Vintage Patterns, Decisions! Decisions!

Pattern Review is having a Vintage Pattern Contest

and I can't decide which pattern I want to use for my entry!

I've narrowed it down to these 3 patterns and 3 fabric choices:

McCalls 9611

I got this on Etsy with the idea of using it in the contest.

Gotta love the back neckline and sleeve bands on this one, so elegant!

Sew-Rite 8021

Another Etsy pattern picked up with the contest in mind.

I love this dress, the round yoke with the big button detail is one of my favorites!

The drawback here is this pattern is a "perforated pattern" - no printing, just lot's o' dots to identify pieces, etc. Also the instructions are very scant. I've gone over them and it all seems pretty straight forward just means I'll have to pay extra attention during construction.

Honestly, I've got a lot on my plate right now so I don't know if I can spare the brain power and energy!

Simplicity 3203

I picked up this pattern at the DI a while back for 50 cents!

I love the sash and the collar - and yes, I admit I have a thing for neckline details.

Of course I have to go with view 3, I could never pull off those sleeves with my girls!

The good news is, I've already tissue fit this pattern.

The bad news is, it might be too tight now.

Part of the Challenge is too make the garment wearable for today, and not costume-y.

I love the fabric line Silent Cinema by Jenean Morrison

These fabrics have a bit of a vintage vibe, while still feeling modern, so I think they'll be perfect for my dress (which ever one it will be...)

Gray/Blue Palette

Okay, I know what your thinking "that's pretty bold!" Right?

But I'm thinking of using it only as an accent, like piping.

See? Not so scary now, right?

Gray/Pink Palette

Aren't they all wonderful? I'd love several yards of every fabric in the line!

Right now I'm leaning towards the Sew-Rite pattern, and the Gray/Blue color scheme.

or maybe the Simplicity in pink...

What do you think?!

Decisions! Decisions!

Cozy & Quilted Hooded Toddler Jacket

Isn't this just the sweetest thing ever?

Soft and beautiful, this charming little jacket turned out even better than I expected!

I made this cozy piece from some of my favorite fabrics,

Butterfly Kisses by Robin Pandolph for Moda.

I love romantic florals, and nobody does 'em like Moda!

I used 3 prints on this sweetie -

the large scale floral, the ticking stripe and the tonal floral.

And I love the way the soft pink rick rack adds just the right touch.

I am a huge sucker for rick rack, I think everything a little girl wears should have some. :o) 

I lined it with a thick flannel, so it's nice and warm but not too heavy, and then quilted the lining.

I've made this jacket before, but I had trouble hemming the sleeves according to directions, so I had to come up with my own version.

Seriously, the directions say:

"pull whole sleeve through the opening in the lining and stitch sleeve hems with right sides together"
huh?

I'm experienced enough, I usually know what I'm doing, but that left me stumped!

But this time I've actually used the "proper" construction technique on the sleeves.

It was super easy, but I could never "get" it until I actually saw it in action.
Total Light bulb moment!
Many Thanks to Tamara for showing me how it's done!


I think the next time I make this jacket I'll also make/post a tutorial for the sleeve hems.

I did a very scientific poll of my sewing peers, and I have learned I am not the village idiot, many of them couldn't figure it out either. 

So now I've got it bagged up and ready for giving.

I made this one for my friends darling little girl.

(She doesn't know yet, so I'm going to surprise her with it tomorrow!)
I've got just enough fabric to make one more,
so I should be listing this in my Esty shop as a custom soon!