Catalog Sunday: Montgomery Ward Spring, 1933

 

Man Month Project: 30s Man's Shirt final

As I look back on my work on this shirt, I realized I may have been a tad arrogant in thinking my skill level was up to par. I had a lot of trouble with this, I don't think it's mostly my skill, but with all the obstacles I came up against, I wish I could have handled them better.

I mean it's totally wearable, I'm not *that* bad, but as  far as my own satisfaction with construction, I'd give my work on it a C-.

Man Month Project: 30s Man's Shirt Pt 3

Today seemed much easier in the shirt making world. I got up early enough to really make some progress, and the thread for the most part acted right.

I put together the double facing yoke. It went on pretty easily. Was even keen enough to match the stripes so there is no ghosting between the pieces. Oh yeah, that's how I roll. 

Man Month Project: 30s Man's Shirt Pt 1

I've started on my men's shirt. 

This past weekend I went to the thrift store with some friends. I dropped off 5 huge boxes of 60s-80s+ patterns. Ugh. They were taking up major space in my already project filled apartment. It was freeing to release them to whomever is willing to sift through them. More power to them.

Catalog Sunday

This for the last Sunday in Man Month I have men's separates from the 1940s.

Free 1930s pattern: The first NVL giveaway!!

Hi everyone.

It's time for a giveaway. My first real one in fact. As I mentioned in my sewing karma post a while back, I wanted to continue the generosity in which these patterns came into my life.

Up for grabs is this lovely turn of the decade Advance button front dress. Most likely dates from the late 1930s. I thought 1940 at the latest but I've been informed its most likely 1938 at the latest. I think thats cooler!

Its condition is apparent, but its complete and itching to be made into a lovely frock. Its measurements are 40b 32w 43h.

Now, what do you as a reader need to do for a chance to obtain this lovely? I'm making it pretty simple. I know a lot of people require that you follow their blog to be able to win. I'm not that demanding, although it would be nice.

I want to see a picture of your most accomplished sewing project!

Whether it was for you or someone else does not matter. Clothing or something else is perfectly alright. Vintage or not, does not matter, just your most acomplished. A brief description of the creation would be lovely. You can either post a link in this post, or use the flicker user group I have set up. I'll be checking it a few times daily. I created a special thread for this giveaway.

I'll look through the contestants and choose my favorite and announce it on September 27th. then send out your pattern to you! Easy enough, right?

Well, lets see those creations!

Stout Woman Revolution: The Shirtwaist dress.

I'm particular about what I think looks best on the stout woman. Princess seamed dresses get a no in my book. Its not that the dresses are ugly, far from it, its that particular style overwhelmingly isn't the most flattering for a larger shape. That style is meant to fit close to the body, gliding along the curves of a woman.

Most larger versions of that type of dress all have to be 'watered down' in a way in order to smooth over our lumps. Then what's the point? The style of the dress looses its purpose, and you are just stuck in a sack.

Hey, Im always the first to say even if its made in your size does not mean you should wear it. I don't find equality in silly things like that. I champion wear what looks best on you so you then will feel your best. Hate me if you want.

*There is something particulary charming about the 4721, I cant figure out just what yet.

I covered a lot of this when I did the do's and don'ts of how to flatter your stout figure. I championed the shirt waist, why, because its the most versatile, not just for a larger figure, but in general, one shirtwaist can go miles.

*The 30's 1683 is one of my favorites in my collection.

*That 1550 I've made more times than I can count.

No, they are not boring. You have more button, accent, and fabric choices with a shirt waist. Its an iconic staple of not just the stout, but the whole vintage look.

There are soooooo many different types as well! Ruffles, shawl collars, square necklines, multi panel bodices, buttons, sash fronts, notched or band collars, etc. So many choices!

When I see a lonely little shirtwaist next to an elaborate bodice dress, I snap it up. I know Ill get more mileage out of that one pattern, than that 'fancy' dress. Unless that fancy dress pattern is super cute, then why brake up the set. *wink wink*

Don't underestimate the power of the shirtwaist!