Monday 18 August 2014

Suits You! Further Adventures In Curtain Couture.



When I posted about my Grace Sullivan curtain couture me-made dress HERE I'd mentioned that the seller kindly threw in a set of 1950s satin boudoir curtains for free. Being a fan of neither conventional curtains or the Fifties I simply had to drag them into my favourite decade, the 1970s.


It was the perfect opportunity to get cracking with the 1971 Maudella pattern bought from last weekend's Vintage village at Stockport for £2.


My plans for an evening of midweek sewing got postponed until the weekend after Stephen Squirrel asserted his authority.


Instead I cracked on with transforming an Edwardian wheeled bench into a patch-worked & pompom-ed wonder instead, immediately claimed by Polly Piglet. Thankfully I'd had the foresight to make a removable cover rather than a full reupholstered number.


I'm a slave to those cats!


But my suit got made in the end.


Jon was a busy boy, too; rescuing & revamping this discarded vintage kitchen cupboard into useful storage for our cluttered utility room (and a handy backdrop for my latest creation). Transforming those soda siphons are next on his to-do list.


A placket, a Petersham waistband and a Mandarin collar - all new to me but surprisingly simple to master. Forget enrolling in costly sewing courses, if you get confused with a pattern just use Google, you'll find a simple explanation for free and feel empowered in the process.


Perfect with my original go-go boots from Vonda.


Just the thing for brightening up the depressingly drab Post office queue on a damp Monday morning.

Linking to Sacramento's Share In Style.

71 comments:

  1. Love all your patvhwok creation, really makes your home so comfy and what a fab way to recycle! That trouser suit ist breathtaking, absolutely love it!

    HIPPY AT HEART ///

    ReplyDelete
  2. Has to be one of my favs of your curtain couture collection - colours and print with the style are perfect together! xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great outfit! It looks fabulous on you. I wouldn't have guessed the fabric's previous life as curtains if you hadn't said it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's amazing, the fabric doesn't look curtainy at all, maybe because it's silky. Those were some glamorous curtains!I love that last picture of you too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just KNEW that trouser suit was gong to look fabulous on you! And I knew you'd go for the sleeveless version too! I know the 1950s aren't really your thing, but those curtains are wonderful, such a great print, and the fabric works a treat as clothing. Gotta love the Maudella illustration too.
    Kitties - how they love to help. Your bench looks brilliant. And Polly P agrees. Cool cupboard and soda siphons too, you and Jon need your own TV show (move over, Dawn O'Porter, let's get someone on TV who actually knows what they're talking about - plackets and Petersham and collars, oh my!)
    You go-go, darling! xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. wouuu, you look even more fabulous than usual, such an amazing job!, love that satin printed fabric, love the pattern and love how nicely it suits you!!, such a pretty tunic and cute pants!!, oriental vibe in florals!!
    obviously, also love all that patchwork spreading the world!!, pretty and colorful!!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
  7. You're a right little Maria Von Trapp aren't you? Your outfit looks amazing and I adore the print. I couldn't agree more about Googling if you don't know how to do it. There's a youtube video for everything.
    As for the bench, it looks wonderful and quite at home in the patchwork window.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yet another amazing job little ms talented! LOVE that suit - those gogo boots are made to be worn with it x

    ReplyDelete
  9. That fabric's dark background with a vivid floral design is as dramatic as the tunic and slacks pattern. An inspiring adaptation of what you have into what you want!

    Your bright patchworks are another brilliant bridge between remnants of yesterday's everydays and todays' reality.

    You set us such good examples, dear Vix, in making items that are useful, beautiful and cat-proof!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The trouser suit looks fab! I love the fabric and it works really well as clothing. Great make :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi there!! You look amazing and the suit is such a gorgeous style and print!! Loving your various patchwork creations too, wonderful work indeed! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really really like the pattern on this one, the color is amazing, I had a simplicity pattern in the seventies very much like this, only difference the slacks had fuller legs, you did such a beautiful job, the cup board is great and seem to be so popular right now. I wish I had that furry helper you have, my cats would do the same thing as soon as I lay pattern pieces down, I think they love the feel and sound of the paper. You go brighten that post office, they need it!

    ReplyDelete
  13. The only Grace Sullivan I know of was in a 70's aussie soap but I'm sure that doesn't surprise you! You've excelled yourself with this latest curtain couture Vix. Satin is a bugger to work with (I've heard) and your suit is a masterpiece. Can't imagine I'd feel empowered after googling 'plackets', more likely have me heading for the gin bottle. The bench cover is genius and I'm loving the discarded cupboard. Jon needs his own blog I reckon.x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fantastic print and vintage pattern, Vix! When I first saw this outfit on your Facebook, I let out a squeal of delight. Your fellow-slave-to-cats forever, -patti xox

    ReplyDelete
  15. Another real transformation Vix, I am digging this pant suit like really love it! These are two pieces that if you bought the pants would be too long and probably the top, but you get to make it just right for you, that's the best part, the fit is dead on! The patchwork Pom Pom cover is a treat to look at, I can't blame the the cat for nesting there, and we are all slaves to our cats, what's wrong with us?!?!
    Jon is also a genius at creating and recreating, I love ya both so much, thanks for so much inspiration in what you do!
    Xxxxxoooooo

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, that turned out brilliantly! The shoes are the perfect finish too.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Totally amazing, V!!!
    And yes, those shoes are perfect with your new outfit.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Suits you so well ! Really love it !
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow! I'm so jealous! It turned out beautifully! Great job! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Very nice! Love the fabric you chose for the new suit Vix.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ha, I love Polly's "Loaf of Cat Approval" - can tell she is very pleased. :) Vix, your suit is MARVELLOUS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You're SO clever, your advice about googling things made me laugh because that's got me in trouble before with sewing!! I'm not a natural..

    I wish you were in my post office queue, I just get students with holes in the bum cheeks of their leggings.

    P x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Suits you! :)
    Love the pattern, and the colour is fab with your hair.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  24. You're so fabulous! Love reading your posts :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very hip chic ensemble. You are right too about finding solutions via the internet for just about everything.

    I love the cover for the bench too. Those kitties are spoiled.

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  26. You really must have brightened up that Post Office! Not just a floral suit, but satin. Sheeny, shiny! Lovely job. And so lovely with those lime green boots.
    Love your bench revamp too. Just spreading the colour all around! Do the cats look nervous, or are they lining up for a revamp too!! XO JJ

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your cat knows a good thing - a nice comfy place to spend the day. Your suit looks fabulous, as ever, and goes really nicely with those shoes. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Vix love what you have done with your bench, it goes so well with everything else in the room, and wow to your outfit just fab !!!.
    Have a good week x.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Vix love what you have done with your bench, it goes so well with everything else in the room, and wow to your outfit just fab !!!.
    Have a good week x.

    ReplyDelete
  30. you are becoming a very good stitcher! It just takes practice. Hmm, wonder what those soda things are going to turn into?

    ReplyDelete
  31. More fabulous makes - love the trouser suit but love even more the patchwork cover no wonder Polly Piglet claimed it! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  32. I think you should trademark the term 'curtain couture' as your curtain outfits are such unique, individual creations, and so very much VIX in style.
    This one is a triumph.

    ReplyDelete
  33. killer suit!!!
    you look gorgeous! fabulous! fantastic!
    you know i like the 50´s - but not satin rose curtain 50´s. so bless you for making this great suit out of it! the cut is very sharp!
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  34. Only you would make curtains out of clothes and clothes out of curtains. Why not, you look totally glam!

    Caroline
    www.puttingyourlifeinorder.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  35. You look wonderful, I'd never of thought a pair of curtains could look so stylish! I love the cut of the suit and your choice of footwear is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a glorious transformation of those curtains! You look fabulous! Awesome sewing achievement!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oooh, I'm loving the bench!!!!! It's so bright and fun!!! The suit is pretty darn cool too!!! X

    ReplyDelete
  38. They say dogs have owners but cats have staff. This obviously means you are staff, but very styley staff, lucky cats! Your curtain couture never fails to amaze me, the trouser suit is stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello VIx!

    I will say like the others i love your patchwork world! So groovy! I should do a patchwork curtain now that i can use my sewing machine hey?
    I love your ensemble made of curtains, so fecking cool!
    We had a wet, grey, cold weekend but now it's improving!

