Hello again! It’s been a while! My last post seemed pretty optimistic about 2022, but it turned out to be another year that did not go as expected. Despite everything going on in the world this year, I did make some sewing progress! I was able to get started on a costume, finished a garment that fits after making two mock ups, and dove into vintage patterns towards the end of the year to make the 60s and 70s wardrobe of my dreams.
I’ll get into those projects and more below. So, without further adieu, here’s a sewing review of 2022.
Rose Fairy Blouse & Vest
After spending the past few years fantasizing and drawing costume designs with elaborate details, I finally decided to stop worrying and just give beading and fancy trims a try with my rose fairy costume. This costume is inspired by a mauve pink wig I bought from a friend and my desire to be a pretty fairy at a ren faire one day. The blouse is a peasant blouse from Simplicity’s Renaissance pattern 5582, and the metallic light pink fabric and rose trim I purchased at Jo-Ann’s. The original pattern had elastic around the elbow and wrist of the sleeve, but after I realized I added single fold bias tape instead of double fold bias tape at the end of the sleeve I decided it was going to be a slight bell sleeve instead.
After I added the bias tape and before I inserted the elastic, I cut a section of the chiffon rose trim to the width of the sleeve and hand stitched both sides of the trim to the sleeve. I lined the roses up to sit on top of the bias tape and made sure none of the stitches were in the bias tape on the inside of the sleeve, so it wouldn’t get caught on the elastic later. My hope was to make it look like the roses chinched the sleeve at the elbow, and I was pretty proud to achieve the look. The pattern also called for bows to be added to the end of the sleeve, so I added a chiffon rose with some fabric leaves where the bows would be instead.
Now, the vest would be a different story. The fabric I used is a curtain I found at Goodwill because of its dark green color and mossy texture. However, I didn’t realize how easily it would start to unravel once I cut it. It definitely pushed me to finish it as fast as possible. To be honest, I’m surprised I was able to sew it all up without it coming undone on me. I used New Look 6914, and added a hefty hook and eye instead of a buttonhole. At my aunt’s suggestion, I covered the stitching over with a chiffon rose. I think it really ties the vest and blouse together!
I used the leftover pearl beads from my wedding sash belt in my attempt to create a gradient beading pattern with the different bead sizes and shapes. At first I played with alternating light pink and white beads of the same size, but decided to use round and elliptical white beads of various sizes. I started with spacing out the medium-sized beads by the clasp of the vest and added the smaller elliptical beads closer together towards the bottom of the vest. While both sides of the vet aren’t exactly the same, it was quite relaxing to hand sew beads. It also forced me to take my time towards the end of a project instead of rushing through to finish.
I finished both pieces by the end of the summer. Fall and winter I moved on to other projects, but I’m excited to hopefully pick this project back up to make the skirt and the wings!
McCalls M8255: Star Wars Sleeveless Blouse
When I found this pattern online, I was ecstatic that one of the fabric suggestions was novelty cotton. I finally found a pattern that I could use a cute nerdy print fabric and it wouldn’t look wonky!
Of course, I went to Jo-Ann’s to find a Star Wars fabric as soon as I bought the pattern. I had this pattern and fabric in mind for a trip to Galaxy’s Edge this past September. While this blouse wasn’t finished in time for the trip, I am so stinkin’ proud because this. Fits. Perfectly.
I was determined to not rush this project because I wanted to actually be able to wear this. And rather than dive in and hope that it fits for the upteenth time, I actually sat down and did research on how to alter the fit of patterns for this blouse to fit around my waist and hips. I actually did two mock ups of this blouse to make sure that it fit, and consulted Reddit (r/sewing is a wonderful resource, btw) when I wasn’t sure what needed fixing.
The only glaring mistake is the separating zipper in the back. That’s because I didn’t have one to try when I was sewing my mock ups. But, I’m fine with that. I’m planning to make another version of this blouse, so I have a better idea of how the zipper is supposed to be sewn in.
But talk about ending the year on a high note! This success has inspired me to plan out my projects in the next year, which includes a mini dress from a reprinted 1960s Simplicity Pattern and three original patterns from the 1970s. I actually have enough planned patterns with fabric to participate in #makenine2023. So, look out for my next post for more details about my plans for next year!
