Wednesday 3 September 2014

My Pattern Pyramid Picks

Hello, remember me? No, well I don't blame you its been a while! 

I promised to show you what patterns I picked from Karen's Pattern Pyramid and here they are! I'd fully intended to show off my finished creations along with my pattern choices, but things haven't gone quite to plan on the sewing front, so rather than leave it another month, while I continue faffing, I figured I should just get on and show you so...



I had a real tough decision choosing, as you will be aware there are some lovely patterns in there so it took me some time to settle on my favorites. My plan to make my decision easier was to think more practically, ie. no more fancy evening dresses thank you, to go for styles I could see myself wearing every day and which would also be perfect for summer, with these criteria in mind I chose Style 2136 and Simplicity 9171.



I love 1960s styles, it's the simple lines and easy elegance of the era that appeals, so I was instantly drawn to Simplicity 9171 a cute late 60s shift dress with slightly fitted shape and a natty little jacket. As much as this is a practical choice, it does take me a little out of my comfort zone shape wise. My early 20 were spent slavishly trying to recreate 60's styles from the high street stores, but as much as I loved them I realised then, that some of the iconic 60s styles don't flatter my fuller figure especially when you're not fond of showing off your legs! But I decided it was time to have another dalliance with the 60s, this pattern has a bit more shaping than your average A-line (it was probably aimed at the older lady, but I am fine with that) so might do my curves a bit more justice and my sewing stash could really use a quick to make dress pattern (Ha-ha I'm currently still battling, my own fault not the patterns) which could be ready in a few hours and help to fill the gaps in my wardrobe, fingers crossed this will be the one to do the trick!



Style 2136 from 1977 is a lovely floaty tiered maxi skirt, I have long lusted over a pattern like this. 1970s fashions are where I tend to turn when the summer heat strikes as they are floaty, just that little bit glamorous and above all despite being made of  man-made fibers are able to keep you cool! I was really hoping to have made this pattern up to show you all by now, but I'm really struggling to find just the right fabric for it. I have nothing in my stash at the moment that will do the job or anything that even comes close to the amount of fabric needed, 7.5 yards for the maxi! There is also the small matter of re-sizing it, which as its essentially a tiered dirndl skirt should not be too difficult (as you will see in my next post I've gotten quite good at sewing dirndl skirts) at least that's what I am hoping anyway!

So these were my pattern picks, but don't forget, if you want a chance to win some patterns from the Pattern Pyramid and see some beautiful handmade creations then make sure you follow Helen's blog Sew Stylish as she will be showing off her choices and hosting the next leg of its journey soon!


Wendy x

9 comments:

  1. Do love old patterns.
    I used to spend hours pouring over those huge books in the fabric stores and would always ask to have the old seasons books. Would have really aching arms getting them home on the bus. Just wish I had kept them all!
    Heather :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment ;-)
      Oh me too, there is something so lovely about just looking at old patterns especially the beautiful drawings!
      Wow I bet those books would have been amazing to pour over certainly worth the hard work bringing them home! x

      Delete
  2. That tiered skirt is the first skirt \i ever made in school needlework and garnered my lifelong love of sewing. It is really very easy. I wore it till I tore it, I was 13. You'll love it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow how fabulous what a fun place to start you on you sewing journey! I am glad to here its easy, just got to get the right fabric and I'm good to go! x

      Delete
  3. Ooo lovely choices. The skirt should be pretty easy to resize (and gorgeous to wear) but 7 yards of fabric! Eek! Happy hunting!
    I meant to have my giveaway running by now (I have picked my keepers and added some to the box) but got totally tied up with my little one starting school this week. It will be up next week I promise!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Helen, yes the 7 yards is a bit daunting, just need to make sure I get a fabric I love! Ooh don't worry about it it took me an utter age to sort my post out, I will be sure to add a link once you have though! :-) x

      Delete
  4. Loving the Lime green job!!...would make a great work shift dress!!!....have just trialled out mccalls 3341 5 in 1 skirt after long time no sew.....made it from some Ikea soft furnishing fabric...linen cotton mix...white on blue with scientific prints of bugs beetles n butterflies...went like a dream...love wearring it!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jeannette, I know I really love it and fingers crossed it will be perfect for work! Wow that skirt sounds wonderful I certainly love the sound of the Ikea fabric and I bet you look fabulous in it! xx

      Delete
  5. I bought so many patterns when a store was going out of business -- and made nothing! I also purchased $75 of buttons - all on sale! Have done nada.


    My UFOs and WIPs are becoming my age. LOL ouch!


    Thank you for all you share!

    ReplyDelete