OOP McCall's 3501 dress for Matilda

I made something so pretty!

A vintage dress for Matilda.

McCall's 3501

A beautiful 'fit and flare' with an amazing sleeve ruffle.

Sewn in a very beautiful linen/cotton 

I made the size 8 for Matilda (who is nearly 11) which corresponds to her chest measurements.

It fits perfectly!
I made the pattern exactly as directed, my only change was to use some flat piping at the neck edge left over from Trixie's shorts

The sash is finished with a narrow, double hem and is set into the front side panels.

I used a standard zipper as I have love/hate with invisible zippers.
I love how easy they are to instal, I hate that they break so easily.

Matilda requested the dress be very fitted but I didn't need to, the pattern fit like it was drafted for her.

I think the arm sleeve may be a bit snug or the fabric is a wee bit scratchy as I did see her tug at that a few times, we shall see.

I adore this fabric and I was so pleased Tilly was happy for me to sew it up for her.
~My Verdict~
So many vintage patterns, so little time!
This pattern is every bit as wearable now. I have spotted many versions on Pinterest.
I have the next size up in the same pattern and I would love to make a soft denim version with frayed ruffles.
Although I didn't need to fit it, all the panels would make fitting a dream.

~Tilly's Verdict~
I love the watercolour flower fabric.
It's very comfortable and I love the bow at the back. 
I am a bit sad because my rose gold Saltwater sandals are too small for me now, as they worked perfectly with my dress.
I think that this dress will be my new favourite, I am going to wear it all the time.
I originally wanted it to be fitted and then I thought back to my blouse with the birds on it that I ripped and decided not have it fitted. But then the dress turned out to be fitted anyway (Not too fitted though so I couldn't rip it).
It was a little bit tight under my arms but mum said that that should come out in a few washes.

Thank you for reading.... xx N

OOP Simplicity 7459 tunic and O+S Puppet Show shorts for Beatrix

I started the year with some very pretty sewing.

A very pretty set for Beatrix.

With some Watermark Printed Cotton Linen that I patiently waited for to go sale.

Then I #ninjacut a dress for Matilda (to be blogged) and Trixie's tunic from the 2 metres.

I love this pattern and I hope I get to make the dress before Trixie grows out of it.
I was recently given a piece of cream coloured pinwale cord which would be just the job!
(And if there is enough, maybe those groovy flared trousers)

The pattern is beautifully drafted.
The yoke is self faced ( I also interfaced the outer yoke with sheer weft for extra firmness) the the ruffles are attached and covered with the arm facing (which I also interfaced)

I topstitched the facing in place, under the yoke but just caught it in place with 'stitch-in-the-ditch' at the shoulders.

The gorgeous love heart cotton lace was a treasure I found in a box of goodies that was left on my verandah.
I never found out who left that bundle of sewing treats but I was very grateful.

Trixie is now wearing Matilda's Cloud dress with the bugle beads stitched onto the cloud and LOVES it so much I had to oblige her with some more sparkle.

Again, the beads were another 'treasure' that I acquired when someone was clearing out their sewing room.

The front pleat is pressed in place but I also edge stitched it to keep the knife edge folds.

The top gets fastened with a zipper.
Which makes for speedy dressing!

The shorts are, of course, everyone's favourite Puppet Show shorts
And, hello, pockets!

I used the scraps from Trixie's vintage trousers

It was a remnant from Spotlight, a cotton broadcloth probably meant for quilting but it sewed up so nicely.

I love this on her.

And it goes perfectly with the gorgeous shoes her Aunty Sarvi sent her.

The little sleeve ruffles act as a cap sleeve which give some sun protection.

And it has enough ease that she could wear it over a long sleeve tee (and maybe those cream cord trousers) for Winter.

~Trixie's Verdict~
I like the flowers, they are roses.
I like the shoes. I like how mumma sewed the love hearts. I love the socks. (That's a first, maybe I need to learn how to knit)
My FAVOURITE bit is the pockets!
I like the bows on the pockets.
Its very comfortable.

~My Verdict~
Everything was successful with this sew.
It turned out just how I imagined, I used the whole cut of fabric.
It is super wearable and looks cute and it was a really nice sew.
The linen/cotton floral is so pretty, I adore the colours. The fabric is a little rough but hopefully with a few washes in Softly, it will settle down.

Thank you for reading.... xx N

PS. The socks.
Trixie is the very lucky recipient on many knitted items from her Aunty Sarvi. These little socks being one of those treasures.
Trixie LOVES them (and she dislikes socks) as they are so soft and not firm (which seems to be her issue with other types)
Just sharing the sock love!

OOP Simplicity 4719 Dress for Beatrix

Last September I made Trixie the cutest dress.

It was a special request

Trixie wanted a long frock that was floaty!
Floaty and swishy.

I had picked up OOP Simplicity in an Op-Shop in Bendigo.

I think it is actually a nightie but I really liked the raglan sleeve and sweet collar.

The fabric is the sweetest rayon with a pretty magenta floral print.
Magenta, that is a woody word.
I purchased it from Eliza Fabrics , $3/m. It did have quite a few flaws but with some serious #ninjacutting I was able to sew this...

and a top for Zara (to be blogged) from 2 metres.

It is so floaty and pretty and must feel delicious to wear.
The little puff sleeves are created using pre-made bias with elastic threaded through. It is a straight forward method that looks particularly nice in rayon.

Once again, Trixie loves this style as she has room to move.
To be completely honest, Trixie is happiest in just knickers.

With this filthy weather we have been having, she is cooler in a light frock than a more 'practical' outfit of tee and shorts.

I used an invisible zipper, which I find best with floaty fabric.
I must admit, I am not fond of invisible zips. They are easy to install but I have had too many break for me to use them on anything that takes any strain.

I am re-discovering my love of vintage sewing patterns.
They are so pretty and usually a less time consuming sew.

I dare say sewing in the 60's and 70's was about clothing children rather than a hobby, so things needed to be economical to sew, both with fabric and effort.

Trixie wearing vintage OOPSimplicity 8129

A sweet zip up blouse with pull on trousers is easy to sew AND  easy to wear.

Me, circa 1978

The little outfit I am wearing above, would be just as wearable and fashionable, today!

~Trixie's Verdict~
I like the flowers.
It looks very pretty coz Mumma makes pretty stuff. I love her so much.
I like the whole dress...I don't like wearing socks (good to know)

~My Verdict~
I am kicking myself for not buying more of this fabric. I used to overbuy meterage and I try not to now (Jane and Fiona from The Drapery coined the phrase 'There is always more fabric') but I kind of wish I had purchased more than my standard 2m.

It is so pretty and is washing like an old rag (that's a good thing)
Sadly, I think she is nearly grown out of it already 

Thank you for reading... xx N