Jumpsuiting for Joy

Oooh, that was a cheesy title but I've been thinking about puns around jumpsuits and overalls for a week or so now after posting about the my jumpsuit pattern addiction. I'm thinking about doing a project later in the year where I will sew jumpsuits from all the patterns I own for them...

I enjoy reading about other people's projects and always contemplate taking on a project but I have to admit to lacking the time and dedication, I'm a classic case for starting sewing projects and then taking years to finish them off (I blame a penchant for over-complicating things and work sewing for getting in my way all too often!). My toddler has also taught me that although I may think I am entitled to free time during my day, if she doesn't feel like allowing it then I can't, no pointing bleating at her that "it's not fair!".

What's far more exciting at the moment though is that my jumpsuit junkie confession has won me another pattern for the collection, courtesy of the very lovely Stacey at sImpetersen. Isn't it cute? I've drafted dungarees for Mango before now so I'm going to use the pattern as a basis for drafting her a spring playsuit, then have a play with it to help create an idea for a playsuit for me that's been in my head awhile as this pattern already looks pretty close to it.

I love the concept behind Stacey's giveaway - "paying it forward".  She put up three patterns because that is what she has won, what a great giveaway theme, so I'm definitely going to follow it, probably as a spring celebration, I think (I can't wait for the arrival of spring, can you tell?!). Stacey already has has another giveaway on which ends tomorrow so pop over to  have a look and enter.  Today is the regular Wordless Wednesday, simply a photograph for inspiration, another lovely idea.


Random Throw Backs

Further to my post about vintage and repro patterns, I am sure many of you will recognise this pattern.

One of my favourite eBay pattern sellers, Oncillakat has this for sale.  Click here if you want a closer look and to see her other patterns, but beware, she has so many lovely vintage patterns at excellent prices you may find your visit separating you from a few dollars!
 

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And if you recall that day I found Batman lurking in my fabric stash?

Well I was sent this in an email recently and it made me chuckle!

Happy sewing y'all!

Something Old, Something New(ish)

It strikes me that pattern companies are onto something great with the retro/repro lines they are doing.  I recall reading on the Vogue website that they are always interested in suggestions for patterns to recreate from days gone by (and not just 40s and 50s but favoured 60s and 70s too). You must be willing to part with your pattern for a while so that it may be copied but it is returned and you get  a few freebie patterns in return, not a shabby deal. 

Quite what the criteria for selection is I am not sure, marketability is obviously a list topper, but the patterns all seem to be pretty samey, a selection of 1950's  full-skirts and wiggle dresses with minor bodice and finish differences. But as vintage pattern enthusiasts we know there is a plethora of much desired patterns out there that would surely have us running to pattern shops in droves if they were re-released.  Take this one for example that I was recently outbid on. I adore it, I am a self-confessed jumpsuit junkie. I could draft it myself from a dress jumper bodice and a pair of slacks but the idea of the trousered jumpsuit patten from the '50s, its such a rare item to see. Of course I am disappointed that it won't be gracing my collection, but with the winning bid coming at £36 (yes, that much!) it was never to be!

Simplicity seem to be the only pattern company going the slacks route and a sharp-eyed Debi (My Happy Sewing Place) recently discovered that their 3688 pattern is a bit of a fraud for the original didn't actually have a slacks pattern included, it has been incorporated on the re-release (click link for her post).  Hmm, naughty tactic but good on them, authentic slacks patterns are hard to find, or rather, not so hard to find if you are willing to part with a fair few pounds for them!  So BMV, lets have some slacks and gorgeous 30s louge pyjama pants pretty-please?

Who's drooling with me? Want it? Just £35!

Next on the wish list, 1940s/50s styles swimsuits.  Who wouldn't want to own that pattern? Incredibly feminine, figure flattering and with sufficient coverage to ensure the disguising of hips and thighs and any other bits we swear wobble too much!  The originals always sell well, again they are few and far between. A repro could be just what we need.


One of the most satisfying things as a vintage pattern collector must be coming across a reproduced pattern and thinking "I own that - the original!".  I hear that an original copy of the Walkaway dress (re-released as Butterick 4790) could earn you quite a lot of smackeroos if you came to part with it.  Last week I came across Butterick 6174, a 1999 release of a 50s pattern, it was familiar, I could swear I owned it but I would have remembered it being a retro pattern, so quick stash visit and hello Butterick 6001! Purchased for a bargain £3.11 plus shipping! Of course it is tiny and I will have to grade it up to use it but there-in lies the beauty of the repro pattern, modern multi-sizing! 

You look familiar...

Hello pretty bargain!

A quick visit to the Butterick website made me smile, I also own in original form this cutie:

And very nearly bought this original recently:














So over to you, dear reader.  Which patterns would you like to see in reprint?  Or would you prefer to own the original masterpiece?