Black and White Strapless Dress

I worked on this dress in the early fall before it really started cooling down. I had hoped to be able to wear it once or twice before it got cold. Unfortunately, I made it too large and never had time to adjust it. My full-time college classes took up whatever extra time I had in the day and fixing the dress was put out of my mind. Finally my classes ended in December and I was able to get back to work on it. It's done now and stored away for Spring. I can't wait to wear it with a cute cardigan and some matching heels. Pattern: McCall's M6956

Cherry Halter Top

Some times you just gotta squeeze in a project for yourself, you know? I made this halter top last week. I've had it cut out since last fall, along with 3 other tops for myself. I figured it was time to get to work on them! With my back all tattooed up now, I really wanted some clothing to show off in. Plus, I love the vintage vibe! I added rick-rack along the bottom for them hem and hand stitched in the side lapped zipper. I'll share the other tops as soon as I can get them done too. :)

Yellow Polka Dots

In my 'spare time' I've been working on a few things for myself. Really, spare time just means I've been staying up late. :) I found the yellow polka dot fabric in the late winter sometime and just had to buy several yards of it, not really knowing what I'd make. I came across a couple cute patterns later and knew what I wanted.

The first item I made is a vintage 1950's halter top summer dress. The pattern is a reproduction of a vintage pattern that I purchased from La Prairie Lady. Before I made the dress I made a mock up to adjust the fit to get it just right. The back cut out is really a fun element of the dress. I added the black binding along the bodice and hem of the skirt to make it stand out a bit.

The second item I made is a working muslin of the Afternoon Top. It has a nice loose feel to it, great to tuck into a pair of pants or to just leave out. It was a quick shirt to make and I'll probably make more.

The last item I made is a 31 purse sleeve to match. I love the idea of the changeable outer part of the purse and created my own pattern so I could match my outfits exactly. It was a fun, quick little project. :)

I hope to get some more 'spare time' soon!

 

High-Waisted Up-Cylced Jean Skirt

This skirt was a fun little thing to design and sew up! I cut up some old jeans and used a pattern that I altered to fit the design. I used a brass zipper for the back and lined it for a smooth finish. I'm wearing the pink houndstooth halter top with it but it can go with pretty much everything. 

Pink Houndstooth Halter Top

I really love this pattern! I've made several halter tops from it already and I might just have to make another. :) For this top I chose a pink and white small houndstooth print. I don't remember where I got the fabric but I probably got it from fabric.com. I don't really have a lot of pink in my closet and this was the perfect addition. The side zipper is done in an invisible style so it doesn't show. The collar is a basic white cotton fabric that I've spiced up with 2 big flower buttons that I bought at JoAnn's.

I have several more vintage inspired clothing items that I've made for myself to show off. Keep an eye out for them in the near future! :)

Purple Floral Pinup

This post needs very little explanation. The photos say enough. :) This outfit features a black floral print and a purple fabric. The halter top has hearts appliqued on the collar, as does the waistband of the wiggle/pencil skirt. The matching purse is a perfect accessory. I made this for myself just for fun. It'll be a great summer outfit! :)

Sewing for Myself!

I've been trying to take some time to sew for myself lately. I took a couple Craftsy classes on pattern alteration and fitting and put them to good use.

The first shirt I made is a little red and black number. This is a vintage reproduction halter top shirt (pattern here) . The red binding on the collar is a bit sailor reminiscent so I call it my Sailor Top. And to top it all off, I made a new skirt for my 31 Fitted Purse Skirt with the same red binding. Let's face it, that purse is cute but I wanted something to match my outfits! (No, I'm not selling these, they are for my personal use.) I ended up sacrificing a purse skirt that I didn't really care for to create the pattern from. Now I have endless possibilities!

 My next project was also a vintage reproduction fitted top (pattern here). This is a shirt from the 1940's Swing Era. I call it my 'Travelin' Top', well because I made it out of fabric with all the US states printed on it (and I plan to wear it while traveling this winter while on a cruise!). I also made another one of those really cool purses by Pattern Play on Etsy and a basic purse skirt for my 31 Purse.

 

I love sewing for myself. Endless possibilities and never one of a kind. <3

Thanks for stopping by!

~Heather

Cafemommers Gift Exchange!

I participated in a gift exchange with my fellow Cafemommer friends and received the best gifts ever! I got the Pin-Up book and the cutest owl candle holder. Thank you, Shannon! :)