Simplicity meets Shibori.

In the last couple of days I Shibori dyed some off-white silk to make the blouse (view A) in Simplicity's 3688, 1940s retro.

I cut out and over-locked all of the pattern pieces in preparation for dyeing. I then used different resists on each section of the garment.

Both sleeves (wrong sides together) were secured around glass marbles with rubber bands. The yoke was stitched with a simple floral motif in three places. Both backs (again, wrong sides together) were stitched with a spiral running stitch at the shoulder, and with rows of horizontal running stitch along the lower back. The lower front was stitched in the same way as the lower backs. Upon completion of the running stitch the are all gathered as tightly as possible (without breaking them). The fabric bunches up a lot like smocking.

I then dyed the pieces together in a bath of equal parts magenta and turquoise acid dye for an hour...with stunning results.



As I said in my last post, I am obsessed with dyeing...and am dyeing everything in sight :-)

Shibori dyeing...

Whilst not really vintage, rather a tradition, I thought I would share with you my latest obsession...

Shibori dyeing.

I have tried this technique twice, with a huge improvement in results - so now I am obsessing about what can I dye next ?

We made this top at school, and were encouraged to dye, or embellish, it after it was graded. I folded it up into a rectangle, and tied it with string between two smaller rectangles of timber. However, the string did not apply enough pressure to keep the dye from penetrating beneath the timber, so it is not really 'resist dyed'.

For my second attempt I clamped the timber, after folding the fabric 'concertina-style', and the 'resist' worked much better...


The final result is slightly less stark than this picture because the dye is not colourfast - thus it tinged the white bits pale green after I washed it.

Having said that, though, I am so happy with the result! I think I will make a simple shift dress (or similar) so as to retain the pattern as much as possible.

I will post the result.

Vintage Vogue V1137

I made this dress, V1137, yesterday. It was fabulously easy, and went together perfectly.

I made a couple of alterations to the garment... firstly, I omitted the splits at the sides; the skirt is quite roomy enough without them. Secondly, I shortened the length. After cutting it out (unfortunately) I realised it was far too long for my taste, so I took off about 30 cms.

I used a fabric with just a little stretch for comfort, which just so happened to be only $3.00 per metre at Spotlight. It was on the bargain table, so I took what was left on the roll: around 3.5 metres. I love, love, love florals...and red - so this fabric was not only cheap, but perfect!!!

I will definitely make this pattern again, as I am very happy with the fit and styling.

Do you think it looks vintage enough?

Sassy Lassie's giveaway...

Fellow blogger and vintage style aficionado, Sassy Lassie has a fab giveaway for all vintage lovers to enter. Off I go to leave my comment...

Rosina - 1935 hand-knit

My latest finished vintage project is "Rosina", a hand-knit originally from 1935, although my pattern is a reproduction, from a pattern book written in the 80s; sorry, can't remember the title. The only difference between mine and the original 1935 version is that mine is knitted with DK weight yarn, whilst the original called for fingering weight yarn. My mum sews my jumpers up for me (thanks mum), and I collected it from her yesterday, sewed the buttons on last night, and wore it today. As usual, I have to wear a new garment immediately or the very next day - whether I buy or make it.

original 1935 image
my version
close-up of garter stitch detail
me again
The pattern is a very simple one, with only knit, purl, garter stitch, and basic increasing/decreasing. The front is a 'mock' cardigan, and for simplicity sake - and to eliminate untidy buttonholes - I sewed the buttons in place. I figure it didn't matter as the buttons are only for show. I also added a button to each collar, just to hold them in place.

I have made this jumper once before, it was my first project when I returned to knitting about 10 years ago (after being taught as a youngster, and a 10 year break). However, the wool shop lady who I sought yarn advice from suggested I make the third size - and it was far too big. With a much greater understanding about my knitting tension (loose) and what fits me, this time I made the first size, and it fits as it should. It is not tight, but it does hug my body as hand knitted garments of the time were supposed to.

The yarn I used was Sirdar 'Balmoral', a blend of 72% wool, 25% alpaca, and 3% silk. A DK weight yarn, this feels lovely and is not itchy against my skin. This is usually an issue for me, however I wore my new jumper today with only a singlet underneath...it did not itch, and I was as warm as toast!

I am so happy with this jumper...it turned out perfect, and looks exactly as I hoped it would!

My man and his new coat

My lovely man and I went to an op-shop on the other side of town today...and of course there were bargains to be had.

Firstly...

My lovely man's new coat; "Parkchester" exclusive to Myer, pure wool "loomed in West of England", a fabulous vintage wool overcoat for just $10.00...doesn't he look fab!!!
This is the "bat" man that paid for my sewing course, which changed my life.

Secondly...


A vintage grey glomesh clutch bag for $3.50. the only fault (if you could call it that) is the shoulder strap chain is missing. Otherwise, bag is in great condition.

Big thanks to my man for seeing the bag in the window and pointing it out to me...he absolutely indulges my fashion/op-shop extravagances. He is like a fashion sponge...last night he commented on the weather girl's "leg-of-mutton" sleeve top. Whatta man!!!

My latest design

This is my latest design, a basic "sheath", using vintage fabric and notions.

The bodice is made using vintage fabric, the skirt a light-weight crepe, and white grosgrain ribbon and vintage red plastic buckle belt. I bought the vintage fabric from ebay, and the red buckle from etsy.

I designed this dress using my basic dressmaker's blocks, although what you see is an adjusted design. I initially made this with a 12-gore skirt in the vintage fabric. I had made a pattern and toile of a gored skirt in pattern making class and thought it would look good...and it does. However, it was just that bit too short for me to be comfortable and I just knew I wouldn't wear it. Rather than waste the vintage fabric, I removed the too short skirt and replaced it with the straight skirt. The too short skirt will now be added to a hip length, a-line tunic to make a "flapper-style" dress. The tunic part will be made from the same crepe. Will post the result.