Things I'm Loving...

I seem to be loving more and more things these days, but here are just a few more sewing things that I'm totally in to.

Kimono Sleeves: I always believed that this type of sleeve was an easy, unfitted and unflattering look. Just in case you don't know, kimono sleeves are created with one piece of fabric for bodice and sleeve, rather than a separate bodice and set-in sleeve. A more detailed definition can be found here on the Collette blog.

I recently purchased a few tops with kimono style sleeves and realised that they can look quite nice. None are unflattering or have excess amounts of fabric under the arms, which I always believed they would.

I've also just finished my Vintage Simplicity 3523 frock, pattern pictured above, with kimono sleeves and they are incredibly flattering and comfortable. I'm so totally sold!

Scalloped details: I've never been into fussy detail in anything I create, but find myself drawn more and more to scalloped detail in vintage sewing patterns.

I have purchased this sewing patternfrom the 1950's, Advance 6120,  and can't wait until it arrives. Scalloped detail and kimono sleeves, double score!

Both patterns available via Etsy - my Play Pal account has run dry!! Anyone want to buy a bonnet?

I also adore this jacket, Simplicity 7032, which some sewing blog readers may recognise as the same as Tilly's jacket, and I think this Vogue pattern, 6460, is just as adorable. A few nice touches to simple elegant designs.

Vintage patterns: During a recent discussion with one of my customers, I found that she worked at a major sewing pattern company and received free sewing patterns. As she doesn't sew herself, I have been the recipient of a few so far, and expect more in the coming weeks - score!

Despite this, I am finding myself drawn more and more to vintage patterns - have you noticed? In particular, I'm really quite obsessed with Vintage Vogue 7164 from the 1960's, which I think I first saw via Tessuti's blog last year. It's just my style all over - a loose fitting shift with pockets and cute belt! Unfortunately, I think it must be the hardest vintage pattern to find anywhere in the world.

In order to move forward and ensure I stop trawling through online vintage pattern stores, I think I'm going to try to draft it myself. I have a few princess seam vintage dress patterns in my stash and a few with similar pocket shape and belt styling, so hopefully it will work. Well that is unless someone would like to sell or trace their copy of this pattern?? Seriously people,  I'd love just a tracing!!

Liberty fabric: I've had a taste of sewing with Liberty fabric recently and I admit, I'm in love!

I'm such a fan of sewing with cotton and Liberty is just about as good as it gets. As the Aussie dollar is doing so well against the pound (26 year highs!), my hubby OK'd a purchase of Liberty for my summer wardrobe.  Some fabrics coming include these pictured here. I just love the willow trees!

So that's about all for now. My Play Pal account has taken a beating these holidays and is now very much empty, so no more purchases until it gets replenished - anyone want to buy bonnet or a pattern??