- Blog by Kit -
My sewing project planner sheets are ready for download! Below are download links for my sewing project planner, in both full sheet and half sheet sizes.
Planner pages
Please make sure you are a logged-in subscriber to access.
Chic Ahoy Slacks, Halter, & Bolero
A month or so ago, I made the Wearing History Chic Ahoy 1930s slacks from some brown linen I had handy. It’s paired with a Sassy Librarian Blouse made to match. This past weekend, a friend took a few pictures for me to share with you!
Sassy Librarian Top & Chic Ahoy Slacks
The buttons are fabric covered buttons, using the same brown silk to match.
Close up of button front
Underneath the button closure is a hook and eye at the waist.
Hidden hook & eye closure
This pattern went together quite easily and I added a few extra buttons. The pattern is designed to be belted through vertical buttonholes, but I wanted all the buttons. I did find that the buttons aren’t as snug fitting as a belt would be, so the top edge of the hidden closure tends to peek out. I will have to try the belt next time and see how it wears. I’m considering modifying this pair by adding two more buttons across the top to hold it in place there.
Tonight, I’m starting my third Sassy Librarian blouse by Christine Haynes. This pattern is for a Craftsy class, which is great because it gave me step by step instructions for my new journey into “modern” (ie, later than 19th century) sewing. Also, as I’m a self-taught seamstress, I like classes like this because I pick up little tricks and tips from experienced and/or trained sewers. I buy Craftsy classes when they’re on sale for $20. I like that I learn something new from each one and can refer back when I don’t remember something. Well worth my money.
Sassy Librarian Blouse
I’ve made this blouse twice already and thought I should share those versions before I start number three. You may have noticed these blouses already in my Fabric Covered Buttons post.
Buttons on finished projects
First was this awesome floral fabric I hunted through multiple fabric stores to find and used initially for a playsuit. This was leftover fabric, and I still had more leftover after the blouse. I made size 8, for my 36″ bust, but it was too large. I seamed both side seams in about an inch and it was perfect after that. I used large 7/8″ covered buttons because big buttons just feel so retro.
Floral collared blouse
For the second blouse, I tried the other view with the cute bow at the neck, using the same yellow fabric for the body. This time I jumped to size 4, which fits, but is snug in the bust and created a bubble above my chest from not being able to settle back in place after I move. I used 1/2″ covered buttons on this version, but it still feels appropriately vintage, despite my preference for big buttons!
Yellow & brown blouse
Blouse number three is going to be size 6, since I’ve already tried sizes 4 and 8. Hopefully size 6 will be perfect without a full bust adjustment (FBA), but if not, I’ll be doing size 4 with a FBA on blouse number 4.
Has anyone else tried or have plans to try the Sassy Librarian Blouse, or any other Craftsy classes?
It seems there’s a huge trend out there for bullet journals and project planners and other life organizers. As I went down the rabbit hole of vintage sewing, I realized a sewing project planner might be helpful to track my project ideas and notes. Especially as I quickly stocked up on more and more vintage-look fabric and patterns.
I looked at a number of publicly available project planners, but they just didn’t suit me. So I made my own! I started with a basic Word template and customized it to meet my needs. I figured I only truly needed the most basic pre-set rows for pattern name, size, etc, then a large section for any notes I wanted, and a space to sketch.
Once I had my design, I sized it for my favorite notebook system: Staples Arc. Arc is a customizeable notebook that lets you add and remove pages, change covers, move dividers and more. I use a full size notebook by Arc for school, so I already had a spare set of small hinges (called discs), plus a special hole punch (from Amazon). I found an inspiring cover at Staples, then printed my planner pages, trimmed them to size (2 per sheet of paper), punched them and inserted them into my custom sewing project planner. Voila!
Sewing project planner
Levenger hole punch for Arc
Planner pages
Do you have a project planner? I’d love to see it!
Do you need a project planner? Let me know! I’m going to look into a method of sharing my pages with you.
Aside from building this blog, the last week was spent making a pair of Sweetheart Overalls in a heavy green corduroy. I previously used this Decades of Style pattern and modified it into a pair of wide legged trousers, but I recently made a shirt too short and thought these overalls were perfect to wear with it.
Decades of Style Sweetheart Overalls
The whole thing went together smoothly for a while, even though I made a minor modification where I wasn’t sure of the directions. When it came time to attach the lining to the back, I chose to edge stitch the lining, like the exterior, insert the shoulder straps, then top stitch the layers together. Pictures might make more sense:
Lining the back inset
Finished back inset
As I said, things *were* going smoothly…. But when it came time for my final fittings, I found a problem: my zipper wouldn’t zip.
Looking closely, I discovered I had torn a tiny hole in the zipper. Unsure if this was the problem, I made multiple efforts to reposition the zipper to ensure the fabric wasn’t blocking the zip, and that the waist wasn’t too snug to zip.
A tiny hole in the zipper
In the end, I have put this aside for an 18th century gown due next week. Then I’ll try replacing the zipper entirely. In the meantime, here are some pics to whet your appetite for the finished product!
Interior
Today, I received an order of covered button molds from I Love Big Buttons on Etsy. I ordered buttons of several different sizes, as well as a template for marking the cut size of the fabric.
Button order
In case you’re wondering how to store these different buttons, here’s a picture of my complex system… It’s just a bunch of labeled ziplock bags in a shoebox.
Button storage
However, the button molds and storage system aren’t nearly as interesting as what you can do with covered buttons. I have a couple works in progress, as well as some completed garments, all using fabric covered buttons.
Buttons for works in progress
Buttons on finished projects
Simplicity 8139 Bathing Suit
After the this summer’s failed attempts to find a romper that didn’t look awful on me (ugh elastic waist!), I decided to sew a vintage style playsuit. This was my first completed everyday clothing item, since I usually only sew Renaissance clothing for reenactment.
I used Simplicity’s pattern 8139 for a bathing suit and modified the skirt into a short, omitting the inner elastic leg shorts.
This was my first time EVER installing a zipper (Renaissance clothing didn’t have zippers) so I was very excited to have it look decent on my first try!
Center back zipper
The rest of the playsuit was simple to put together, but I could stand to shorten the straps slightly if I make it again. I’m short, so that’s not an uncommon problem. I’m also curious to try a full bust adjustment (FBA) and see how that changes the bodice.
Loose bodice front
Hello! I’m Kit and I’ve been bitten by the vintage sewing bug.
I started wearing vintage with some purchased 50s-esque dresses and then started sewing vintage with one ordinary playsuit. Then another. Then a dress, some shirts, trousers… You get the picture. Since I purchased my first dress 8 months ago, I’ve been building a vintage-style wardrobe, roughly 1930-1960.
This blog is about my vintage sewing endeavors, though I may occasionally show off other vintage-style finds, like shoes or accessories.