I’ve got all sorts of sewing projects running right now. I kind of burned myself out last year after doing all those dumb cycling caps and then launching into my sister’s beautiful but rather epic wedding dress. I’ve since re-dedicated my sewing to basically only doing it to amuse (and clothe) myself, but with a few small exceptions here and there.
Gifts tend to be the exception and I just finished the most darling exception; a pinafore-dress-and bonnet set for the newly-born daughter of a good friend of mine. When I heard that Jen was having a girl, I thought “oh yay!” because giddy little girl clothes are awfully fun to make. The outfit I made principally runs to yellow and white, with rick-rack trim. The underdress is gingham, the overdress is floral, and the bonnet is a corresponding two-tone. I enjoy doing baby clothes because you can get incredibly whimsical and babies don’t care if their clothing is a bit silly.
I used one of my childhood teddy-bears as a bonnet model as the shape of it wasn’t apparent when I tried photographing it laid out or hung on my hand.
Now that I’ve wrapped up that little outfit, I’m going to be doing up some summer hats for my little nephew. Audrey, if you are reading, measure that boy’s head, so I can get to cuttin’!
Then, I have stuff for myself. A cute little bolero jacket in brown Chinese brocade with orange, red, and gold flowers twined together with apple-green vines. A fussy, yellow-striped 1970s-esque blouse to go with a few of my floral skirts. A yellow, daisy-printed 1960s drop-waisted dress which is very Bewitched, and a rust-and-cream plaid two-piece that’s rather Jackie Kennedy. I’ve decided that the1960s really was a flattering decade with all of the skim-fitted shift dresses and little cropped jackets. I love the 1940s styles, but wonder if it’s the best idea to emphasize my already square-shouldered figure. The 1950s styles are wonderfully girly, and help to create the illusion of a well balanced figure, but can be a bit fussy for daily wear. I’m really digging the very simplified lines of 1960s fashion these days and can see several of my old vintage patterns getting called into play in the near future. The simplicity of cut in those old patterns allows one to use very bold fabrics – outlandish prints or big plaids or exaggerated detailing like large buttons or overscale applied trim. Dresses, skirts, pants, and tops of that era also go together so easily with a minimum of fuss; attention to fit-and-finish guarantees a neat, professional look.
I’ve still got to finish that mint green suit of mine. I think I might fit that in between all the baby gear and the brocade bolero. All I need to do is stick the sleeves in the jacket lining, stick the lining in the jacket, hem both, put in the button holes, stitch on the buttons, hem the skirt, and it’s done and wearable. It’s going to be awfully pretty – possibly prettier than I’ll ever need. Jeez, I need to get on the ball here.
Wonderful, I’ve been searching for some hats for Max! Those darling ones you made for him last year barely rest atop his ginormus Thrall skull. I’ll look for my measuring tape tonight and give you the results soon!
I love that you used your bear as a model. Bears love fancy dress-ups!
I love sewing for babies….and young children. They are always so pleased and feel special that you made something for them…until they hit the teens or so.
Your creations are adorable!
Thank you! My friend for whose daughter I made this is pretty excited about it, too. It was a fun project.