The Fabric Stash

I'm in the middle of moving so what better time to go through my fabric and get a visual representation of what I have? I'm going to be my own fabric store pretty soon.

New Sewing Things

My stuff should be here in about 2 weeks or so and I really can not wait to sew something. After a really terrible year which included the loss of interest of things I once loved, I am ready to start over again. I'm already running and reading -- sewing is next! Here are a few new patterns I bought:

Butterick 6217

Butterick 6266

Vintage Vogue 9127

I also hit up a thrift store and picked up a few cheapies before I left Philly:

1987. Who doesn't need a Miami Vice jacket in their wardrobe?

1990. Couch cushion collection.

2008. Always love a skirt pattern!

I've also helped myself to a few sewing books. Three books with patterns and instructions on how to make various iconic movie dresses. I haven't been able to use them yet, so I can't speak about that. But the dress selections are nice.

These two "Famous Frocks" books are of modernized versions of famous dresses spanning 1930s to 1990s. Most of them have been way shortened and they are mostly "based on" instead of close replicas. Some dresses in these books are closer replicas than others. For example, the Bette Davis gown representing the 1930s has been heavily modified:

Audrey's gown representing the 1950s is closer to the real thing:

The Little Black Dress version seems to be closer to the originals. I don't mind the modified, modernized versions in the original Famous Frocks book, though. I think the Bette Davis example is very cute. I might end up making some of the dresses longer, though. They're all above the knee.

Today I got Sew Iconic in the mail, which has patterns and instructions for 10 iconic movie costumes. This one seems to be a bit closer to the originals and they actually look like COSTUMES, not a "wearable" version (again, I love both!):

The 10 dresses. Can you name the films?

Once my sewing machines get here I'm going to keep myself busy while I'm still not working yet! This blog will get more exciting very soon!

Morrissey Handbag

Ok, I am a Morrissey lover and have been since 1987. So I made a purse IN HIS IMAGE because he is the only man I love other than my husband:

I made it from Simplicity 4751 -- a 1954 purse pattern. The fabric I bought at Spoonflower. I really didn't think they would actually have "Morrissey fabric", but lo and behold....

Already been asked if it was an "Elvis" bag. Ugh. Lol.

New Fall Patterns For 2014

I have been seriously lacking in the sewing department lately. Like, I went to Jo-Ann's last week and couldn't even be bothered to search through the fabric! I've got plenty to make, just no motivation lately. I'm sure it will come back soon, though. In the meantime, here are some new vintage and vintage-y Fall 2014 patterns from the big 4:

Butterick 6108 (1912)

Butterick 6093 (1912)

I am quite happy about these two!! I will certainly be buying them and I will more than likely make the skirt for 6108! I'm not too crazy about the featured version for number 6093 -- all those lacey ruffles just remind me of a nightgown and they may be totally out of my sewing league! Luckily, there is a very cute short-sleeved, collared version that can be made and I adore it! I've been needing a 1910s dress in my wardrobe and this one may just be perfect:

Butterick 6093

Butterick 6094 (Gertie)

Butterick 6105 (Gertie)

Gertie has a couple new Fall patterns. I might pick up 6094. It reminds me of the dresses I used to buy at Bettie Page Clothing (now Tatyana Boutique). Being me, I'd rather make my own and save about $50 instead of overpaying for stretch polyester...(shade!). The jacket (6105) can be made in two lengths, short and mid-thigh. I'm not much interested in jackets so I won't be buying or making it.

That's it for Butterick's vintage-y goodness! Overall, very happy. The 1912 patterns and the Gertie circle dress are impressive and I just can't wait to sew myself 6093! Let's see what Simplicity has to offer:

Simplicity 1319 (1950s)

This is it! Once again, Simplicity disappoints! I have a TON of REALLY AWESOME vintage Simplicity patterns so I KNOW they can do better than this -- even going by old look books! It's like they don't even try anymore. Like, how many toddler "retro" patterns do we need? NONE, that's how many we need. Simplicity, dig out those 1940s look books and get researching because your retro line has been AWFUL lately.

And the latest offering from Vintage Vogue:

Vintage Vogue 8999 (1954)

Meh. Another overdone circle skirt. Seems to be mostly what VV does. I might pick this up in a sale -- not sure if I would make it. I really truly am sick of 1950s/circle skirts taking over the vintage repro pattern market. I guess they sell the best, but I find them to be all the same sans slight bodice differences. *sigh* I would love more 10s, 20s, and 60s!! Get on it pattern companies!!!

And as for the last big company, McCall, you can see my previous post about their much-anticipated "Archive Collection" for Fall 2014. Enjoy.