Adventures in Vintage Resales... fka adventures in baby-sewing

Cut out, sewed and finished pajama shorts for my oldest son today in an hour. That is a record for me, considering the interruptions. Made from 1/2 yd or so remnant of race car cotton, simple elastic waist in a basic pant pattern, about a size 3 (he is that skinny at 6), but lengthened some for him. He's happy, I'm happy. I have other things to work on, but needed a quick finish to get some confidence. I have been thinking about the back wrap dress and like the ideas given, just need some time to finish, but have had Hayley home sick, and not really feeling great myself. Actually, I may remuslin the upper dress with a FBA adjustment and enlarging the sleeve like the previous owner did just to see if that is what is really needed. When I get a moment to actually concentrate...

I inherited a large box of vintage patterns from a friend, this included. Lots of kids patterns from the 40's and 50's were in there. This was a size 2 and she really could have used a 1. The neck is a bit large and the bloomers were huge as shorts, so I elasticated the legs, too. Also, the front apron pockets weighted the front down, so I would probably just make it as a top next time. I was too lazy to do the thread loops for the back buttons, so I used elastic thread. It's too stretchy, so I will probably substitute snaps to help close the neck a bit more. I do think it's a great playsuit pattern for my little girl and may make it again, but it's so bit, it will probably be usable next summer, too. She liked it, but was ready for a nap, so she was not a willing model.

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Ok, working slowly on the wrap dress below. The dress itself seems fine, except for needing to adjust the shoulders near the neck, basically flattening the shoulder. This is customary for me. It's the set in sleeves that are beating me up. I can not get enough ease to pull them up right on the shoulders. I have been checking the books, it seems there is not enough ease and recommends spreading the pattern up the center. I have only one piece left about the size of a fat quarter. If you were me, would you cut and spread and add a gusset/insert in the center and act like it should have been there? Please help!

I was checking out my blog past posts and realized I have this month to do the pay it forward I had promised. I had a year to do it. Let's see what we can come up with soon.

Ok, I had previously shown this pattern and plans for it using coral linen and underlining it. This dress is now underway. After being sick, I had only managed the basting of the linen to the underlining. I do not have enough for shaped facings and nothing on hand that I liked. I have made continuous bias from the linen and plan on that instead. The sleeves use the hem lace. I have the sleeves put together waiting for hems, I have the shoulder seams and darts done. I have one side seam done. Around the kids today, that is a lot of progress. Clearly, it will not be done for tomorrow. I did v-neck the front neck, but may round that out some, the original was a pretty high neckline as are many vintage patterns. I will put lingerie straps to help keep it in place. I did check the fit today and it seems pretty good, considering I did add to the waist area and reduce the waist darts and lower/shorten the side bust darts. Funny, I should have enlarged the sleeve/bicep a bit. The...

I have spent the last two days very sick with allergies and the ensuing bronchitis. I have the coral linen cut out and underlined, that is as far as I have gotten. I did not go to Mass tonight, but hope to get it done by Mother's Day. Who knows, I have done about 6 loads of laundry trying to catch up. I need some thread for the dress, no coral thread in the house and the local quilt shop only carries cotton thread. I do not like it for garment sewing, I prefer the regular C&C poly wrapped thread. Maybe a trip into town is in order for tomorrow morning so I can get some at Walmart.

Although not participating officially, I have been making a conscious effort to wear my handmade things. On the first, I wore a green shirt made two years ago. I know why it doesn't look good now. It needs a swayback adjustment, empire bodice lengthening and it makes me look pregnant. On the second, I wore all RTW. On the third, the NL top I made last fall, in black floral from Gorgeous Fabrics. Today, the green and black knit crepe top I made two summers ago. Now this was before I knew about stabilizing knits, but it still is a great, relaxed top. Tomorrow, who knows. Thursday evening, maybe my wrap dress when we go up to church. After that, unknowns. I have basted the underlining and linen together for the Simplicity back wrap dress pattern featured a few posts back. I am taking things as they come, I have one free day a week and having terrible allergy symptoms lately. On top of that, I was cutting a serrano pepper for the pinto beans. You know what comes next, pepp...