and a free online one is PicMonkey.

WendyBee said...

Shybiker: Thanks for the visit and the comment. I feel forced to consider the project. My figure deviates far enough from the norm, that most store-bought stuff requires alteration. Besides which, the quality isn't there. Everything is designed to be cheap and discarded after a season or two. It isn't the workmanship so much, as it is the flimsy fabrics, skimpy design details, and complete lack of inner structural details. I am still trying to gather some momentum, but this weekend is all about packing off 2 college students, school shopping for the high-schooler, and a visit with family. Hope your having a great holiday.
Lavender Cottage: I'm so glad you visited, and I can't wait for some quiet time to play around with Pic Monkey. Your blog is so pretty.
OB & CS: Thanks for the visit! I think you are busy with cooking -- you always share such great recipes. But if you do get back into sewing, I'd love to see your projects. And the name "Marilyn" will definitely be a contender, I so admire her glamour. Glad you could weekend up here.
Vee: Oh yes, the thought of the project is overwhelming, but I must be worthwhile, because I think about it so much, and I don't like too much of my current wardrobe. I need to do a good purge, but I'm a little hesitant to do so until I have some better pieces to fill in. And I want them to be just right for me, and so little of what's on the rack in my price range is really right for me. Seems like I'm always compromising. Yeah, but still it is a bit crazy....

Thanks everyone for your visits! It really means a lot to me!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Wendy Bee

WendyBee said...
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