I need to be straight with you. There will be no real stitching updates from me in the immediate future, simply because there will be little time for me to stitch in. I’ve just got back from a 10-day break and now I have a few busy weekends coming up, including my boyfriend’s brother’s wedding tomorrow – no, I didn’t even make a dress for the occasion as originally planned! Useless, or what?!?
Staying true to my Hazel post though, I promise that dress fitting / making is still high on my agenda during the latter part of the year and you’ve already seen the long list of patterns awaiting my attention. Believe me, I’m itching to tackle them as soon as I can.
In the meantime though, I thought I’d share the vintage delights I recently had the pleasure of stumbling upon and consequently buying. Leicester isn’t exactly rich in vintage sewing supplies, so I always feel super privileged to find any, especially when they are this special!
This 1940s cotton swimsuit is in mint condition and the best news is that it actually fits me...can you imagine how happy this made me?
The bodice has boning for extra structure, the sides are ruched to flatter and the elasticated back is very forgiving. The straps are buttoned on making them easy to remove, I prefer tying them in a halter-neck, but they do button to the back bodice as well.
Splendid (and lots) of vintage / antique lace
My heart literally skipped a beat when I saw these lengths of stunning, drapey 1940s fabric...the colours are so vibrant!
And how could I resist this 1950s fabric?!? It feels like a wool crepe and again just look at those colours!
Any ideas what I could make with this lot? I worry I may just hang them up as eye candy, forever fearful of butchering them if I was to even go near them with the scissors...
Eek! That swimsuit is amazing! And what gorgeous fabric too, you really struck gold. So hard to decide what to do with such fabrics, but they are both so glorious they would look great with the simplest of patterns.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the simpler the better!
DeleteOh my god, Maria! What amazing finds. I love the swimming costume and the fabrics are gorgeous. Very, VERY jealous. I bet you look amazing in that cossie. I wouldn't worry about a lack of sewing - I think everyone's in a summer lull.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! Also, the summer sewing slump must be an actual thing you know! It's ironic as it's the season that inspires most of my sewing, so perhaps it's a good idea to sew for summer in the winter maybe!?!
DeleteThat bathing suit is so so pretty. I bet you look like a right stunner in it.
ReplyDeleteThat blue floral fabric is delicious. What amazing finds!
I wouldn't go that far, but it fits ;o)
DeleteOh wow, not just one fab find but four! You are indeed very lucky Marie, the blue rose fabric is to die for and I can't imagine a more perfect match than you and that swimsuit! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane, I really couldn't believe mey luck!
DeleteOooh, lovely! Especially the fabrics. I'm rather jealous, my part of Bristol seems to have mainly Ikea duvet covers.
ReplyDeleteLeicester's the same really, so you can imagine how ecstatic I was!
DeleteI can't stop gasping. I love love love that bathing suit and that blue rose fabric: be still my beating heart!
ReplyDeleteYou can start by giving me that blue 50s fabric, please & thank you.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I kid I kid! But seriously, that fabric is screaming to be a classic 50s party dress - with a fitted bodice, dainty cap sleeves, and a giant circle skirt.
I completely agree! But if you can't decide I'd gladly -ahem- borrow the fabric.
DeleteLauren, I think you are totally right about the 50s fabric having a classic party dress writen all over it!
DeleteThat bathing suit is fabulous!! So unusual!
ReplyDeleteI think a jacket will look good with the floral wool crepe. In a lovely Boden/Chanel style with a round collarless neckline with those hidden/enclosed buttons down the front. You could even extend it to having a rounded jewelled collar with an assortment of blue, green and silver/grey jewels sewn on if you wanted to take it that far! I was trying to find a link to use as an example but despite most years Boden doing this style, it isn't in their latest Autumn range... Good luck!
Oooh, lovely idea...thanks so much!
DeleteThe 40s fabric looks like a border print so something with a straightish hem...I'm thinking a gathered skirt?
ReplyDeleteYep, spot on Catherine!
DeleteOMG THAT SWIMSUIT!
ReplyDeleteAND that fabric! Wow, girl. You really lucked out with such awesome finds!
I know! I almost feel guilty at my luck...almost ;o)
DeleteOoo the swimsuit is lovely, what a brilliant find!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the vibrant flowery fabric would look good as a gathered knee length type skirt and I agree that the flowery blue fabric being a 50's style number.
Thanks Sarah, I totally agree with your thinking!
DeleteOh my goodness!! What finds!! The fabrics are gorgeous, good luck with whatever you decide to make with them. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynne, fingers crossed I can do them justice!
DeleteThat swimsuit is ridiculous! And that blue fabric? Oh, I die.
ReplyDeleteHehe!
DeleteSo many amazing finds....
ReplyDeleteI got so lucky Rachel!
DeleteWOW! These finds are STUNNING! I'm so excited to see what you make (holy cow, that blue fabric is gorgeous)! Have a great time at the wedding!
ReplyDeleteThank you - and the wedding was great thanks ;o)
DeleteI have a photo of my mother wearing a similar swimsuit in the mid 1950s. The blue floral fabric is stunning!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo to have in your possession, hope you treasure that always!
DeleteWow - what an amazing haul - that swimsuit is simply fantastic! If you decide you won't get the use out of it, I'm happy to take it off your hands! lol
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you do with the fabric either!
Hehe...good job none of you know where I live or I'd be seriously worried about my safety ;o)
DeleteGosh! That swimsuit is awesome Marie! How amazing that you managed to a. find it b. that it's in such great condition and c. that it fits you - what's the chance of that?!
ReplyDeleteCan I also be allowed to swoon over the fabric? Particularly the blue floral ....there is something I am drawn to about it ....but what would I make from it? That's a good question - I think I would enjoy posing myself that one frequently :-)
I loooove the blue flowers!! It is a very popular pattern for this winter. I would make something like this- http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/02/20/0220-erdem-fall-2012-floral-dresses_fa.jpg
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic finds!! Those fabrics are so rich in color, and that swimsuit is just too divine!
ReplyDelete(Phew, I was absent for so long, and have to catch up with all your lovely posts now!)
ReplyDeleteOK, I am so jealous now? If you think there are few vintage finds in Leicester, you should come to Thessaloniki. I can only find these treasures only in the closets of my aunties, which, alas,I' ve already scavenged and done with a few months ago. :(
The fabrics you' ve found are real gems. They would look perfect as sundresses or skirts. You just have to find the right pattern now (I know, it' s not easy). And the lace? Gorgeous, I say. Lucky you! I' m sure will do wonders with them all!