Wednesday 8 July 2015

Vintage Pattern Pledge - a slight rethink

It seems I may have to rethink my Vintage Pattern Pledge. I thought I was so clever pledging to sew just one vintage pattern this year. My mistake was specifying the exact pattern (a 1950's tie neck halter top) as I now don't want to sew it!


The halter neck reproduction pattern I chose is an absolute beaut with some lovely vintage details:  a gathered bustline and crossover back finished with bias binding round the edges. It seemed like a no-brainer at the time, the problem is that I hardly ever wear halter necks. That doesn't mean I dislike halter neck styles, I love them, absolutely love them.



All images from my Pinterest board

They're chic and classy and look so elegant if you have a slim, golden back. In reality, the neck ties end up giving me a headache, my back is NOT slim, elegant and golden, and finding an appropriate bra is always a pain. I've made just one halter neck garment - my Cherry Fabulous dress - which was a success, but I have to feel pretty confident (and brown!) to wear it.


As there's only a small window of time for wearing halter necks in the UK, it didn't seem like a sensible use of my sewing time to make something that would hardly ever be worn. So much as it pains me to do so, I've decided to be sensible and abandon the original pledge. I've already made two garments from vintage patterns this year (here and here) and I'm sure there'll be a couple more before the year is out. I'll leave the pledge open for now and see how many more I manage to notch up.

In the meantime, I can always dream….





Happy Wednesday! x



23 comments:

  1. They're some beautiful patterns you have there and I love that stripy jumpsuit from your pinterest board - I cant believe the bust size of that size 18 6449! that seems mental! How times have changed!

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    1. Yes, I'm a 12 in ready to wear, but an 18 in some vintage patterns! It's crazy! x

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  2. I love halterneck tops as well but there are truly only about two days one can wear them in this climate. How about something that gives a similar effect as a halter neck top, such as a racerback or any tank top with a solid front and a lace back?

    - Hogan W.

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    1. Great ideas! The lack of opportunity to wear such styles (due to weather) does make me think twice about putting lots of effort though! x

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  3. I like halternecks on other people but they're really unflattering on me because of my broad shoulders. Your original pattern is lovely but I suppose it's a more extreme shape as the straps are so narrow. Never mind, we won't kick you off the pledge for not making the project you intended! :-)

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    1. I definitely think the style of the pattern I chose is a bit more exposed than I originally thought! Thanks for not kicking me off the pledge by the way! x

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  4. i'm with kerry - i love halternecks on other people but not on me!

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    1. Yes, I'd love to think they were my style but sadly I don't think they are! x

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  5. I must add that I, too, like the look of a halter in some cases, but they do not look good on me. And, to be perfectly frank, they don't look well on everybody. Better to put your energies into something that you know suits you, that you will wear, and that you will enjoy sewing. Your sundresses are fabulous; I think you could find some vintage patterns of more of them.

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    1. Yes, I have to agree with you on halter necks being difficult to pull off. Maybe I'll make a sundress instead, thanks! x

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  6. Oh, they are so swoon-worthy, aren't they?!! I feel the same way about halters. Adore, adore, ADORE. But practically? Not so much. I have a couple of ideas for things I'd like to sew, and I think they'll involve just making the halter straps go across my back. Much easier to wear (and cardigan-friendly)!

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    1. I never tire of looking at halter neck styles, they're lovely aren't they?! But yes, not so practical in real life. Halter straps across the back is a good idea though, thanks! x

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  7. You don't need a brown back to wear a halter top. My daughter who is over 40 wears them. Sometimes brown sometimes not much. I was going to suggest a faux halter top. In the 50s some were the bandeau type. Just fake it. Maybe button or snap on top with a bow sewn on. You could use the back straps to, like you see on dresses now & in the 50s. My aunts wore them with what are now known as "bootie" shorts. At least five of them wore them. I'm sure my grandmother made them too as that was her job to supplement the family income. I like cardigan friends too. Of course, those lacey jackets here in the US would dress it up or down. Now my mind is racing. No sewing machine available but will settle for sketches.

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    1. I think a faux halter might be the answer, I do like back straps like Tasha suggested too! Back to the drawing board I think! x

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  8. Why do those drawings have to tease so?! I don't actually think it matters about the tan. Tbh, vintage looks better in pale but the mistake I made with mine was getting a tan in a dress with a different backline and ending up with half and half when I wore the halter. That is definitely not a good look! ;-) xxx

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    1. Yes, you're right about the tan, it's not essential and pale and interesting can be just as alluring! Your half and half tan story made me laugh love! x

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  9. You look like you have a nice figure to me and I don't understand why you need to be brown - it doesn't bother gals like Dita, but each to their own!

    This cherry dress looks nice.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, Dita Von Teese is a fabulous role model for us pale of skin types! x

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  10. I made the pattern you pledged to make. I have blue English skin which doesn't bother me but not much bust so it isn't the most flattering look for me. I wore it a couple of times when it was silly hot when I lived in France but I don't think it will see the light of day now I'm back home. I agree, take the time to make things you are really going to wear. Having stuff in your wardrobe that you don't wear is just annoying. I know, I have far too many! ;-)

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    1. That's good to know Claire thanks. And I couldn't agree more about making stuff that's never worn - a waste of good sewing time! x

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  11. I have the same problem with halter necks making my neck ache. I've thought of adding a vertical band from the back neck to the top of the bodice back, a bit like SIMPLICITY 1614, as seen here: http://thequirkypeach.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-fine-feathered-tank.html. Not very vintage, maybe. As to bras, I'm sure I've seen somewhere a racerback style to make (though I can't find it now of course!), which would be good under said style as the back is lacy, so ok to show. I'd like to have a go myself. As to your back, I'm sure its perfectly lovely ;) With me its my bingo wings I don't like on display, but on those oh so rare hot days I can't help feeling that comfort is paramount! The cherry dress looks fab on you. Jen

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