Thursday, 18 June 2015

Book Review: Sew Over It Vintage


Sew Over It Vintage is the second book by Lisa Comfort (of Sew Over It sewing classes and patterns fame), this time focusing on vintage style. I found it refreshing that Lisa doesn't promise you a head-to-toe vintage wardrobe once you've read it. What she does do is to take inspiration from vintage fashions and styles of the past and mix them up with modern elements to avoid looking too costumey. This pretty much sums up my own approach to using vintage style in my wardrobe so I knew I'd get on well with this book!

It's divided into four different sections:

- Dabble with a bit of vintage - for those who want to add a bit of vintage flair to existing items. 

Adding a Peter Pan collar to a neckline 
Adding fur cuffs and collar to a coat

- Make a vintage inspired wardrobe - this was the section I was really interested in!

- A little something to go with it - how to make your own vintage accessories

- Vintage Home

The 30 projects in the book are clearly labelled with a skill level and there are plenty of quick, easy fixes for those new to sewing, particularly in the Embellishing and Vintage Home sections. For me though, it was the second section (make your own vintage wardrobe) that was the most interesting part of the book and what I'll be focusing on in this review.

You do need to have a bit of sewing experience before tackling the dressmaking projects. The reason for this is because there are no patterns included with the book - they're all made from blocks which you draft yourself based on your own measurements. I promise you, this is not as scary as it sounds - I'm a complete thickie when it comes to anything involving maths and measuring, but even managed to draft a bodice block without incident. Yes, they take a bit of time to create, but they're not difficult. There's a well explained section on measuring yourself properly (you'll need a friend/partner to take some of the measurements) and the steps are very comprehensive and detailed.



The book includes ten garment projects, all made using either the bodice block or by drafting a skirt section. Lisa then shows you how to adapt the basic blocks to create the different garment designs. Influences for the designs range from the 1920's to the 1960's:

A chic, 1920's-inspired Anita Tie Top for pairing with jeans.


A lovely, tie-necked 1950's sailor blouse with a simplified collar. 


A Betty Draper-inspired box-pleat skirt. The example in the book is made from crepe which gives it a softer look- I'm keen to make one with a more structured feel. 


A cute, 1960's-inspired pleated dress. This project uses an existing fitted top as a starting point, then shows you how to draft the skirt to attach to it. Such a pretty result!


One thing to note is that the bodice block is not supposed to be close fitting - the projects that use it all have quite a lot of ease built in. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for darts and closures. So if you like your top half to be fitted to within an inch of its life, then the dressmaking projects probably won't be to your taste. To be honest, I like my top half to be super fitted too, so I was surprised when my attention kept being drawn to the chic, 1920's inspired, unstructured Anita Tie Top!  Eventually I caved in and drafted one for myself. Yes, you read that correctly, I drafted one for myself!!! Despite my scepticism about the relaxed fit, it's a winner and I've already worn it out twice! I changed a couple of things about it, so I think it deserves its own separate post, but here's a sneaky peek of the finished top….


…and one of me wearing it. It's self drafted don't you know!


If you're familiar with using commercial patterns, but would like a bit of hand holding before moving onto pattern cutting in more detail then I can't recommend this book highly enough. I certainly got a lot out of it and already have plans for a self-drafted pleated skirt.  x


Sew Over It Vintage was given to me free of charge for review by Love Sewing Magazine, all views my own. You can find out what other sewing bloggers thought of the book here:

A Stitching Odyssey
Did You Make That?
House of Pinheiro
What Katie Sews





32 comments:

  1. Such a pretty top!
    And just when I think I have all the sewing books I'll ever need, out comes another one I must add to my list...

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    1. There's ALWAYS another sewing book that needs adding to the list! x

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  2. Wow what a lovely top! Well worth a read may have to leave hints for the hubby to buy for my birthday in a couple of weeks lol

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  3. It looks like a great book and I do love Lisa's style! 8 think this is one for the birthday list. The Anita top really suits you! X
    http://crafternooncabaretclub.com

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    1. Aw thanks! Yes, I love Lisa's style too, the styling in the book is fab, much better than the front cover suggests. x

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  4. That top is really lovely on you! Yes it's a departure from your usual style but it's so fab with the jeans. Nice one.

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    1. Thanks so much. I'm always on the lookout for dressy tops to wear with jeans so when this turned out well I was soooo pleased! x

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  5. The blouse is quite flattering on you! I would consider making something like that myself - thanks for modeling it so well!

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    1. Thank you! I'd definitely recommend the pattern. x

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  6. Gosh, that top is really cute! I love the book so far so it is one I must purchase!

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  7. Ooh make me one ��

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    1. You'll have to buy the book and make your own! x

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  8. I love this top Jane. I need to make one for myself now!! The book is going to have to go on my wishlist - drafting my own patterns is something I've wanted to do for a while

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    1. The intro to pattern drafting in the book is a great starting point if you're thinking of drafting your own patterns. Good luck! x

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  9. Oh Jane, fabulous top! I love that pattern in the book so much, but fear it would only draw attention to my muffin tops :o( Seeing how wonderfully yours turned out, I'm tempted to give it a go no matter what :o)

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    1. I actually think the top disguises muffin tops Marie! The pattern should be boxier than I made it, with more gathers, so there's even more room for curves! I think it would really suit you, give it a go. x

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  10. Love that fabric Jane, very much a departure from your usual style but it suits you very well and congratulations on the self drafting quite an achievment you should be very proud of yourself

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    1. Thanks Sandra! I was taking a bit of risk making this top but I'm really proud of it! x

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  11. Another wonderfully crafted and sewn project from you, as usual. You are very talented and that Anita top looks fabulous on you. I wish I were so talented. Perhaps getting a copy of that book will help me to become at least proficient.

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  12. And yes; please do a detailed separate post concerning this Anita top. Please! :)

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  13. I love the top in the book and your version looks great too. I love that you made it less boxy to suit your own personal style. I also like the look of the kimono. I'm enjoying all the reviews and think this book will have to go on my birthday wishlist.

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    1. Thanks Fiona! The kimono looks pretty easy to draft too, definitely one for your birthday list. x

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  14. Absolutely great review. I liked that you show and speak about so many details. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Cecilia, glad you liked the review! x

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  15. Oh wow! That is a lovely top, looks really good on you. Well done for self drafting it. Would just like to add that I have that fabric too.

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    1. Thanks! It's lovely fabric isn't it?! x

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  16. That's really interesting, I'm keen to pattern draft for myself and this looks like a good way to start. Love your choice of fabric for the top, it's nice to see the contrast to the one in the book. Well done it looks lovely.

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    1. Thanks Jayne! If you're keen to start pattern drafting then this book would be a great starting point. x

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  17. Thats so beautiful!! I love your style and your blog!! I have learnt so much from your posts! I have just finished a lovely dress, I'd love to know what you think!? Details at http://ditsy-tulip.com/butterick-b6094-the-finishing-touches/ xx

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