Recent Purchases and Projects

I found this unfinished skirt on Etsy during one of my daily trawls and couldn’t click ‘buy’ quick enough.  The fabric is so cool that I managed to overlook the fact I loathe navy.  For £10 I’ve got a half-circle, cotton skirt, interlined with white net and already hemmed that only needs one seam, a zip and a petersham waistband.  The swooping, yellow birds make for a dramatic pattern, a novelty print that isn’t too cutesy.

Another purchase from here was a 1940s or 50s Kamehama dress, which I couldn’t pass up at under £50.  The side seams have been let out at some point so need to be restitched, plus I think the side back panels used to be shirred with elastic, which should be an easy enough fix.  The white of the fabric is discoloured slightly so I plan on giving it an oxyclean soak... I presume it’s colour-fast but will check first.

I am in the middle of making Simplicity 1157, from 1950s cotton and although I am using a size 34" bust and I measure 35 1/2", it is a little big so have to take it in on all the bodice seams, which is annoying.

I have also nearly finished a self-draped dress in this 1950s 'Circus' border-print fabric (bought here), all it needs is a facing, hem, straps and boning added, so should have it finished soon.

 
(Apologies for the poor quality of some of the pics, I can't find the memory card for the camera, so have used the Etsy ones)

I have several possible future projects lined up, though they all are a bit summery and autumn is around the corner.  Never mind, if I do get around to making them, I'll wear tights and cardis and autumn can bugger off.

Hollywood 1353, perhaps in this crazy 80s Hawaiian print (which, actually, is so 'beach' I would probably look ridiculous out of season):

Or use it for Simplicity 1578

Also Simplicity 3505, already made here in this 80s Fruit print cotton: 

As usual, I have too many plans and ideas vying for my attention, which means I feel overwhelmed and not a thing gets done.  Ho hum.