I finally got back to work on what I’m calling “Project Replica” - the construction of a rockabilly dress from a 1950s pattern.  (Totally cool, right?  The only thing that would make it better is if the fabric itself was vintage too.  Alas, I purchased this material at JoAnn’s Fabric just a few weeks ago.)  I first had to fix a mistake I made during my last sewing session when I got a little too zealous and sewed a seam that was supposed to be left open.  For those of you who don’t sew, there are a few ways to remove stitches.

The first way to remove stitches is to pull the bobbin thread.  When a sewing machine sews thread comes from the top of the machine as well as below.  Underneath the machine is a shuttle with a bobbin (small spool of thread).  To put it as basically as possibly, the needle pulls the thread from the top through the fabric and it loops/knots with the thread from the bottom before pulling back up and propelling forward to repeat this process just a fraction of an inch away from the initial needle insertion.  (For a more accurate description of how sewing machines work, visit this link: How Stuff Works - Sewing Machines.)  If you can get a hold of the bobbin thread and pull it ever so gently, you have a good chance of releasing all the knots/loops so that the whole seam easily unravels.  (This is why you should never pull a loose thread in a garment of clothing if you are wearing it or right before you put it on.  I’m sure thousands of ladies can testify to pulling at a thread on their skirt hem only to have the entire hem fall!)  In the following picture I am attempting this technique, however I never have much luck with this.  My mother always had a real knack for it, but I can never get it!  

One can also pull out the stitches one by one.  This is tedious.  Very tedious.  No one wants to do this.  See below:  
Perhaps the most lucrative technique is pulling the bound pieces of fabric tautly apart from each other and breaking the stitches with the seam ripper between the two pieces.  This gives the sewer the opportunity to break a handful of stitches at once, however you have to be very careful because you could easily tear the fabric.
Anyway, once I removed the unnecessary stitches from the collar I attached it to the dress, constructed the facings, sewed them on, clipped the seam allowance and pressed it.  Seams are clipped to reduce bulk.  In this particular case we have the seam allowance from the bodice, the seam allowance from the collar, and from the facing.  The collar seam allowance is doubly thick.  I actually made a zig zag stitch around the whole seam allowance as well after clipping it because both of the fabrics I’m using seem to fray easily.  
So, the bodice is basically constructed!  Here are some pix: 
Not great pix - sorry!  It’s hard to photograph yourself!  :)  Anybody have an comments?

I don’t remember what made me start browsing vintage patterns on Etsy.  I probably saw a dress I wanted and didn’t want to pay for it.  I’ve also had this desire lately to clear all my makeup off my sewing machine case (yes, I’ve been using it as a vanity) and tune up the old stitcher for some creative fun.  (Granted, I should take care of the laundry basket full of mending before I take off with the fun stuff, but I probably won’t.)

Somehow, though, I ended up looking at 1950s dress patterns, and - oh! - aren’t they incarnation of femininity! In my perusing of MBChill’s Shop, I came across this: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/30944355. Looking at this pattern, I started musing about my own seamstress talents, wondering if I had it in me to start, and complete, such an undertaking.  On a whim I bought the pattern, along with a few others, and confidently paid for my purchase.  I love vintage clothing so much, why not make my own to fit me perfectly?

When my patterns came in the mail I was quietly excited.  On Saturday afternoon I dragged my mother to the fabric store, requesting her input on prints and fiber content.  I settled on a cotton blue and white floral and stripe print.  Since this particular pattern has a somewhat difficult looking collar and midriff, I decided to use the stripe for the bodice and skirt and accent it with a starch white for the collar and belted area. I think it’s going to be fab and am looking forward to emulating Betty Draper!

I’m going to blog about the project as I progress.  Hopefully this won’t be a tale of woe.  Since the dress is a summer print and blend, my goal is to be finished by August 18th, giving me 6 weeks.  Is that enough time for this endeavor?  Especially with a full time job, two bands, a social life and an Etsy shop?  I have no idea.  But, if I don’t set a goal I doubt it’ll *ever* get done!  Ok, folks - cheer me on!

P.S. I will be undertaking this on my grandmother’s pink Kresge Newark, circa 1950.