Marie from A Stitching Odyssey has just announced the return of the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge for a second year - hoorah! This year she'll be co-hosting it with Kerry from Kestrel Makes which is awesome. I really like the way Kerry has identified her own vintage style niche (1970's/1980's). It's absolutely NOT an era I would ever like to revisit personally (I had to wear those fashions first time round!), but I'm enjoying seeing the garments she makes from vintage patterns of that time. It's well known that Marie is a big fan of vintage patterns from the 1930's to the 1960's, so by joining forces with Kerry they should have all the major decades covered! Thanks for organising it ladies, I can't wait for your inspiration posts.
The Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge was one of the few online challenges I joined in with last year and even though I completed the challenge, I have mixed feelings about committing to any kind of numerical target this year. Just to be clear, I love vintage patterns, I'm fascinated by them and can easily lose entire afternoons reading the instructions and scrutinising envelope artwork. I've also sewn quite a few garments from them over the years (19 at the last count). I think my point is that I like to sew from vintage patterns on a whimsy rather than as part of a self imposed schedule. So this year, I'm keeping my challenge very simple. I've got my hands on one vintage pattern that I know for sure I'll sew this year. That's all I'm going to commit to and any extra vintage patterns that manage to get sewn this year will be bonuses!
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This is it - a 1950's tie neck halter top with gathered bust, that crosses at the back and fastens to the front. Why this particular pattern though? Probably because I've been looking for a pattern like this for years. I'm a great admirer of halter necks (as evidenced here) and I think I'll be able to get a good fit on this pattern because of the gathered bustline. The pattern is an ePattern - a reproduction of a vintage pattern in PDF form - that I purchased from Etsy shop Subversive Femme. Obviously I'd prefer to work from the original pattern, but vintage halter neck sewing patterns are like gold dust, so this is good enough for me - I can't wait to work on it once summer's here.
So, whilst I'm on the subject:
I, Jane Marland, will sew up my favourite halter neck vintage sewing pattern during 2015.
I may even sew it in a polka dot fabric, just for a change! Has anybody else signed up for the challenge yet? I'd love to hear your plans. Happy Sunday! x
I have seen so many challenges for the new year. I haven't committed to anything it's hard enough getting the small people organised every day, let alone organising myself. Look forward to seeing the finished garment. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're very wise! That's why I've only committed to one garment! x
DeleteI had no idea Bex had an e-pattern shop! I adore that top! I can't wait to see your version, and I may have to buy a copy myself.
ReplyDeleteYes, e-patterns are a good idea if there's no other way of getting your hands on a vintage pattern. So pleased I found this one! x
DeleteI have signed up, I will use my first vintage sewing pattern! I don't own any vintage patterns but I do admire the '50 and '60 style. I didn't know that vintage reproductions existed in pdf form, good to know for when I decide what to make myself. That top is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHoorah! Looking forward to seeing your first vintage pattern sewn up this year! x
DeleteLove the style of this top. I've got a RTW maxi dress with a similar gathered bust area (great for making me look better endowed than I am!) and narrow bias binding straps. It's over the shoulder rather than halter, but I'd love to find pattern that's similar.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was over the moon when I found this! I've also got plans to make a simple fitted bodice top with over the shoulder bias binding straps too but I may just make it up as I go along. Will let you know if I see a similar pattern though. x
DeleteThank you x
DeleteThat's a lovely pattern and of course you must make it in polka dots! Yes, hoping we have all the decades covered and I will definitely be championing the 70s and 80s :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kerry, looking forward to it! x
DeleteGreat choice! And darn sexy too, will look forward to seeing it :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa! Hopefully the finished top won't be too revealing, may have to layer on the false tan first though with all that flesh on display! x
DeleteHurray! I'm so glad you're on board again this year and even more pleased that you've made the pledge your own! The purpose is not to stress people out, it's to encourage them to achieve exactly what they want to :o) Your pattern is simply stunning, I can't wait to see you in it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to be on board again too Marie! Thanks for hosting. x
DeleteGood luck wth your halter and good luck with your pledge!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thanks for enabling me to buy such a wonderful vintage pattern! x
DeleteI've signed up to make 5 patterns. I (just) managed 4 this year and I have loved working with them so it's something I will definitely be doing more of!
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to seeing them Joanne. I love working with them too, I'm hoping to get one or two more than my pledged pattern under my belt. We'll see anyway! x
DeleteThats such a great pattern! I think the back detail is really cool with the crossed effect. I haven't set any real challenges this year I signed up last year but life got in the way so this year I will unofficially join in! x
ReplyDeleteYes, I like the back detail too. thanks! X
DeleteI've signed up to sew 2 patterns. It's my first time joining this challenge and there are so many I want to sew but I don't want to commit to too much. I'm hoping to sew more than 2 if I can. We'll see how I go.
ReplyDeleteI think two is perfect and very realistic. Looking forward to seeing them! x
DeleteLove the halter top pattern! What a great way to use up some of those smaller pieces of fabric in the stash. :) I'm thinking of joining the vintage pattern challenge this year but I'm not sure how many items I will commit to making.
ReplyDelete-Emily
Thanks Emily! Yes, it doesn't take up much fabric at all. I may even make two if it turns out ok! X
DeleteEep eep eep I'm so excited to see you make up this top!! I've seen it in Bex's shop and have always hesitated, because I have one (not-me-made) blouse that crosses in the back and it does terrible ill-fitting things on me (basically gaping open at the back sides), I think because I'm short-waisted. So I'll eagerly watch for yours! I think polka dots would be perfect, of course. ;)
ReplyDeleteI signed up because I was an idiot and didn't last year, and regretted it. I pledged 5 patterns, and since I have one on the cutting table already and the other is my coat project, I should be able to hit it! *fingers crossed*
Aha, will watch out for potential back/side gaping when I make it, thanks for he heads up! I can't believe you didn't sign up last year Tasha, this challenge has your name written all over it! Looking forward to seeing your patterns! x
DeleteEven though I sew from vintage patterns most of the time, I am always hesitant to commit to too many pledges. I put enough pressure on myself without any added forces involved. But I am thinking I may follow your lead and commit to one specific piece to make. Thanks for the idea - and your halter top is going to be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly, hence just the one pattern! And thank you, can't wait to sew the halter neck. x
DeleteAs I don't want to sew all vintage I shall watch with interest from the sidelines....but I'm going to do this one instead....https://mymakedoandmendyear.wordpress.com/2015/01/04/sew-your-own-wardrobe-2015-resources/comment-page-1/#comment-15423
ReplyDeleteand I've started by making this for a small wardrobe......
http://noraathome.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/reversible-pinafore-ta-dah.html
Thank you so much for the inspiration xx
Ooh I really like the sound of that challenge, I'll be keeping an eye on it too! And your reversible pinafore is ADORABLE! x
DeleteAfter purchasing my first vintage sewing pattern, I turned to your blog for inspiration and serendipitously discovered this pledge! Talk about timing. Haven't decided which view I'll make yet, but it'll probably be a girdle with suspenders or a belt with pockets - both are too crazy for me to resist! Thanks for spreading the word :)
ReplyDeleteAh, my pleasure! So pleased I inadvertently led you to the Vintage Pattern Pledge! Good luck. X
DeleteHi I was just wondering if you could advise me where you got the pattern from or if you sell the pattern at all?
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes