Pattern Frenzy

It's been the week of (really) hard knocks, but what better time to lapse into fabric fantasies? Maybe I can sew my way out of the mess I've found myself in.

Exit DRAMA QUEEN. Enter OVERAMBITIOUS SEWIST.

So, I've been trying to keep my pattern lusting under control because my sewing skills aren't quite up to snuff and whenever I do some major indulgence purchases, I end up neglecting half of them because my taste and interests have shifted before I get to enjoy them all. That Asian-inspired wrap-dress pattern I absolutely had to have in 2004? Totally still in its envelope.

But then I saw Jessica over at Green Apples had sewn up one of the very patterns I'd been coveting: A Vogue Paris Original pattern designed by Christian Dior in the early 1970s. In a word: Envy. Since then, she's also made some beautiful wide-leg pants (another weakness of mine) here. This woman kills me.

Self-discipline crumbled.

So I bought a number of patterns from two etsy shops, All Fairy's Vintage and Historically Patterns, and bought a number at thrift stores nearby. I've never thought of myself as era-oriented, but I've realized after looking over many, many vintage patterns that I'm really drawn to the late 1960s and the early 1970s.

The matronly (albeit sexy) looks of the 1950s had given way to a more youthful and easygoing style in the late 60s and early 70s, but the flowy-romantic nature of the 70s had yet to set in. Part of this is body type—I'm petite and have zero boobage. The youthful styles look better on me. In fact, whenever I flip through style books I'm immediately drawn to the gamine look, a la Audrey Hepburn. But who doesn't love Audrey? I want pedal pushers and boatneck tees and flats. I want mini-dresses.

So here's some of the catches. A junior pattern from 1968. I'd like to make all versions: the tank, the mini-dress and the dress, and those straight leg pants (with an elastic waist!)



I also got a 5-pattern pack in my size from the 60s, which included these adorable skirts.



And these blouses! Bordering on a little too formal/romantic for me, but they'd be wonderful practice, and I love that scalloped neckline.



And, of course, in my envy, I picked up a Vogue Paris Original Pattern. This one's by Molyneux, and I've got another Nina Ricci one coming in the mail. This doesn't have the same simple elegance as the Dior pattern, but I like the shape, what it does with contrast at the neckline, and the use of tabs (right term?). I'd like to do this in white with black contrast and navy with white (ahoy sailor!).



I also got this men's shirt. The theory is that the men's styles were slimmer in the 1960s versus today. We'll see. This is meant to be a gift.



And, in actual sewing news, the Marie skirt is coming along!



Happy sewing!