The Wastecoat & Further Adventures In Sewing

Chill out, pedants! I didn't forget to spell check before I posted, this really is a wastecoat, the latest creation in my mission to shut the lid of my bulging fabric stash. Made from scraps too small to make anything of much consequence, I've trimmed it with pompoms left over from a me-made patchwork lampshade. 

My Mum used the West African waxed cotton as a throw at home when I was a child and, as I left home 30 years ago, I can safely say it's vintage.

The McCall's 1971 pattern I adapted was so simple that I ended up making three! I used the fringing off an old bath mat to trim the other two. Needless to say the fabric was bought for pennies. If you're resourceful, sewing can be one of the cheapest (and most rewarding) pastimes ever.

 I added to the ever-increasing skirt collection with two more, both made from vintage curtains bought from jumble sales over the years. I used zips salvaged from tattered old clothes destined for the rag bag.

The awkward blouse didn't kill me in the end. It looks pretty harmless but the draped neckline (which makes my boobs look inexplicably huge) was a killer. 

The 1968 pattern I used also has maxi-length culottes, my next make providing I find some groovy second-hand fabric going cheap. I also rediscovered some ridiculous Thomas the Tank Engine curtains, which could make the perfect dress for this year's IndieTracks (a music festival that combines indie music and steam trains).

Me-made wastecoat worn with 1970s Scandi patchwork print maxi, fringed body, Bertie boots (all bought second-hand)

My mission is finally accomplished, I can shut the lid of my fabric stash so I'm off to the pub to celebrate.

Have a fab weekend & see you soon.