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. 

Orange Plaid Blouse

Last week I shared with you a Purple Plaid Blouse that I made for myself. Well, this Orange Plaid Blouse is basically identical. I used the same pattern and the same purple fabric for the sleeves and collar. The body of the fabric is an orangey/yellowish plaid. It was just something I had in my stash that needed using up!

I added some binding along the collar and sleeves (made out of the orange plaid) to give it a little extra detail. The box pleats under the bust and on the back are still my favorite detail part of this top though. Another great project to add to my closet! :)

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 Plaid Blouse

I completed a basic blouse for my own closet recently. The pattern I used is just so versatile and I've made several tops from it. The box pleats on the front and back give it a vintage flair. This shirt is one of those comfortable wear at-home-or-out shirts. I used a soft plaid flannel for the body and because I ran out of material I used a purple cotton for the sleeves and collar. The shirt worked up quickly 

You can find the blouse pattern here.

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! :)

Pink Flamingo Halter Top

The real reason I bought this pink flamingo fabric was to make a halter top. After I cut it out it just needed a little bag to go with it. The collar detail is probably my favorite part of this top!

I've been working hard at planning and prepping my warm weather wardrobe with rockabilly and vintage style clothing. I just need something to pop and make me smile in my everyday life. :)
This is the first of the tops I completed. I hope to make several more pieces of clothing before it gets warm.

The pattern for this halter top is a vintage reproduction. I purchased it from La Prairie Lady on Etsy. If you purchase this pattern I recommend making a muslin mock up to make sure it fits perfectly and to do a run through of following the instructions before you cut up your good fabric. I had to shorten the torso on my pattern (I'm kinda short!) and readjust the darts a little. There is also an invisible side zipper. I got lots of help on how to do the alterations and zipper from craftsy.com.

Pink Flamingo Purse

I'm in love with this bag pattern! I purchased it from Pattern Play. Her patterns are top quality! The Emma Bag was exactly what I needed to showcase this fabric. The fabric came from Hobby Lobby and I purchased enough to make this bag and a halter top. The bag took me a weekend to complete for the first time, which wasn't really too long. I'm looking forward to making another as soon as I can!

If you're interested in purchasing the pattern head on over to Pattern Play for your own copy. If you'd like to purchase a sewn Emma Bag, made by me, for $35 just drop me a line! h.greenhomegoods [at] gmail.com

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