Vintage Inspired Sewing Projects for Beginners
Sometimes its fun to get back to basics. With the long, hot days of summer upon us, having a simple and fulfilling project to complete in the cool air conditioning is all a person needs to feel refreshed. Here are a few of my favorite (easy) vintage inspired sewing projects!
Click title to be taken to website for project instructions.
Retro Drawstring Bag by A Spoonful of Sugar Designs
Make these little bags up in various sizes to fulfill all your needs. I love having a few little bags like these for quick trips to the library or farmer’s markets. And of course my one year old loves toting bags like these around to hold all sorts of random toys!
Sewing Machine Pillow by Quilting Digest
This little project is a quick way to get a quilting fix without having to commit to a larger size. Go stash diving to use up all those odds and ends you know you have lying around!
Camper Pincushion by Crafts Beautiful
This little camper is the epitome of summer vacation! Let this little cutie grace your sewing table and help you keep track of all those rogue pins.
Creating a Vintage Blouse from a Modern Sewing Pattern
If you want a little more of a challenge, why not take a pattern you already have and mix it up to create something more vintage. In this video tutorial, I’ll show you how to create two different blouses using one modern sewing pattern!
So don’t let the dog days of summer get you down! Grab some ice tea and head to the sewing room!
I am now accepting custom orders on select items for August and September. To see current offerings please click HERE. To see my online portfolio click HERE.
1940’s Blouse Pattern and Tutorial
This blouse is such a quick and easy way to take an extra yard of fabric and turn it into something special! Add some pizzaz with different fabrics, contrasting colors, and trims!! The possibilities are endless!
What you will need:
- 1 yard of fabric*
- 12″ of 1/2″ wide elastic
- Thread
* To create a larger size, simply create a larger square – 40″ x 40″, 42″ x 42″, etc
This pattern can be created by simply measuring and cutting the actual fabric, however the pictures below are shown on a large piece of craft paper.
Creating a 1940’s Blouse from a Modern Pattern
I am so excited to share today’s post with you, as it offers one of my favorite sewing cheats: taking an already created pattern and tweaking it into something completely new. And today’s little tweak comes in the form of a 1940’s blouse. I will show you the pattern I have chosen to use, but feel free to use any blouse pattern that you would like as the method to create this top doesn’t change too much!
Here we go!
I chose to use McCall’s Blouse Pattern #M6750 pictured below.
Once you have chosen your pattern, take a look at the back of the envelope to find out how much fabric you will need along with the required notions. Then, simply add an extra 1/4-1/3 yard of fabric to account for the ruffles. Cut out the paper pieces, and follow this simple step to create the new pattern for the front of the bodice.
1950’s Overskirt Video Tutorial: Beginner’s Sewing
The other day, I was watching my season 5 DVD set of I Love Lucy…. you know, the Hollywood episodes. And as I was watching one of the episodes, Lucy wore one of my favorite outfits in the entire series. A delicious creation featuring an overskirt attached to a bodice with coordinating skinny pants.
Here is the image of it from the show, along with the original sketch by Elois Jensson:
Lucy in Palm Springs
A 1950’s Sleeveless Jacket or Sleeveless Dress
This little number is part coat, part dress, and part chic!
This is a very simple design which can easily include sleeves, a collar, or a fun belt as seen in the picture above. The other fun thing about this pattern is that it is fully lined! How luxurious! 🙂
Materials Needed
1 1/2 yard each of outer fabric and lining
6 large buttons
Pattern Guide
Front – Cut 2 from both fabrics but cut lining shorter that outer fabric
A, B – 1/4 of neck plus 3″
B, C – Shoulder length plus 2″
E, D – 1/4 of bust plus 3″
C, D – Armhole Curve
Back (Cut on fold) Cut 1 of each fabric
A, B – 1/4 of neck plus 1″
B, C – Shoulder length
E, D – 1/4 of bust plus 2-3″
C, D – Armhole Curve
To show you how to create this pattern, I have added a video outlining each step.
Sorry about the wavy lines in the video….I’m still new to the whole movie making thing! 🙂 But I will get better!!
1930’s One Hour Summer Top
Last year I purchased some fabric in a unique color blend of black, yellow, and light grey. I had no idea what I wanted to do with it, but since it was such a great price, I, of course, snatched it right up! Well, it has finally found a purpose with this very easy summer blouse.
This is all one piece, and if you can make a hem, you can make this top! The most important part of the construction of this blouse is with the shape of the one piece. While you can technically do any length or width that you would like, make sure you don’t make the neckline too wide…a mistake I made on my first practice round. I recommend a 9″ x 6″ square opening.
Here is the pattern I created for this design:
IT’S HERE: Pattern Book, Fashion Line, and Giveaway!!!
Today is truly a dream come true….
It is a day which I have thought about, planned for, agonized over, and gained a pound or two (or three) over! And now that it is here, I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness, accomplishment, and a wee bit, or maybe a lot, of nervousness! 🙂
So without any further ado, let’s just get right into it!
Aimee’s Vintage Armoire 1940-1950 Pattern Book
Focusing on fashion from the 1940’s and 1950’s, this spiral bound, full color book features nine various garments inspired by vintage pieces. Each pattern is hand created by you, using the pattern guides in the book to help you create a truly custom piece. To learn more about the pattern drafting used in this book, please click HERE.
Front Cover
Back Cover
Inside of Book
This lovingly created book is available for purchase through the Lulu Publishing Company for $25.00 (USD) plus shipping.
Simply click HERE to be taken to Lulu to complete your purchase. To see the return policy for Lulu, please click HERE, and scroll to the bottom.
In addition, a number of books are also available on my Etsy shop. Simply click HERE to purchase through Etsy.
But it wouldn’t be a book launch without a giveaway! Details are at the bottom of this post!
Vintage by Aimee Fashion Line
I am a big believer in blending touches of the past into one’s everyday, modern life. And what better way than with your wardrobe. Vintage by Aimee is all about taking the classic look of yesteryear and blending it together with fabrics and patterns of today. Taking inspiration from the very designs I created for my first book, my first fashion line features ready made versions of my most favorite creations. To purchase or see sizes available for the options shown below, simple click the name of the dress above the picture.
With many options and sizes available for purchase through my Etsy Shop, Vintage by Aimee is a dream in the making. Make sure to check back regularly, as more pieces will be added on a routine basis.
Aimee’s Vintage Armoire Sewing Kits
Available for a variety of the designs offered in my book, these kits come complete with everything you need to create one finished piece. With fabric hand chosen by me, these kits are just the thing to get you started on the way to a new vintage wardrobe! Click the title above the picture to be taken to the Marjorie Sewing Kit.
The Marjorie Dress Sewing Kit – $30.00
Click HERE to see all the options available.
AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!!
The first ten individuals who purchase a book will be entered into a drawing to win the Lucille Top Sewing Kit worth $36.00!
The Lucille Top
Interested?
Simply click the appropriate link below, than follow the instructions ….
Purchasing through Lulu? – Simply email your purchase receipt to aimeevictorianarmoire@gmail.com with the email subject line of PATTERN BOOK GIVEAWAY.
Purchasing through Etsy? – No need to do anything, as proof of your purchase will be emailed to me right away.
A winner will be chosen once the first ten books (along with the proof of purchase) are sold!
I will announce the winner on my blog and will contact you personally to let you know your gift is on it’s way! This contest is open to all readers, regardless of location.
I am so excited and blessed to be beginning this next chapter in my life, my blog, and my business. I want to thank you all for helping me on this journey and look forward to sharing more wonderful things with you in the future!
I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart,
“She believed she could….so she did.”