Sew Much Fun

This past week I decided to start a new sewing project. The outfit consists of a shirt, skirt, and shorts set, but I decided to make them into three separate pieces. This (Simplicity) pattern didn't have a date on it, but judging from the look of it, it seems to be a little newer than the 40s dress I did; I'm guessing it was from the 50s. The shorts were actually the easiest thing to make so far and are so comfortable I've worn them almost every day since I've made them :P The opening is held together by snaps except for the top which is a hook and I added this awesome button that my granny gave me to decoration. (I still have a little fixing up to do with that corner, but I wanted to show the button so excuse the messiness of my sewing.)

These pictures are taken in my Granny's back yard. She had a little storage shed made and decorated it to look like a small house; it's so cute. The sign that says Florence Nicholas on it is her actual beauty parlor sign from when she lived up in Pennsylvania! It was made back in the day when they used to hand paint signs and it is an amazing work of craftsmanship.

This is the skirt that I made. I love the big pockets and all the gathering. I'm still practicing my button hole stitching, so currently it's being held up by safety pins, but I wanted to show it nonetheless.

I really wanted to show the shirt also, but unfortunately I started to get eaten alive by mosquitos again by this point, so it will have to wait. I still have the buttons to go on that one too. Anyway, that's all I have for today!

Carnival Dress

After setting aside my dress project for awhile, my Granny and I finally picked it up again a few nights ago. We had a lot of adjusting to do, and a lot of learning on my part—such as the zipper and how to take in the skirt without skimping on the fullness of the bottom. Granted, it's nowhere near perfect, but I think it turned out extremely well. But I couldn't have done it without my Granny's help. 

I took these pictures today in Auburn when I went to visit John. I was wearing it when I went into a gas station and got a lot of funny looks. In Alabama, most of the girls walk around in short shorts and T-shirts, so my outfit was—needless to say—quite unusual. But I'll put up with the weird looks since I am excited to finally have it finished I couldn't wait to wear it. And with all the work I put into this dress, I am definitely wearing it. :) Even if it is 101 degrees outside.

The hardest part, I would say, was attaching the top and bottom pieces. the dress was a little big and it called for a lot of gathering, so it took us awhile to figure out how to trim it down. The ruffles weren't actually that hard to do, and the sleeves were easy once Granny explained to me how that seam works. The only thing I have left to do is sew down the button holes!

And this is a ring my granny gave me a long time ago. I thought it looked nice with the dress. She was really into turquoise so she will give me one from her collection every now and then. It's such a pretty color. This is one of my favorite rings. 

So there's my 1944 dress! I encourage anyone who likes vintage to take up sewing because not only will you get to customize it, but you get the satisfaction of knowing that you made it. Next project, here I come...   

:)

Granny's Helping Hands

Here is the pattern I am working on with my Granny. It's a 1940s pattern, and much too complicated to do on my own--I couldn't have even gotten this far without her!

What's Old in Newnan

So I'm finally back in the good ol' south...which means I have left a place that currently feels quite comfortable for weather so hot that makeup literally melts off your face... But it is all worth it, especially because I surprised John, my fiance, really well by making the drive a few days earlier than he expected.

Today we went to Newnan, Georgia which is an old southern town with lots of history. We stopped by a few antique stores and one of the things I found was the BHG Cookbook for Kids! It has the same adorable limited color illustrations as the original, but with simpler (and mostly sweeter) recipes that are more child-friendly. 

I also found this amazing purse. I love the colors, pattern, and texture. And there are metal hinges that keep it open or closed. It makes me think of Art Deco. The tag said that it was from Italy, but I don't know anything else about it. 

Also, John's sister is letting me use some of her vintage patterns as I am finally going to take up sewing! She had so many nice ones to choose from and I am extremely excited to start making them, with my Granny's help of course! 

I love this one because There is a detachable skirt with shorts underneath. I am definitely going to need some shorts. And the outfit overall is adorable. Also, I love pockets. 

And finally, this was my outfit today!