The third Historical Sew Monthly challenge of 2015 is Stashbusting.
Now, most of my sewing IS from stash – the problem is that I keep adding to the stash. :-/ Or starting a project from stash and then finding I need 3m of some fabric I don’t already own to finish it! :-p
I’m quite pleased about this outfit as a stash-busting exercise, because it’s from one of my oldest pieces of boughten stash. Almost eight years ago, when I was just getting back into historical costuming, I bought ten metres of white cotton almost-pique at an Arthur Toyes 50% off sale (long shall we mourn their passing). I bought it because it was 100% cotton fabric in white for $4 a metre, so how could I not?
I has this idea that I would make a reproduction of the dress on the seated woman in Monet’s Women in the Garden, but I quickly realised the fabric wasn’t right for that. I couldn’t quite give up on the idea, or the fabric, so it lingered in my stash, being hauled around and reorganised for 8 years.
This year it finally had the chance to be useful. With Art Deco Weekend coming up, I wanted to make this, in white with green buttons:
Alas, I could not find my green button and buckle set, or green contrast fabric that really felt right in any local fabric store. But the white not-quite-pique was the perfect fabric.
So I hit on the idea of a handkerchief blouse in green and blue to match my shoes, and a sporty white suit with the skirt from the pattern and the bolero jacket.
Sadly I do not actually own that pattern, but I do have my own 1930s pencil skirt pattern, and the Wearing History Chic Ahoy Bolero pattern. Sorted!
I am extremely pleased with the whole outfit. Both pieces are so comfortable and surprisingly versatile. I’ve never been much of a bolero fan, but this one is really winning me over. The pleat darts at the shoulders make it sit beautifully, and the longer sleeves are a more flattering length than the usual short bolero sleeves.
So, much to my delight and satisfaction, some of that white not-quite-pique has finally made its way into being clothing. Sure, I still have over 8 metres left, but that means I can still make that halter dress I wanted. And, ummm…about 6 more pieces of 1930s clothing!
And, in perfect timing, I found a vintage slim cotton slip in an antique store in Nelson that is just ideal for wearing under this skirt, as long as I don’t go do silly things like sit on an anchor and show off the hem:
The Challenge: #3 Stashbusting
Fabric: 1.5m of white cotton not-quite-pique, purchased in 2007 for $4pm.
Pattern: My own 1930s slim pleat-front-and-back skirt pattern, Wearing History’s Chic Ahoy bolero jacket pattern
Year: ca. 1934
Notions: petersham ribbon, bias hem tape (to finish the insides of the bolero hem), cotton thread, and a zip
How historically accurate is it?: I’m not sure of the petersham finish to the skirt. And I’m not sure about a side zip on skirts this early. So. 70%
Hours to complete: 4 for the two. Talk about satisfactory sewing!
First worn: Sunday 22 Feb, at Napier’s Art Deco Weekend
Total cost: $9 ($6 for the fabric – the rest is in zips and petersham)
I actually have a 1930’s pattern drafting book, and if you used the petersham for the waistband, if I remember correctly, that is actually accurate for a finish on the waistband on a skirt in the 30’s. Or at least, a ribbon instead of a waistband is accurate.
Oh, very good! I have a couple myself, but have just been too busy to look it up properly.
I love that you use the word ‘boughten’. I use it all the time (it’s a GREAT word and I like that it implies that boughten is not the default) and I generally am met with blank stares.
I like it because you see it a lot in magazines of the 20s-40s. “Children will love this biscuit recipe! Tastes just like boughten!” “Home-made frocks last longer than boughten.” So it fits the era of my wardrobe nicely.
Also a brilliant way of ending the modern confusion between ‘bought’ and ‘brought’ – this drives me nuts!
I think “boughten” sounds right to many of us because English went through an early phase when it still used the verb forms of German. Anyway, that skirt is great! I wish I had one–I could use a well-fitting skirt (or pants, for that matter).
That outfit looks so cool and comfortable!
It was! I was very pleased with how wearable it was. Thank you!
Hi
De-lurking to let you know I say something on etsy that might interest you. VintageModeShop has got a 1930’s burda magazine with patterns included.
I’m not affiliated, I just thought this would give you endless ideas.
Oh My….I love you, but I HATE you! I thought I’d look, because they would be SO far above my budget, so I wouldn’t be tempted. They weren’t, so, uh, Mr D just bought my birthday present. Just a teeny bit ahead of time. Only a smidge.
This is SO beautiful! You did a lovely job and it looks lovely on you!!
I am so incredibly envious of the weather you have – over here it’s 30-something degrees (F) and cold….and gray…and horrible. The beach with sunshine sounds amazing!
Lovely, lovely outfit!!
Thank you! I’m very pleased with this outfit! Come July, we shall be cold and grey and horrible and envious of you!