Introduction and Fabric Choices

Hello! I'm Selina and I blog at Bona Fide Bombshell. I'm an experienced seamstress, but that doesn't mean there isn't always a new technique to learn or inspiration to be gained from being a part of a sew-along! Plus, I could use the motivation to complete this:

The pattern is from the 1930s, and I'll be making the jacket. The muslin is currently cut out waiting to be sewn up... Here is a picture of my fabric choices (with help from the boyfriend) for the jacket itself:

The coating is 50% wool and 50% cashmere in a lovely dark navy blue. So soft! (Confession: I was petting it the whole way home...) The lining is possibly a poly-rayon, I bought it back in October and didn't even recall the content then! It has a gold paisley pattern which is more reflective than in the photo. Photos of a completed first muslin to come :)

1930s Button Dress

Hello, everyone! I'm Ginnie and I live in western Maryland. I'm very excited to be participating in this, my very first vintage sew along. Heck, my very first actual vintage anything, really. I'm generally not a vintage sewer. I love the look of it on other people, but I feel like it's usually something I can't pull off without seeming costumey. If I had to pick my very favorite decade, it would be the 1920s, though. In fact, last year for my husband's and my joint 30th birthday party, we sent our 20s packing in Roaring 20s style! It was amazing... fully costumed, authentically soundtracked, completely themed party. But, of course, it was meant to be costumey.

But I've been giving it more thought lately, and this sew-along seemed like the perfect opportunity to try and create something with a hint of retro, but still modern enough that I can wear it to work in the present decade. I found this little 1930s reproduction beauty from Decades of Style.

I immediately fell in love with the lines of the raglan sleeves with the decorative buttons.  Interestingly enough, the buttons on the 'Button Dress' are all just for show - completely non functioning.  The back has not one, but two bows. This will be rectified, if possible. I can get on board the vintage train, but I can't get on the butt-bow train. :)  We'll see if I can redraft a bit to eliminate at least one of those bows.

As the pattern calls for very drapy, flowy fabrics, I'm thinking of using this silk charmeuse.
 I look forward to sewing with all you ladies (and any gents that may turn up) and can't wait to see what everyone will be creating!

1933 dress and jacket

This is the pattern I have chosen, which I purchased over a year ago from "eva dress". It is based on a design that Katherine Hepburn wore in "Christopher Strong."


It is a 16, which will only involve some minor size alterations, mostly in length and hip. I intend to do version A, but do not know if I will do the hat.



For fabric, I have a piece of wool plaid I purchased on the Isle of Islay during a vacation in Scotland. I believe the pattern is titled "Lord of the Isle" I need to buy a matching fabric for the skirt/dress and lining, and buttons - which may end up as covered buttons.

Reading the instructions, it appears that the dress was not intended to be worn without the jacket. After the mock-up, I may choose a contrasting fabric for the "underbody" so that it will stand by itself.

Me Next! DuBarry In Oz

I'm Steph from 3 Hours Past the Edge of the World.  I recently acquired several new-to-me vintage patterns, among them this DuBarry, circa mid-30's.

I plan to play with the top in a jersey, maybe muslin it properly, and eventually end up with the short-sleeved version in pale green silk pique.

I ordered this with Christmas money from Fashion Fabrics.  I haven't run the pique through my fingers to test for drape or heft; it may prove too sturdy to handle all those pleats.  In that case, I'll find a substitute.

I haven't sewn from a DuBarry, and 1930's sizing puzzles me at the best of times.  Generally, I work from a 32" or 34" bust and alter for a short waist and full bust.  So far my excursions into working with 30's patterns has been all over the map, hence the muslin.

For the first muslin, I'll make the bodice with no alterations for sizing.