Vintage Inspiration:Shirt Dress

Can you believe this pattern is from 1967???

I think it's just as wearable today as it was over 40 years ago.  What a classic!

This one's from 1970:

Ah, if only I could be as cool and sophisticated as the woman in white~
Here are some great modern day versions from Micheal Kors and Ralph Lauren:


Sometimes updating a pattern has little to do with the shape and more to do with the styling.  Use a beautiful modern print or go khaki for a safari vibe.  You could even try some shirting material for a sort of sexy men's wear feel.

For this and other great patterns from the 50's up to the 80's head over to Etcetorize Vintage Pattern Supplies and check out all the great fashions from the past.

Summer Essential: The Maxi Dress

What's the one boho chic thing you need in your closet for the summer????  The Maxi Dress of course!  I love maxi dresses.  They're so comfy, they're easy to dress up or down, and they make you look sooooooooooo tall!

This is a Cynthia Rowley design for Simplicity.  At first I had a hard time figuring out the waistband but once I figured that out it was smooth sailing. 


Still in the Simplicity stock line-up!

The straps are self made bias binding.  I was nervous about this part because I figured there was no way the straps would end up being the right length, but they were!  They fit perfectly.

Here's a close-up of the pattern on the fabric.  It's a very slippery slidey polyester.  I know, I know, euwwwww.  Everyone hates polyester.  But sometimes it works.  Sometimes it flows, and sometimes it washes 10 times better than other fabrics....so sometimes I use it.  Besides, I figure if I'm going for a 70's vibe I might as well go all the way~

And because I like you guys so much I'm going to share another maxi dress!  (Two for one, just for you)

For this one I used this great vintage pattern from 1979.

The pattern is a sort of basket weave look (yes, more polyester).

How about you?  Do you go for the maxi dress?  I think they're great for everyone, every size, every shape.  There are so many variations.   What's your summer go to outfit?  Leave a comment~

Book Review: Chic and Simple Sewing

Let me just get this off my chest right now...I love this book!  ~

Chic & Simple Sewing (Potter Books) is full of exactly that...chic and simple patterns for all levels.  There's a nice variety of pieces to choose from and there are patterns for 23 projects included.

There are projects for every season.

And for different sewing levels.

Christina Haynes  released this book in 2009 but it's still as up to date and on trend now as it was then.

Reviews on amazon.ca say that others found the patterns ill fitting.  So far, I've not had that same difficulty.  The shapes are fairly simple so they're easy to alter if you need to.  I think as long as you measure first it shouldn't be a problem.

I made a cute babydoll dress from the book:

So cute I think!

This is an excellent book for upper beginners to use to get into garment sewing.  If you have this book or have tried any of the patterns leave a comment below and let me know what you think of it.

Don't forget to enter the Thank you giveaway before Saturday, May 14th~
Happy sewing everyone!