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| My sewing corner |
At this morning's car boot sale I snapped up a gingham basket stuffed with vintage sewing bits and pieces as well as this huge piece of lime green crimplene.
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| This morning's spoils |
The elderly lady selling them was delighted, she told me she'd been in two minds as to whether to bring it as "nobody would be daft enough to want that old rubbish". Obviously she'd never met me.
I've yet to buy a reel of cotton, length of fabric, zip, button, press stud, hook and eye or card of bias binding from a shop. I'm only a novice but when the basics cost pennies it's not a complete disaster if my attempts to create a fabulous frock go to pot.
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| The landing curtains |
With the exception of my patchwork curtains, my sewing mojo's been somewhat lacking of late, but with this fabulous fabric I think I may be experiencing a return to form.
Here's a few of my previous creations:
Back zip fastening blouse with a bow trim made from some salvaged Sixties psychedelic nylon.
A 1950's curtain shift dress made by cutting round a favourite mini.
A Simplicity kimono dress made from a 1950's bark cloth curtain
1973 Style maxi pattern made using a Terence Conran screen printed curtain from a jumble sale.
McCall's vintage blouse pattern made from a length of 1940's jumble sale fabric.
McCall's 1970's waistcoat made from a scrap of fake fur leftover from the pram coat my Mum made me as a baby.
Showerproof festival cape and rain hat made from a car booted flamingo print shower curtain.
I just need to work out which vintage pattern to use.
I may be some time!
I think you are so talented with needlework. I love how you altered that shower curtain and all your outfits are just brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI love that green outfit with the green tights. I don't know of many women that would look good in green tights but you are certainly one of them.
xx
I just drool each time I see those curtains. Did you line them? Fantastic colours. I, too, can't pass up cotton reels and sewing paraphernalia. I've got more than I'll ever use. What about a cat suit with the crimplene or swirly, long dress?
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum
xx
Beauty, brains and sewing skills, dam girl like an onion you are!!!SO many layers of you!
ReplyDeleteI am totally loving your creations and how you have legs for miles! I barely noticed that blouse you made because your legs are super long and sexy!
I totally love reading your posts too, you make me smile and I so many go shopping with you and drink cider!
I'm useless at needlework. Am inviting myself round when next in Britain. Perhaps you might be able to teach me how to sew;-)
ReplyDeleteYour creations are so pretty and I must confess that you have the most beautiful and creative hands.
Loving all the nice garments but the shorts are my favourite;-)
Vix I love the orange jiffy dress its such a great style and very versatile. I`m going to try and find a similar pattern.
ReplyDeleteYou lucky thing finding the sewing goodies. I love old sewing bits and bobs.
Lovely curtains too!
Dx
oh my, I am drooling at your stash of patterns!! I love your patchwork curtains, what a great idea! also, the flamingo cape is just plain amazing! x
ReplyDeleteFirst, they are all darling. BUT that shower curtain rain gear is flipping brilliant! Thanks to you, it is no longer safe to shower in my home, the curtain may be yanked down at any moment to fulfill a creative sewing urge.
ReplyDeleteyour imagination and creativity just blows me away.
ReplyDeleteThe clothing made from curtains is inspired!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely amazing. I am at a loss for words, such an artistic wonder, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
you are very talented Vix!
ReplyDeleteX x
wow u really get me hooked with your creations!!! u are really talented!! and im so glad to know that i´m not the only one wearing curtains haha once it happen to me that i was invited at the house of the grandmother of my exboyfriend and i wore a dress made of the same curtain that this lovely old lady had in her living room ;)
ReplyDeletelove and kiss,mary
Love to see your makes - and it's always good to find old sewing bits and pieces at boot/jumble sales. I found a whole load of embroidery transfers at a jumble for about 20p last year. I really must do some sewing soon x
ReplyDeletelol @ Mary Lou's frock-meets-curtains tale!
ReplyDeleteVix, you must have made the old lady's day, knowing all her sewing things were going to be put to great use. And I cannot wait to see what you dream up with the lime green crimplene. It's screaming Yootha Joyce already.
There aren't enough days in the year for you to wear all your fab creations AND the ones that you find - you'll be having to change 5 times a day! xx
You've made some beautiful clothes; that Terence Conran number is gorgeous - a real eye-catcher. I'm with you on vintage patterns, you just can't beat making your own clothes and having something so different to everyone else!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love The Ramones style title - I now have 'Blitzkrieg Bop' going around in my head (which isn't a bad thing!)
xxx
wow, they are all amazing! I particularly love the kimono dress! You really do have an eye for things don't you?
ReplyDeleteYou're so clever ! I really need to learn to sew. I'm hoping that my eldest daughter will show me how to use her machine soon.
ReplyDeleteI had to sew a girlguide badge for my daughter today, I think a 2 year old could have done a better job !! :0(
I can't wait to see what you create with that wonderful green material xx
omg Vix your sewing skills are fab!!! I can sew -I mean mend - clothes and sew on buttons but that's it. I Can't wait to see what you come up with!!
ReplyDeleteJulia @ Retro Jules
wow the dresses you've made are fab! Wish I could be half as talented in making clothes, my mam use to always be making them when i was growing up, then suddenly stopped but i use to love playing with the tailors chalk lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a skill! I wish I could do that! (im useless, cant even darn a sock lol) And i would pay good money for those BEAUTIFUL curtains!
ReplyDeleteRachel
yummymummysgalore.blogspot.com
That's a fab colour,that crimplene!! Ooo,take your time and pick the perfect pattern!So many choices!!! Something maxi and marvellous! You don't so yourself enough justice,your sewing skills are amaaaaazing!
ReplyDeleteLove YOU!!!
Helga xxxXXXxxx
I think you should do something psychedelic with that 40s bloomers
ReplyDeletepattern
It’s fascinating to see all of your own creations Vix, I have always loved the idea of dressmaking and re-using of old fabrics and materials xxx
ReplyDeleteYou are a fab sewist Vix. You've got heaps of patterns to choose from there. I'd like to see that little cropped blouse made up.xxx
ReplyDeleteI've always said you were a genius and this post confirms it. What fabulous makes. Love the green curtain dress that you made by cutting round your favourite dress. and what a delight to see my favourite again- the flamingo poncho and hat. xx
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented! Wow, that's a lot of patterns.
ReplyDeleteOooooh not sure which is more covet-able, your styling ability, sewing talents or your shower curtain poncho xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat brilliant makes and so many lovely patterns to choose from for your next project - can't wait to see what you make. xxx
ReplyDeleteAmor, what are you talking about? your dresses sewing skills are so creative and cool. love the flowery coat. cute gingham bag.
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt know what to do with all those lovely patterns. I need to get my ass in gear and learn how to sew my own clothes. cant wait to see what else you come up with.
Oh Vix, I love your pattern selection, I'd love to dive in there. And your previous creations are brilliant! My faves are - green curtain shift dress, bark cloth kimono dress (I love it) and the 1940s green blouse - so beautiful.
ReplyDeletetoday i found a big bag filled with different fabrics in my little cellar... just some leftovers which had survived the move one year ago. maybe i should give them to you. i will never sew something!!!
ReplyDeletei really love these pieces you sewed... very talented.
http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com
Wow, you've made some amazing things! I love the vintage patterns and they are perfect for now. My mum has an industrial sewing machine in her little bedroom and I really need to start using it! xx
ReplyDeleteI think you've made a pretty good work sewing all that wonderful pieces, and they look really fitted and well done!, love your maxi skirt and dresses!
ReplyDeleteAnd I would like to sew something more than rounded skirts!,
besos & good luck
Ooh, I love the bark cloth kimono dress. Look at all those patterns, what a stash. Xx
ReplyDeleteWell you are pretty amazing, that's all I can say! Ha ha, I laughed when I saw the orange jiffy dress as I have the matching bag to the dress- a friend bought a pair of those curtains last year from a jumble sale and made us all shoulder bags out of them for our Christmas presents!
ReplyDeleteyou are the coolest of the cool
ReplyDeleteWow! I LOVE you in the minis and shorts with the boots. My favorite look I enjoy wearing when the weather cools down just a bit. I've been busy collecting tights in colors and textures. I need to get my husband busy taking some photos. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you having s go - your pieces are great! People go on and on about being unique, when they wear head to toe high street. You're one of a kind, babe.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great stash of patterns and the clothes you've made are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour creations are fabulous. I would hardly call you a novice. I really love the green shift, the kimono dress and that amazing flamingo cape and hat. Looks like you have lots of wonderful patterns too.
ReplyDeleteOoh that lime green crimplene is fab and I love that gingham basket full of goodies!
ReplyDeleteYou are SO clever. My faves are: the beautiful barkcloth kimono, the amazing Terence Conran maxi and the fabulous flamingo cape.
Is that lady in the black and white Style pattern in the last pic... holding Safety Pants???
Sarah xxx
Wow Vix you have made so many amazing things. And the basket full of supplies and the crimplene fabric GREAT SCORES!! =D
ReplyDeleteThe shower curtain cape is a stroke of genius...I'll have a new eye for shower curtains now.
ReplyDeleteWow a sewers dream what you got in the gingham basket! Your creations are fabulous....love all of them. The tangerine frock, shower curtain cover, & your vest from your baby pram are my faves!
ReplyDeleteFor some one who says they don't sew often, you have made some beauties! What treasure you found, and it came in a cute basket too!
ReplyDeleteSad news about Chomby - I took him to the vet yestrerday but had to take him again today where he got x-rayed as his tummy is clogging up badly :( Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me Xoxox
You are so talented and so creative. I love all you makes and i can't wait to see what you make with the green fabric my favourite colour is green. Have fun with it, dee xx
ReplyDeleteWow!! There is no way I will believe you are a novice stitcher these creations are all so beautiful! I especially love the Yellow Jiffy dress and the Kimono dress! Fabulous!!! Looking forward to see what you make with the crimplene!!
ReplyDeleteWow. As soon as im setteld in my new house. I will make me a sewing corner. my mum gonna teach me the basics.
ReplyDeleteYou really are a clever soul.... you have a knack for making lovely clothes. With Betty gone today I am busy sewing my mums patchwork quilt for her birthday, or i will if I ever get off this pc lol!
ReplyDeletehi Vix
ReplyDeleteLove all your original creations I wish I was as good at sewing . I am loving those patchwork curtains it seems you have them in every room I was drooling over the ones on your previous post in your bedroom as well ,they look fantastic such lovely patches you must have an awful lot of fabric
xx fee
I am in awe of all your creations, especially the Green mini dress.
ReplyDeleteBetter seamstress than me! I tend to use wonderweb and fabric glue. :)
xxx
Oh, I wish i could sew! The kimono is amazing! <3
ReplyDeletehttp://tri-skelos.blogspot.com/
This demonstrates a high level of talent, creativity and vision. My favourite is the orange Jiffy dress, I love that style. The green fabric would look lovely fashioned into an empire line maxi dress with a bit of a 'Greek goddess' styling.
ReplyDeleteI often see fabrics which would look better as an outfit than a curtain, how satisfying it must be to be able to achieve this.
You DIY diva, YOU! :]
ReplyDeleteOoh great makes! I always look out for vintage fabrics at boot fairs and charity shops that I can re-purpose in to other things :))
ReplyDeleteI wish I could sew.. I get so frustrated xx you are so clever xx
ReplyDeleteWow you can sew clothes!! With patterns! That's very clever indeed. I'm a kind of pick something up, chop it up, and see if it works kind of girl (usually it doesn't!!)
ReplyDeleteLove the flamingo festival number - genius!!
x
Can't wait to see it! I really adore the bird poncho and hat!
ReplyDeleteSo much to delight and feed my soul my dear. I have been having a sewing block too aside from a little refashioning and I love your beautiful clothes here, especially the pink top with bow trim and the Terence Conran curtain skirt:). I wore a skirt made from curtain fabric too today! xoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYou have made some gorgeous clothes. I love those curtains! I have lots of sewing ideas but I never start them!
ReplyDeleteE :)
How can you say just a novice? Your clothes are fantastic, I particularly like the minis and shift styles you make, simple but very elegant. They showcase those old fabrics excellently.
ReplyDeleteYou've had so many clothing projects but I have to say my favorite is the rain poncho and hat for its shear creativity! That's a huge selection of patterns.
ReplyDeleteoh my... I particularly love that flamingo cape and curtain dress...very Sound of Music...I have no eye for a needle unless their knitting...thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement with my story, much appreciated!!x
ReplyDeleteYou've got grat skills for considering yourself a novice! I'm especially enamoured of that wild flamingo rain poncho!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Suzanne
Let's face it you're old and I mean it in a very good way because I am very surprise and happy to see a chic woman like you at this age. You still carry that fashionista attitude in you and I so much love it. Keep doing that. keep inspiring others especially us youngins. I love the wisdom the elderly give. They're so wise.
ReplyDeleteFashion Speed,
xoxo
Simplesmente linda.....
ReplyDeleteEu diria...uma deusa.....
http://tonyranthum.blogspot.com
Beautiful clothes and all made by you! I am seriously impressed! I can't wait to see what you make. Em xx
ReplyDeleteYou know I love the flamingo cape! They're all good but I particularly like the curtain kimono dress and the forties blouse.
ReplyDeleteVintage Sparkle is right, that green crimplene is so Yootha! Love you xx
Wowzers - pattern porn! And would you look at you in those hotpants. Smokin'!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh you are so not a novice!! your a genius love your sewing!! Can't wait to see what you make next with that pretty green!! What was the pattern number for that Kimono Dress I love that!! That would look so cute over here where I am at with skinny jeans!! If you know it off hand please leave me a comment over at my blog :)Thanks!!! I am drooling over your vintage pattern stash. I need to figure out how to get mail over here and see if I can order some like that off ebay or etsy? I wonder if anyone ships over here?? My husband works for DHL you would think I would be able to figure that out hehehe Have you ever looked at the Japanese Pattern books they do a lot of vintage inspired designs and are fun to sew from also...Love Heather
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing with the sewing machine!! I bow down to your creativity. Scarlett x
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing with the sewing machine!! I bow down to your creativity. Scarlett x
ReplyDeleteYou have made some fantastic creations Vix. Make sure you show us your newest creation. I got my sewing machine out Thursday night to sew something for a friend. There was so much dust collecting on my sewing machine :(
ReplyDeleteAll your creations are fantastic! Your so talented. My nan is the same she has loads of things she thinks nobody would be silly enough to buy, im too shy to ask her to give them to me but i keep telling her not to bin anything! I do have two dresses she made in the 60's but i need to lose a bit of weight first they are stunning.
ReplyDeleteYou know damn well you've got it going on with the needle. All your creations are amazing but the shower curtain poncho rules the roost! Looking forward to seeing you as a green Goddess very soon! x
ReplyDeletehi. those outfits are quite fashionable and i like them a lot. i got over here because i wanted to find more people who like Gong. take care.
ReplyDelete'Sew' talented Vix and I'm 'sew' jealous of your pattern stash.
ReplyDeleteYes I did just use the same lame pun twice in one sentence and put them both in quotation marks so you'd be sure to notice :)