Fifties Re-visited a Modern Interpretation

I don't even have words to express how much I like this.

found fashiongonerogue

images from Vogue China March 2012

Perfecting the Pencil

 I've made a few pencil skirts. It's due to that ongoing thought process that won't let you stop until you get it just right. Please tell me that I'm not the only seamstress that does this. Is it a bit compulsive? I'm sure. But I can finally say, I'm happy, I'm moving on, I'm over it...

 The final pencil skirt is my favorite. I found the lining fabric at the thrift-store. It's silk and it is amazing.

The belt is a re-cycled neck tie.

sweater, jcrew, thrifted

tee, screen print, my friend

skirt, self-made, vintage wool

belt, up-cycled, vintage

McCall 6256

 McCall 6256

 I made this 1940 pattern using 1950 vintage fabric.  I found the fabric at a thrift store.  It was a small piece but by careful layout during cutting, I managed to barely squeeze it out of the the 35" width.

 The top has self-covered buttons down the back.

I love the fabric, and while it is a little more pastel than color that I am generally drawn to, I think it will be fun for Spring.

A picture is worth a thousand words...

...or my new favorite thing to do, covering unsuspecting little lampshades in vintage fabric.

E-Z Self-Fabric Buttons

 In progress: McCall 6256

The kit for the self-fabric buttons is so cute. On the front it makes the claim - make them round or flat. When you turn the card over to get the instructions the flat version is made by smashing them flat. copyright 1957 by E-Z Buckle, Inc. 

Finished: Covered lampshade with granny chic crochet edging.

the instructions for crochet edgings can be found here

the covered lampshade tutorial I used  

More Linda Permann

I am making trim from the Crochet Adorned book. The is about the fifth or sixth time I've used instruction from this book. If you don't own it already -  I recommend it highly. This trim is going on the bottom of a lampshade that I covered using instruction found on pinterest.

Simplicity 5877

 Shirtwaist dress with notched collar, set-in sleeves, bodice front button closing and side zipper.

Fabric used: Vintage cotton found at a yard sale

I would grade this as an intermediate  pattern. There is a fiddly step with the side zipper set into the pleats, and on the other side it has a side seam pocket. Mostly straightforward and the only change I made was to shorten the sleeve length. The fit was great on the first try, I will make this one again.

photo taken in just a sweater at the end of January

it's insanely warm for this time of year in Colorado

and no snow??