    Take care

    Hugs

    Arianexo

    ReplyDelete
  40. How cool are you?!! A satin pants suit. That stuff is hard to sew, so shiny, slippery, ravel-y. It looks great, style and fit perfect for you, Vix. Now that's what to wear for the post office line-up. Did people want to touch you?

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hee hee, I think we're supposed to be slaves to cats. I love that picture of Stephen Squirrel sitting on your fabric and pattern, it's so universal. Didn't you do well getting that fabric thrown in for free? It looks amazing as a trouser suit, bet it caused a stir in the PO! I love the new kitchen cupboard. You and Jon certainly made the most of your free weekend! Right, better go, I need to google placket! Xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's very oriental looking, I love it. I love all your patchwork too.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Feck YES, you're rockin' this suit!! The fabric is heavenly!!!
    OMG, the pookies are taking control! Little buggers. How can we HELP but be slaves to them?! Peepers wakes me up constantly during the night to ger under the covers...I should just shutr her out, but then I wake up worrying about where she is........!!! GAH.
    It IS amazing what you can work out with a little research when it comes to sewing. I just used to reference garments I had. Some serious training WAS good, though, but to be honest, I don't use a lot of what I learnt. But if I want to make a mans suit, or lingerie, I can...
    Love Helga XXX

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love your suit, it looks gorgeous
    Twiggy x

    ReplyDelete
  45. Those curtains look amazing on you! And we're all slaves to cats!

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a great transformation. Those boots really make the outfit!

    ReplyDelete
  47. That suit is so cool, you make everything look so easy to wear Vix x

    ReplyDelete
  48. Wow, that suit is really nice, love the fabric. It looks great on you. I'm thinking a skirt or shift for me with that pattern, cute. BTW, those cats rule the house, spoiled! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. It looks great Vix! Loving the pattern.

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  50. Simply fabulous print and you made a really fabulous suit. Such patterns and colours always look great on you.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love the fabric ... love the pattern ... Yay for the seventies!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  52. This trouser suit is all kinds of awesome! I need to find myself a pair of curtains to turn into a 70s suit x

    ReplyDelete
  53. LOVE the trouser suit.
    I have to admit that having someone to talk to in my informal sewing "lessons" and to actually show me in person how to do things was absolutely invaluable to me. But I guess that I might think differently if I had an internet connection at home and that may make me more likely to Google for the answers. :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. What a glorious transformation of those curtains! You look fabulous! Awesome sewing achievement!
    http://beauty2beautytips.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love the suit! Reminds me that i should do some sewing :)
    - Mia

    ReplyDelete
  56. Is there such a thing as 'too cool'? Note when it comes to you Vix! You rock the seventies like nobody else! And on the subject of slavery and cats...I'm happily in the same shackles. Love 'em to bits, and am always secretly thrilled when they park themselves on my current sewing project. It does mean love, doesn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  57. That trouser suit is a work of art! Well done, looks much better than curtains, that's for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I need to get colorifying my wardrobe and home with your same ambition :D Love the dress and all the patchwork going on, too!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Me encanta tu conjunto y la cortina y el sillón tienen algo especial con la tela de patchwork tan colorida. KISSES.

    ReplyDelete
  60. You are always bold and beautiful ~ and cleverly creative even behind curtains :))))

    ReplyDelete
  61. Stunning suit! Love it from head to toes! oh i wish I sew something alike

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am amazed you have time for all of these brilliant ventures. The suit is stunning--well done Vix! xx/M

    ReplyDelete
  63. Curtain couture rocks!!! Move over Dawn O'Porter, our Vix shows you how its done properly and with no faffing about xxx

    ReplyDelete
  64. Just MAGNIFICENT, dear Vix, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    You are such an artist in all areas.
    Tons of love
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  65. Maudella patterns are the BEST! I find some vintage patterns so confusing they may as well be written in Chinese, but Maudella are so easy to understand. I LOVE your new outfit - all hail the queen of curtain couture!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Amazing suit! Love the top, that almost could be worn as a dress. Love the patchwork cover that Polly got.

    Jasmine x
    For a Real Woman
    So easy Spanish!

    ReplyDelete
  67. You look fabulous love the new twin set you are good and motivated with your sewing. Loving all the patch work to :-) dee xx

    ReplyDelete
  68. Yeah! This is so so fab! I'd love to have a suit like this, and have my hair in some fab up-do. You did such an excellent job! Love the fabric too!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix