McCalls 6135

McCall's 6135 ----This is called Misses Jumper, blouse, petticoat and Appliqués. It's very old but findable from used pattern sources.

I've sewn the petticoat from this pattern many times. I like it in flannel, both black and in white. I show it here in Black Taffeta and have made skirts from it too. The taffeta is that nice fabric that makes the lovely swishing sound.


I did not photograph the white & black flannel slips but in the photos you see the petticoat sewn as a green-ish skirt.

I often wear the cotton skirt over one of the flannel slips. It sticks together and acts like one garment.

I often wear the cotton skirt over the taffeta one when it's a little bit warmer.

I like this patten because it is an easy 4-gore skirt with elastic waist BUT it does have the added horizontal flounce which I usually add a lace trim to. Sometimes I add a drawstring to the elastic waist too. The Green Cotton Skirt in the photos has that feature.

I have also sewn this as a slip and not added the flounce but that was only once. I enjoy the white flannel one because of its flounce. It adds so much "body" to the jumper and/or skirt.

I like a full skirt.

I have not made the Jumper part of this pattern.

Simplicity 8006

This is an old pattern. I only sewed it once but I have worn it for many years.

These photos were taken one week ago.

I did make it back when I was a little more svelte but it has lasted me as the pounds come and go over the years. Another reason it has lasted is that I used a very high quality fabric and I stored it in a garment bag during the summer months.

It is comfortable and wears a little bit like a "coat-dress." I like it under my coat too and I'm never chilly in this.

It's made in a corduroy fabric that feels like a soft velvet.

The sleeves are finished in black corduroy as you can see in the photo.

The main feature of Simplicity 8006 is the stand up collar. It also has a dropped waist which was more popular at the time. Next time (if there is a next time) I will make the same thing but set the skirt part at my natural waist. I will also try this in a light cotton fabric. I imagine that it will be very good sewn that way.

Simplicity 4055

This is my "review" of the Regency Dress that I made last summer.

The owner of Sense and Sensibility Pattern company created this pattern so you have your choice. Purchase the S & S one or the Simplicity one.

I know my photos are a bit revealing. I know that I need a shawl, or kerchief, a sweater, something to cover the bodice area when I wear the dress. I don't have any of those on for the photographs--that way you can see the construction of the dress. I think it's a bit immodest without one more layer to conceal the top.


Pattern Description:

Regency Dress circa 1795-1825

Pattern Sizing:

14 through 20
Eur. 40-46
Fr 42-48

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes. I'm a fan of the Jane Austen movies and it looks like I wanted it to look. I made dress "B."

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, they were okay. I have seen much better instructions but it's really the sketches in the instructions that were not very helpful. You would want to be experienced at sewing and at fitting yourself before trying this pattern.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

The bust is not very deep. I allowed for more room in that area and it still rides up. I would not make the facing (bodice) if I sew this again using a normal weight cotton. If you are using a very light weight fabric then you would want to have that double bodice. I also skipped having a lining for the skirt portion. My "quilt store" fabric has plenty of body and weight and for an every day dress I do not need it to have a double skirt.

Fabric Used:

Cotton from a high end Quilt Store. It's a dark blue paisley with bits of dark fushia, yellow, and green.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

The pattern is very long because it is a costume; it even has a little bit of a train in the back. I did not sew this for a costume but for a regular, daily dress so I hemmed it about 3 inches above the ankle so that it would be practical.

I used elastic around the neckline and the empire waist line which I HIGHLY recommend doing. I also applied a bias tape style facing to thread the elastic through.

I did sew it according to the directions and I did thread through a black cord but I did not like the two big gaps in the back. I would have had to wear something under it like a black slip. After I sewed it (as directed) I pulled out the cord, added the bias tape, inserted the elastic and sewed the entire back seam shut. Now I put it on overhead (as I would have before) and it's big enough to go right on. It did not need the gaps to get it on my body and I did not want to have to tie two cords in the back every time I wore it.

I also added more fabric to the front of the skirt. The pattern was designed to be VERY full in back and completely flat in the front. I don't mind a little extra fullness and I really like gathers so I added more fullness to the front by cutting the front skirt part bigger.

I sewed 5/8 inch seam allowances on everything but the sleeves. I sewed 1/4 inch seam allowances for the sleeve seam and when inserting the sleeve into the bodice too. Good thing I did that because I have a perfect fit. I try on my clothes and alter the fit while I sew and if I doubt myself then I baste, try on and then commit to the actual seam using the correct stitch lenght.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I would. I would skip the double bodice and use only one layer on top. I would allow EVEN MORE room for my bust and yes, I recommend to others who have sewn before.

Conclusion:

I make it sound like I totally re-worked the pattern. I didn't. My changes were easily done and I do highly recommend you consider the elastic over the cord or drawstring with this pattern.

If by any chance your garment does not look nice then you could use it as a nightgown. The way the back is constructed you get full range of motion in your arms.

UFO

UFO is unfinished object in sewing speak.

Here I have another easy whole cloth quilt that is intended to be hung at Holiday time with it's winter-y scene of cardinals.

I really like bird fabric !!!

I have used stencils to mark the wall hanging and then I've been machine quilting it. It really should be done by now but I am very slow at sewing.

Easy 4-patch Baby Quilt

This is baby quilt using calicoes and backed in off-white flannel fabric.

The backing folds over to be visible from the front.

Simply decide what size you want the squares and start cutting them.

This quilt is yarn tied.

I high recommend starting with baby-size because it comes together quickly.

I made this one for my 3rd little baby--that was 22 years ago.

Happy memories.

Matching Twin Quilts

I made two matching patchwork quilts that are a little bit like a "trip around the world" quilt minus the "around" part. The blocks are set on a diagonal.

They are twin size but you'll see one of them laying on a king sized bed in the photo.

McCall's 5174 Apron Pattern that I sewed

I sewed this McCall's 5174 "craft" pattern about 22 years ago. It was called my "cooking dress" by my youngest.

I found that the pattern was a little bit complicated, not too bad though. McCall's has used this number for different patterns so if you look for this pattern make sure that you are getting an apron pattern.

In the close up you'll see that the fabric has little fruits and flowers on it. I thought it was cute to use "food" fabric for my apron.

Apron's in black and white

I purchased one black and one white apron from a company that is no longer in business. However, Katie's Mercantile appears to be selling the same apron. They call it "Ladies Favorite Apron" for under $25.00.

I like these a lot. I would like to know how to sew one of these too. The skirt part is just fabric with the selvages still visible and they are not sewn shut. This means that your dress/skirt will show on the sides.

As Quaker Jane so intelligently points out on her website it is smart to wear black for cooking with dark sauces that stain and it's smart to white when working with flour. That way what you're cooking with matches what you are wearing. I make a lot of Italian food so I like black or dark red for most of my dinner making.

I'm only showing photos of the white one as it photographs better than it's black twin.

The Scarlett Thread's Edwardian Apron

This is a much loved apron. I have worn this one so many times. This is called the hand embroidered apron and it is exactly the one you will see on the website. Lovely.

Allow me to repeat that I own this pattern but I have not yet sewn it myself. You can see the pattern in one photo. You can also see the embroidery.

The Scarlett Thread's other apron

This one was also sewn by Taylor's Scarlett Thread. They call this one the "Hand Embroidered Apron" even though there is not any embroidery on this particular apron. They are using the "Edwardian" pattern from Sense and Sensibility with permission.

I mailed in my dark red fabric and soft black trim fabric and they sewed this Apron for me. I own the patten but I "chickened out" and had them do the sewing.

It is my favorite apron!

Hannah's Apron from The Scarlett Thread

This apron is called Hannah's Apron and I bought it from the lovable "Taylor's Scarlett Thread" website. On the website the apron is shown in blue, very pretty.

It buttons down the back. I had a blouse made in the same exact fabric. It's called the "ladies blouse" on the website.

I cannot recall if I mailed the fabric or if the black tone-on-tone fabric was in their stock. They will sew items using your fabric.

I will be sharing another apron they made me with fabric that I know I mailed to them.

Lovely Apron and I like having a matching blouse. You'll see the lace details on the pocket and one photo shows the buttons on the back.

Aprons

This apron is one that I just ordered from Mennonite Maidens. It is double the fabric and huge. I do not can (preserve food) but if I did I would want this apron on. It covers every thing and it appears to be fairly indestructible.

A shoe that is currently available

I recently bought a pair of Merrells. They are extremely comfortable and practical. If you are a "plain" dresser you can take a permanent black marker and obliterate the Logo.

These are Mary Jane which is a favorite for me. They stay on. They are very light weight.

Shoes

Footwear is often asked about when a Christian woman first comes to obey modesty as a New Testament teaching for herself.

Many ladies come to dress wearing like I did. They think of dresses and they think of uncomfortable pantyhose and high heeled shoes. Most women find both highly unpractical. Perhaps there are times when they are useful but they are not needed for daily dress wearing.

I have attempted to describe my shoes many times and as always a photograph does the job very quickly.

I have two Birkenstock pairs and neither are sandals. I have Birkenstock boots, aka booties. I have Birkenstock Mary Janes.

I have been wearing them for a very long time and the exact styles may not be available currently.

A Bonnet I DID sew

This is from the Folkwear pattern #253 the Vintage Bathing Costume which can be found elsewhere at this blog.

I used the same cotton fabric as the bathing outfit.

You can see the bonnet tied tightly where it's supposed to be tied and there is a photo showing it tied low just so that you can see the tie better. You will also be able to see that there is plenty of room for hair. I can tuck it all up inside the snood/bonnet.

There is also a photo of the inside.

One more Bonnet I did NOT sew

I bought this black cap from a company that is no longer in business. I believe they were called "She maketh herself coverings."

You'll see that it was designed to NOT contain a bun and that it has button holes inside to use for clippies. The cap is turned inside out so that you can see the clippie in one of the photos.