Saturday, March 20, 2010

It Has Begun

FINALLY, I have decided to stop talking about sewing and just dive headlong into my first garment in DECADES: a blouse from a 1932 pattern (reproduced by Vintage Pattern Lending Library).  I'm wild, really. I skipped over some more straight forward projects, like an apron or a simple curtain.  Will probably regret my approach back into all this.  Oh, well....by taking my time, I successfully marked and cut out the pattern, although the various tailors' chalks and waxes I bought don't seem to like the vintage feedsack material I've chosen (it won't show up on it unless I push really hard with the tracing wheel).  I decided to get Hazel, my dress form, and pin some of the parts together to get a rough idea of where I'm going.  I'm so excited, but nervous at the same time: this blouse has bust darts and requires me to do a bit of gathering at the waist. It's also got this front and back "belt," which looks fantastic in the finished version, but it sort of freaks me out.  Anyway, my eyes are starting to cross, so I'm definitely not going to start sewing tonight, even though I've had so much tea I will probably just lie awake all night anyway.  Better not push it.  Sort of like with skiing--accidents happen when you push past fatigue.  Maybe tomorrow... PS: Mom, does this look better than my famous attempt to turn an old sweater into a toque and mittens?  Thank goodness no visual records of that debacle survive.





Music I'm Listening To:  
Elliott Smith (what else is new?). Lately, I just can't get his song "Place Pigalle out of my headbut couldn't find it in an embeddable form, so here's a link ...) and below is an embedded 
vid. for the OTHER E.S. song on repeat in my brain: "Pretty Mary K" (alternate version)

19 comments:

Kelley Anne said...

This looks wonderful, I can't wait to see the finished product!

Oh and I feel great. Its not the extra weight gone from my haircut, just the feeling that it really suits me right now, that I look on the outside how I feel on the inside:)

JamaGenie said...

The blouse is looking GREAT so far!

Miss Emmi said...

Good idea with the going to be - I saw a woman with a sewing needle through her finger on RPA; definitely marked the end of late night sewing for me!

Good luck with your blouse! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Debi said...

oh yipeee! I'm so glad you are sewing! can't wait to see the blouse!!

BardotBlue said...

looks like its going to be cute! I love the pattern. I just made my first pattern myself last week and sent it home with my mom to california where she is going to sew it together for me. Can't wait to share it with everyone over on my blog just like you did here. Also I have never heard of Eliott Smiths Place Pigalle so I am gonna go check it out.

xoxo Bardot in Blue
http://bardotinblue.com

Maggi said...

Oh good luck!!! It looks great so far!

P.S.-1930s scrapbook on Circle 7-2099. :D

Francy said...

Looks great so far! I can't wait to see the finished one.

Starr Crow said...

oh my gosh, your amazing! it looks great so far. i took sewing classes a couple years back and made a dress and pants and stuff, but it was always so frustrating having to rip things out and start over when i messed up. if i can offer any advice its to BE PATIENT. it's better to go slow than to go fast and have to start over. i think your gonna be a fabulous vintage clothing seamstress!

BombshellShocked said...

It is looking wonderful! I can't wait to see it completed!

reilly said...

Darts and gathers are a cinch! Good luck, you'll do great!

Tilly said...

I bet you're going to be great at sewing! Thanks for the tip about the Vintage Pattern Lending Library - I didn't know about that. I've now started obsessing over Victorian era jackets...

BaronessVonVintage said...

Wow, I really appreciate all the encouragement! THANKS! Definitely will take my time and try to be PATIENT! xoxo

Kori said...

Great post honey! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on my new blog post. I am so excited that you found that article on Gatsby! I am going to repost it on my new blog! Hope you have a great week. Kori xoxo

Anonymous said...
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Kristin said...

ohhh my gosh! This turned out amazingly! I recently aquired a few vintage patterns, and have been thinking about trying them. This gave me some inspiration!

The Dreamstress said...

It looks great on Hazel! Good luck with it!

Stefanie Valentine said...

Good luck, i can't wait to see the finished product!

Irina said...

wow amazing job!
congrats for the blog <3

*Follow me*
http://wovbubbless.blogspot.com/

BaronessVonVintage said...

THANKS again!!