Last year I picked up a couple of vintage dresses that needed some serious altering before I could wear them.  Recently I decided to take a break from fall sewing to make the necessary changes; I don’t buy vintage to simply admire or learn from them but to actually use them and these were hanging in the to-do section of my closet for too long!   They are somewhat delicate but I don’t mind, I’ll wear clothes until they fall apart (much to my mom’s chagrin).

One of the frocks mentioned I’ll share with you here.  Post-alterations it’s now my favorite vintage dress!  Once a 1930s floor-length gown it’s now a saucy, ethereal thing.   It has its original hem; I just moved the whole skirt up to preserve the ruffle whilst moving up the waistline too.  The waist before was more fitted (with a side snap closure) but now I can just slip it over my head. (Yay.)  Lately I’ve been making or altering dresses/skirts to make them hit above my knees–a more flattering length for me–but I didn’t want this to be too short.   Since the dress is sheer, my solution was to wear a slip underneath that was quite a bit shorter.  And don’t you love the capelet?  That tie!

Oh, yes, I added some thread belt loops so I can wear a ribbon when it suits my fancy.  (I just read on Coletterie a great post about how to make such belt loops by machine although I make mine by hand.)

I love the look of winter white or cream during the cooler months.  There is almost celebratory about it, especially when contrasted with dark or jewel tones.  (The starry stockings, by the way, are J.Crew tights from the girls’ section that I refashioned.  I no longer have a garter belt and for now they are staying up by sheer willpower.)

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!  Because of our Labor Day holiday here in the U.S. I was able to finish up some sewing that has been sitting around since my last fall outfit post.

Once again, this outfit is 1930s-inspired; perhaps it’s vaguely Carnivale-esque?  The blouse is made up of a muted mint green shirting, off-white cotton-silk voile and embellished with a black silk satin ribbon bow (that’s pinned on and can be removed).  The skirt with large patch pockets is made from a tan/black/orange glen plaid.

The top pattern is McCall’s M5977.  Remember how I said I thought the armhole ruffles were weird?  Well, I decided to add them for this version but I redrafted the ruffles so they would be the least narrow under my arms (which is more flattering in my opinion).  I knew going in that this shirting fabric was not ideal for a pullover style top; it’s a little stiff and would be better suited to a button-down shirt.   I was stubborn and envisioned it being made into this very blouse anyway.  The shirt is meant to be tucked in so to reduce the bulk around my waist I added darts to both the front and back, keeping in mind that I still needed to be able to slip this on over my head!

The skirt fabric is a really soft cotton, not the wool you would expect.  (So soft in fact that Spoo Kee is sleeping on top of it as I write this.)  I kept the design really simple with patch pockets cut on the bias for a slight contrast.  The pockets are lined with self fabric that is cut with the grain (for stability).

For a bit of fanciness I lined this skirt with silk charmeuse.  I have to say, I love it!  By far so much nicer than polyester or acetate lining.  It feels like wearing a nightie underneath.  And yes, you may notice that I used a navy blue zipper instead of black.  That is simply because I had forgotten to get a black zipper and the fabric store was closed and I did not want to wait!  Ah, impatience.

Have you started your fall sewing yet?

I feel as though I have not posted in ages, it feels a bit awkward right now.  Nor have I sewn in what seems like the same length of time.  Everything was business as usual last week, working on my next early fall outfit, when I found myself driving home from the office, witnessing animal abuse, confronting an unfeeling woman, and loading a terrified and confused puppy into the back of my car.  Oh, and then frantically calling a friend exclaiming “WHAT DO I DO NOW?!”  Yea.  But, the wonderful news is, after several stressful and emotional days said puppy is in her new home with her really awesome, new parents.  (Happy face!)

Suffice it to say making clothes was not a priority at the time.  But now my heart has calmed down a bit and I can get back to fun, non-stressful things.  I truly appreciate all of your comments on my last couple of posts!  I don’t think I’ll be able to respond to them at this point unless you had a specific question.  (I might need some time for that.)

So, since I don’t have any new sewing projects to share I want to show you some old things that I picked up at a yard sale a couple of weekends ago.

Three delicate baby dresses (Don’t you love the coral silk dress?  I want a grown up version for myself)…

…and a couple of dishes.

Perfect, old, little dishes.  My favorite is the mermaid green lustreware saucer with gilded stars.  I mean, really?  Love it.