Verity Vintage Studio

Toddler's 1930s Smock Dress

Among one of Riley Blake Designs recent fabric lines, I found another vintage-style print in a non-vintage collection called Ava Kate. It reminded me of feedsack prints. And I loved the pops of coral against the seafood background.

 

It was perfect for an everyday dress for my baby girl, especially now that summer is finally approaching. 

 

I made it from a vintage pattern - very simple pieces, with the front and back hanging gathered from a yoke. 

 

The sleeves were supposed to be gathered into a cuff, but I chose to do them butterfly style instead. 

 

When I was finished, I was not satisfied with the plain yoke and decided it needed more color. I had the idea of stitching down some lace with embroidery floss in French knots, and I love how it turned out!

 

I happened to have the exact same color of embroidery floss as the little coral flower centers, and it took just a little time to do the hand work. It looks so much better now. It's fun when plan B turns out better than plan A!

 

My little girl likes her new dress. It's easy to wear, cool and comfy for summer. Study quilting cotton means it can be washed and worn a lot. Plus it was quick to make, even with adding the lace with embroidery. I'm going to remember that technique for later. 

 

Country Style 1950s Apron with Poppie Cotton

 

It's my day on the Farmgirls Unite fabric tour!

When I made my sister an apron a while back, I liked the pattern so much I knew I'd want one for myself. So when I got the chance to use some of Poppie Cotton's Farmgirls Unite fabric, I picked a couple of my favorite prints to make a version for myself.

 

I don't usually wear this color of pink, or yellow, so it's a great choice for accessories when I get to use fabric I wouldn't otherwise wear!

 

The pattern is in sad shape. The bottom scallop piece is half gone, so it took some eyeballing to cut it out, but I think it turned out fairly well.

 

Like last time, I interfaced the scalloped waistband so it keeps its shape.

 

I love the petal shape of the pink floral part. This would also be a fun place to add some embroidery or quilting, to follow the scallops. Or maybe tiny bows at the top of each scallop.

 

I like quick projects that I can make in an hour or two from start to finish. Especially when they turn out this cute. Perfect for housework or chores in style!

 

If you like country prints and saturated colors, check out the rest of this collection by Poppie Cotton. And don't forget to visit the other stops along the tour!

Monday, May 10	http://happylittlecottage.blogspot.com/	Debbie Homick
Wednesday, May 12	http://prettybyhand.com/	Kristyne
Friday, May 14	www.primrosecottagequilts.com	Lindsey Weight
Monday, May 17	Website: http://blueribbondesigns.com	Belinda
Wednesday, May 19	http://neverlandstitches.blogspot.com/	LisaJo
Friday, May 21	https://verityvintagestudio.typepad.com/myblog/	Kristen Clay
Monday, May 24	https://thisandthatpatterns.typepad.com/	Sherri Falls
Wednesday, May 26	theredfeedsack.blogspot.com	Dori Troutman
Friday, May 28	https://www.nannygoatquilts.com/	Lisa Garlick

--

 

1930s Starburst Blouse

This 1930s blouse pattern was one of my earliest more challenging sewing projects way back in 2014 when I had only recently started making garments. I originally made a blouse that was very sloppy and ill fitting, but I remember noticing the unique way the sleeves were set, and it was the beginning of my intrigue with patterns that had neat details. Later on I became more precise in my construction in order to do such patterns justice!

That blouse got deconstructed later on, so it was high time to make a better version.

 

This adorable print from Riley Blake Designs' recent Mod Meow collection has tiny jade starbursts all over it, and I knew it would be perfect for a blouse. It comes in several colorways, and some of the other prints from this collection are also ideal for vintage sewing, especially if you like cats! A few would be perfect for 1940s or 1950s novelty print garments, while the starbursts work for any era.

 

I flatlined the bodice of the blouse so I don't have to wear layers underneath it. It had been a long time since I made this pattern, but I remembered it as I went along, which made the construction easier.

 

It was fairly straightforward to make, for the most part. There were so many gathers, it was difficult to make them all even. There are also a lot of little pieces to this pattern, but once it started coming together it made more sense.

 

The instructions were more detailed than many 1930s patterns, but I still had to just wing it a few times.

 

Sleeve details!

 

It's meant to be worn tucked or untucked, but I prefer the untucked so that's how I styled it, along with a 1930s skirt I made ages ago and vintage brown 1930s accessories.

 

I like the touch of color the starbursts give, while it remains a true neutral that can go with a lot of coordinates. And the soft ivory is a lovely color.

 

It makes a versatile addition to my spring and summer wardrobe!