That's Sew Cinematic - Frenchie-Esque Nightie

Ever since this pattern arrived I've been itching to get started on it! Alas, my trip to the fabric shop was not so fruitful (sad face). I finally decided that I really wanted to use this fabric -

But when I got to the shop they only had it in stock in a cerise pink. Now you may not have noticed this about me before, but I am not a 'pink' girl. Red - yes, Pink - no.

So I bought this instead -

Some awesomely awesome georgette with pheasants & trees printed all over. BUT, once I got home I got a little attached to it and decided it wouldn't be fair on it if I limited its wear to indoors only. Other people should get to see its awesome-ness.

So as a little test run of this pattern before I buy the 'real' fabric I decided to finally cut into some lilac polka dot cotton that's been stashed away for what feels like forever!

I'm aware that it looks a little pinky, but trust me, in real life it's lilac. You are probably also wondering 'does she only buy fabric with polka dots on it?', I'm starting to wonder that too?!
Maybe I should try and go a whole month without sewing polka dots?
Anywho, I'm going to be sewing up just the short smock the girl on the left is modelling as I ran out of fabric to try the bloomers.
Plus, I'm also gonna be keeping an eye out for some cute yellow printed fabric to make up the 'real' version.
In the meantime enjoy this song from the film!

My Red Dress

Throughout the week I've been putting together the bodice of this pattern:

I know, I know, it's from 1987 and belongs on Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman'. I had every intention of seeing this through making minor changes along the way to attempt at 'modernizing' it (excluding shoulder pads, shortening the length etc...)  but somewhere between sewing the facings & putting the sleeves together I lost interest. It happens. 

This is as far as I got (sleeves are pinned on), I've already adjusted the armhole to try and get rid of the extra amount there for ridiculous shoulder pads, but it still doesn't look right to me? 

So in an attempt to have not completely wasted my time with this material, i'm using the cut skirt pieces and spare fabric I have left to make this..

I've already made this once here so I know I'm going to love it & get lots of wear from it.

So far half the bodice is done and I'm hopeful that I should have this finished this weekend.

In other news - I ventured out on my own to the next village along from me today, as I discovered there was a fabric shop on the small high street! As excited as I was, I was a little disappointed with the fabric range. They seemed to concentrate more on the home furnishings/curtain making side of fabric rather than dressmaking, however it should come in useful for the essentials. As I wandered along I dipped in and out of the standard charity shops that you get in UK, and wondered in amazement (and let out a small squeal of delight!) when right at the back of one stood a bookshelf FULL of vintage patterns!

JACKPOT!

After sifting through the atrocious 80's/90's patterns I found 2 (in my size) that were hard to say no to at just £1 each.

First up is Vogue 5308 from 1961 - a super cute shift dress shape with princess seams and a box pleated skirt. This was missing one piece however, but it was only the belt facing which isn't hard to replace. This will be perfect for a work dress in either a stiff cotton blend or even wool for the winter?

Then I have Style 4151 from 1973. How amazing does View 2 (Blue Dress) look? I'm a little bit in love with this design, and the instructions look super easy! (famous last words). 

This is going to be perfect for making some summer dresses in some cute cotton prints, or in synthetics like rayon.

I also bought this on Ebay this week

Simplicity 5645 from 1964. How cute are these variations?

I saw this and knew it should be mine!

So now I need to dig around my stash and start deciding what to make with what! 

I've been slowly turning my sewing room into a useable space, trying to de-clutter as much as I can.

I now have a somewhat clear workspace

A place to hang my vintage clothing

To store my jars of buttons

My fabric stash

My dressform, and my art supplies.

There are more things that I want to do with this room (time and money depending) in order to get it looking how I really want, but I have to bear in mind that this room is also supposed to function as a spare room for visitors!

Until next time!