Palette/Pattern Challenge, Week 1 - Vintage Black Skirt

I recently begun the Colette Pallette Challenge (I'm calling it the Pattern Challenge!) and was keen to start with a winter mustard dress, however I was mid way through a new work skirt and felt I should finish it before I began my new pattern, so I will have to save it for week 3 of the challenge as I have something else halfway finished for week 2!

Pattern

My pattern was Vintage Style 4752 from 1974. I chose the shorter version with the aim of having a new work skirt that had a touch of girliness to it! 

It had pleats in both the front and back which sit beautifully from the waist without adding bulk to the hips. The pleats also allow for lovely movement.

The only adjustment I made to the pattern was adding two hook and eyes to the band instead of a button. There was no particular reason for this other than my mood on the day!

I would recommend this pattern to anyone who loves a girly skirt however if it was not for work I would have chopped them hem a good couple of inches so that it sat above the knee.

Fabric

The fabric I found in my ever growing stash was a wool knit with a touch of stretch. It was purchased from my local fabric store Joys Warehouse, in Moorabool St, Geelong' for $9.90 per metre last year. This is more than I would normally spend on a black fabric especially for a work skirt,  however I think it was certainly worth it. 

(Blouse - Vintage, Shoes - Wittner)  

This week I am working on a pair of flared slacks/pants and I can't wait to show you the finished result.

Jess x

Collette Palette Challenge

I recently discovered a great new blog by Colette Patterns called Colleterrie.

Colette Patterns are a two lady team who create a number of gorgeous vintage inspired patterns that they sell online. They have also created a sewing handbook called The Colette Sewing Handbook.

They have a twice yearly palette challenge where you can create your own mood boards and inspirations and then over an 8 week period create as many garments as you like from that palette.

I created a mood board below for Autumn/Winter challenge. using some of my favourite colours and styles, (I love the circular sleeves on this Elizabeth & James dress) and I have already found some mint coloured lace to create a skirt similar to the one below at The Fabric Store in Brunswick St, Melbourne.

I may be slightly ambitious however I am attempting to make 4 garments over the eight week period.

• A mustard winter dress (I already have a pattern and fabric for this)
• Mint lace pencil skirt
• Black Trousers
• Camel Wool Cape

Stay tuned to see how each garment pans out...... I plan on starting this Saturday with the mustard dress.

Collette Pattern Inspiration Board by thewhimsicalemporium featuring elizabeth and james dress

Elizabeth and james dress
$467 - boutique1.com

Diane von Furstenberg short pleated skirt
$344 - matchesfashion.com

Cut out booties
$239 - whistles.co.uk

Jack Wills wide brim floppy hat
$80 - jackwills.com






Jess x

Frock Stars

Joe and I recently headed off on a road trip over Easter up to Brisbane and then making our way back down the East Coast back home. 

One of our stops on the way home was Port Maquarie where we decided to head into the Visitor Information Centre to find some accommodation for the night. To my surprise there was an exhibition in the connecting Arts Centre called 'Frock Stars'. 

The exhibition was an insight into the behind the scenes of a fashion show at the Australian Fashion Festival. 

I took a particular fancy to the design and dressmaking phase, which featured a mock Nicola Finetti studio with patterns, fabrics, trims and the finished products ready to head down the runway! 

 A must see for any heading to the area!

Jess x

Going to The Chapel

Whilst its not a traditional hallmark day today, February 29th gives all the single ladies out there a chance to pop the question to their loved one.

With this in mind I thought I would do a vintage inspired wedding post. (and no, I didn't do any proposing!)

Here is some inspiration for any ladies getting married and for the single ladies attending the weddings!

Daughters Of Simone

Whichgoose

Simply Riveting

Glitter In The Attic

Luv Stoned Vintage

Fancy Fine Vintage

Polka dot Bride Blog

Daisy & Jack

Made by Polka Dot Bride

Jess x

Doily Heaven

I have been obsessed with peter pan collars for some time now and recently noticed the emerging trend of detachable collars, almost like a necklace.

Sportsgirl amongst many retail chain stores offer all different varieties, from beaded through to neon, the sky is really the limit.

So i thought it was time to have a go at making some myself!

On my regular Saturday morning thrift i had one thing in mind, DOILIES! I picked up about a dozen different colours and shapes with the hope that my little idea would work.

I am really pleased with how lovely this one looks. It sits softly around the neck and can also be turned around to have the tie at the back so that it looks more like a necklace.

I will be uploading the pretty gems into my store Monday night each for $20.00 so get in quick so you don't miss out!

Jess x

Sewing up a Vintage Storm

Over my Summer break I have been doing a teeny bit of sewing. 

My first project was a pair of berry coloured high waisted pants that were loosely based on a Vintage 80's New Look pattern.  They had to be altered a little.

The next was a 50's inspired vintage jumpsuit that should get a bit of wear over the sweltering Summer to come.

I will be posting the how to's and photos of the completed projects over the next couple of days!

My next project will be a cropped top that I can wear over my high waisted pants and jeans. A few ideas below, I think the last pattern is the one that suits best...

Jess x

Vintage Inspired Onesie (Jumpsuit)

I picked up the McCall's 7157 vintage pattern which had an early 90's grunge vibe to it a couple of years ago and hadn't got around to making it up. Now with a warm Summer more than already here I thought it was time for a comfy jumpsuit, but with a girly whimsical edge!

I used a French cotton floral fabric from our local Spotlight. I also had to add a cotton lining underneath so that it wasn't see through. I chose a bright orange!

I made a few alterations along the way...

• I didn't have a zip handy when I was making it and so just added elastic to the back instead which worked fine!
• The bust was too big so I added a strip of elastic down the centre to gather each side in. 
• The straps were MILES too long for me so I altered them accordingly.

*Shoes from Wittner, poncho from Sportsgirl

It will be a great addition to my wardrobe over the next few Summer & Autumn months.

Jess x