Going Out in Vintage Style

You peops are so lovely! Yesterday I thanked everyone who has been following my Me-Made-March challenge, in particular those who have taken the time to leave a supportive comment, then what goes and happens? A load more sweet and thoughtful comments! I promise I wasn't fishing! But honestly they are all gratefully received.

I really wanted to share with y'all the dress I created to attend my cousin's wedding last weekend. My coat stayed on for most of the day itself, so I didn't get any clear pics of it, but I have some now:

It's a shame the Sew Retro 'Mad Men' competition is long since over, because I think this dress definately channels the spirit of Joan Holloway!

I was very lucky to win this Simplicity pattern 2602 in a giveaway last year, but I'm totally rubbish and can't remember from which blogger/pattern seller. The pattern isn't dated, but I did notice that the Simplicity Pattern Co. was based on Madison Ave in NY, how ironic! Anyways, the fabric I decided to use has a fair bit of stretch to it, plus my figure proportions didn't correspond particularly well to that of the pattern, so I did quite a bit of re-drafting to factor in these two issues.

The pattern had the instructions missing but it was fairly simple to construct. For once, I really took my time and got my homie Jen to carefully re-pin the darts to create a clean fit. I shortened the hem a fair bit, and also shortened the sleeves, which cause a bit of a problem trying to hem them. I redrafted the neckline somewhat because it was chokingly high at the front initially, and I had a feeling the neckline was so wide that it would show my bra straps. To keep the angle of the back V the same, it ended up shallower than I would have prefered, but I like the way it frames my little star tattoo one the top of my back.

All in all, however, I'm SUPER happy with how it turned out. The stretch in the fabric makes it really comfortable to wear, unlike a vintage dress I own from the same era in the same fitted style that has no stretch that I find a little uncomfortable. I like how it emphasises my shape but somehow doesn't highlight my tum or other body 'imperfections' that perhaps only I am really aware of. It has a box pleat inset thingy at the bottom rather than a slit to allow ease for walking, I can't remember if I've made one of these before, but I really like how it lies flat then kicks out when I move.

I tried the dress with a wide black belt, which looks cool but disguises the nice lines of the darts, so I instead have opted to add a little silver bird broach I found in a charity shop. This look is more or less how I wore it to the wedding, but I as you can see from the pap at the top of this post and the one below, I wore my hair in a victory roll effect that I didn't have time for last night.

Me-Made-March: Days 11 and 12!

So Me-Made-March is firmly in double figures, even if the temperature is not. I'd like to say a massive thanks to the lovely peops who have been keeping abreast with the developments of my challenge and for the comments that many have left, they are much appreciated. The super-sweet Lindsey M Nelson, Couturier, even went as far as to write a lovely post about my endeavour, which was endlessly flattering and pride-inducing! It makes me feel so happy to think that peops might be inspired into thinking about, sewing and wearing more of their clothing.

So onto Day 11:

Me-made skirt, T-shirt, Saint cardigan, vest and pants. An inspired addition of an additional T-shirt layer kept me a bit warmer. I didn't get any Evidence paps recently of me out and about in me-made garms, but hopefully our relationship has got to the stage where you trust me!

Day 12:

Me-made skirt, jumper, vest and pants. I struck upon the somewhat genius idea of teaming my Beignet skirt with my navy ruffle front jumper for a cute day look. I've only worn this skirt twice since I made it last summer as I kind of think the high waist and sexy curvy shape it accentuatess are more appropriate for evening/going out shenanigans, but this disguises that part but still looks cool. The fitted high waist actually made it feel nice and secure and it didn't ride about at all like some normal waist/hipster skirt sometimes do. Win.

At Colette Patterns: 'Contrast Fabric Dresses'

I like to keep an eye on what is going on in the clothing shops (in fact one of my jobs relies upon it) but only on the odd occasion do I see a style or idea that directly inspires me. Recently, however, I've noticed a lot of dresses that have the top part made in one fabric and the skirt part made in another. Some of these dresses include one fabric which is a print or stripes with the other a solid contrast, whilst others have two different solid colours.

For those of us who like to make out own clothes, combining different fabrics when making any dress pattern that has a seam at the waist or bust can be a great idea for multiple reasons. It gives you the ability to include pieces of fabric you may have that aren't big enough to make an entire dress from; you can include a crazy print without it overwhelming you or the dress design; plus it also means you can create multiple garments from the same pattern over and over without them looking like replications! Need more convincing plus some inspirational visuals? Head over to my post at the Colette Patterns blog.

Me-Made-March: Days 9 and 10!

Ok, I have to have a little moan. This is what Me-Made-March in Barcelona is supposed to look like:

That is me in Barcelona in March two years ago wearing a me-made dress and jacket combo. I probably wasn't even wearing a vest! This March, from what I can gather, has been unseasonally cold. I was hoping to wear a greater selection of me-made garms, but now all I'm doing is alternating between my jumper and Saint cardigan (I know you've noticed but were too polite to say anything!). Getting my laundry done is also a bit of a nightmare, trying to get things washed in the morning and then cooking them dry on the radiators before the following day. I knew Me-Made-March was going to involve a bit more planning than usual because of the restricted garments I'm allowed, but I didn't bank on the weather making it even more difficult. Ok, moan over. I know I'm being selfish and that millions of people get by in much colder climates with much less. Sorry.

Onto the Documentation pap for Day 9:

What we have here is me-made jeggings, stretchy dress, Saint cardigan, vest and pants. Same outfit as Day 3 in fact, which is pretty boring. Evidence pap (in case you are struggling to believe I would venture out the flat in such attire!):

This was taken in yet another changing room (I was in there for work purposes, I promise). The number of changing rooms I've been in in the last year and a half (for researching) must be nearing Paris Hilton's tally! Wish I could get this kind of lighting in my flat, though I'd end up with the inflated self-esteem of Paris Hilton to match. Hang on, have I just discovered the correlation? Hypothesis: 'Time spent looking in flatteringly lit changing room mirrors is in direct proportion to self-esteem'. I deserve a science grant.

Whilst I work out how to apply for my research grant, take a squizz at Day 10's Evidence pap:

In fact I forgot to get a Documentation pap yesterday, so this'll have to do. Me-made sailor trousers, jumper, vest and pants, same outfit as Day 7 and I'd say the most comfortable and warm (long socks are worn under the wide trousers to dispell drafts!). The sailor trousers are fast becoming my jeans substitute.

Me-Made-March: Days 7 and 8!

Day 7 of Me-Made-March, and disaster struck. I awoke in our B&B, the morning after the wedding (my cousin's, not mine in case you didn't read my last post!) and I went for a shower. The shower was broken, and wearing just a towel I had to ask the landlady to help. When she declared it unfixable she said I could use their private bathroom and got me a dressing gown to wear as I walked through the house. After using their shower, I returned for breakfast before getting dressed. It was only after breakfast that I realised that I had just been wearing a non-me-made dressing gown! AGHHHHHH! I had been so careful in Barcelona by not wearing my boyfriend's dressing gown because I didn't make it, and spending most mornings freezing as a result, and look what happens when my guard is down in a foreign environment! Have I failed my challenge? I don't know. But I'm sure as hell not giving up.

So, I put the morning's disaster behind me and changed into Day 7's me-made outfit:

Me-made sailor trousers, jumper, vest, pants and stupid expression. Then me and my folks went out and about round Norwich for the day. I haven't been there in years so it was nice to wander around and have a pub lunch and such. Can you tell this Evidence pap was taken in England?!:

I have to admit, I was FREEZING all day. I haven't been that cold in ages (well, since I was last in the UK at Christmas probably). The coat is really more of a spring garment as I didn't add any additional lining beyond your standard poly-taffeta business. No, I didn't make the gloves or scarf, but unless you want me to die for this challenge, your going to have to stomach non-me-made accessories where necessary.

Day 8 began back in Essex and largely consisted of travelling (queue airport Evidence pap:

I returned to Barcelona craving some of the sun and relative warmth I had left it with on Friday, to find that in fact it had been snowing! I turn my back for a couple of days and it SNOWS?! WTF? Anyways, here I am back in my flat in bcn with just enough energy left for the day's Documentation pap:

Me-made sailor trousers, stripey T-shirt, Saint cardigan, vest and pants. Phew! Thanks so much for taking the time to follow the little Me-Made-March 'on tour'. Apologies for the lack of uniformity to the anecdotal photography. Normal service will now be resumed!

Me-Made-March: Days 5 and 6!

Phew! I've gots me some catching up to do! It turns out that Me-Made-March coincided with a trip back to the UK this weekend to attend my cousins wedding. Photos have subsequently become a little sketchy as collating evidence wasn't always at the forefront of my mind. Anyways, here we go: Documentation Pap for Day 5:

Me-made skirt, Saint cardigan, vest and pants. I'm pleased that Saint cardi can be worn either open or done-up like this as a top. Shortly after this picture was taken, this outfit then goes on tour for the evidence paps!:

It appears at the airport having a quick pre-flight coffee (Spanish coffee beats easyjet coffee a million times over, even the decaf), and then at my parents house in the UK some hours later!

The next day (A.K.A Day 6) started out in Essex wearing this outfit:

Me-made sailor trousers, stripey T-shirt, Saint cardigan, vest and pants. Sailor trousers still proving to be damn comfy indeed. Then we drove up to Norwich and had to speedily get ready for the wedding. My outift consisted of me-made vintage inspired dress, coat and pants. I didn't get a full length pap of the outfit on my camera, when other people's photos avail themselves to me I'll post about the dress properly. Until that time, these paps will have to suffice as evidence:

The first evidence pap is me and Mumma E, say hi to Mumma E!! The second is yet another pic of me providing inspiration for Amy Winehouse! I promise it was the blinding flash as opposed to the quantity of booze that inspired that face! Weekend round up/Me-Made-March updates to be continued.......

Fabric Swap Round 4!

My goodness, is it Monday again?! That must mean it's time for a Fabric Swap update! I am happy to announce that Magdalena was selected to be the recipient of last week's piece of fabric. In turn, she is offering up the classy and ample piece pictured above.

She writes: '42.5" wide x 90" long. I think it is either silk shantung or silk taffeta. I bought it in our local charity thrift store, it was a fabric too nice to pass. I have it now for about 6 months and do not have any use for it. The fabric is not that thick but has a firmer fiber which would be great for sculpting some kind of more structural garment. Colors: moss green and navy/dark blue.
From pet free and smoke free home..'

If you would like to give this fabric a home, then you can enter by emailing me at sozoblog@gmail.com with your name, email address, postal address, a picture of the piece of stash fabric you are offering up and a short description of that fabric (width and length of fabric and fibre content if known will suffice). Mark the subject of your email 'FABRIC SWAP 4'. I'll select a recipient at midnight Sunday 14th March using a random number generator and inform them Monday morning, and post the next piece of fabric.

Round four, ding ding!