Early Fall Wardrobe
October 9th, 2009 | By jen in Knit & Crochet, Sewing, Vintage | 18 Comments »
Top: F21
Skirt: Handmade by me!
Shoes: Remix
Bag: Vintage Koret
I’ve previously eluded to having done some personal sewing and here it is! I had also started a bunch of small pattern projects (some of which I actually started months ago, even last year!) for the shop but I constantly have shop/work on my mind (maybe that’s why my joints are all out of whack with too much computer use?) and some selfish sewing is always good for a break.
I love denim skirts because the right one is like a favored pair of jeans: goes with everything, comfortable and durable. And since autumn in L.A. is more like late summer in a lot of places, a short denim skirt and sandals is not at all inappropriate. (Although it’s quite grey and cool today - love it!)
Here’s the pattern, from 1969:
I made version 1 with a few modifications: I omitted the waistband and finished the opening with some single fold bias tape on the inside; moved the zipper from the side to the back (to avoid that sometimes awkward bump a zipper can create at the bottom); used contrasting striped denim for the pockets (like something a train engineer would wear!); and used 2 buttons per pocket instead of one.
This skirt was fairly easy and light weight denim is a dream to sew - so easy! And what you see is the skirt after I was* washed it which really left me worried - sometimes flappy pockets get all crumpled up post-washing but these stayed nice and flat - *phew!*
I liked these pockets so much I put them on my latest (and ubiquitous) Built by Wendy #3835 dress:
This time I used a floaty, medium weight dark grey linen with white pinstripes from Joann’s, from 2 years ago. Made it the same way I’ve done in the past. I was on the fence about adding the elasticized waist band but after seeing the photos I like it with without* it (this version anyway). I made the length short to avoid that house dress/muumuu look and pairing it with some leggings seemed natural (and logical in this changing weather). You know, there was a time that I said I would never wear leggings again! I mean, I wore them in the 5th grade (with a chain belt and over-sized, button-down pastel plaid shirt) and I really thought I was over them (plus, I’m not into the 80s trend). BUT, here, I think they work. Like the skirt, this dress has been washed; I didn’t press it because I know it’s unlikely that I’ll iron this dress every time I wear it but the wrinkliness doesn’t bother me - it is linen after all.
I also made the covered buttons from vintage calico:
I was thinking of putting some similar buttons in the shop, just for kicks.
I have the darndest times taking photos of myself - do you? Eeek, I had to take a bunch to get any decent ones; I really don’t feel that I’m that photogenic and when you combine that with bedhead and it being first thing in the morning, well, a lot ends up on the cutting room floor. There were actually a few photos I thought were hilarious (where I look drugged, annoyed, coquettish, etc.) that I wanted to share with you but I really don’t want such silly (and embarrassing) images on my blog.
The photos I take for my blog are all ones I take myself, without a tripod but still utilizing the timer. I end up in all kinds of funny stances. On trips and such my husband must help me out, suggesting that I bend my right leg, turn to the side, etc. because often times I look like a five year old - standing stalk still, knees locked with a goofy look on my face! I think I’ve gotten better though but it’s still tricky when you can’t see yourself on the screen. But blog photos of home sewing projects are a little different than typical vacation pics. I mean, they’re action shots, right?
Happy Friday!
*Note to self: Make sure to be fully awake when writing posts!
