So, I think I’ll call this new creative endeavor “Project Replica.”  I’m counting last night as night # 1, because I did some of the prep work - basically clearing off my sewing machine/makeup vanity.  Don’t mock me; that was a big achievement!

Tonight I opened up the pattern, gathered all of the pieces, laid them out on the fabric and did all the cutting!  See?

Once I started actually *thinking* about the placement of pattern pieces and cutting process I wondered if I chose the strip a little too hastily.  I had considered the conundrum that stripes would pose with the collar and midriff and had opted to do those segments in white muslin.  But when I took a real close look at the pattern I realized that the front of the skirt is flat with pleating on the sides, not all around pleated/gathered as I had originally though.  So, I had to think about lining up those stripes.  Even though the bodice and the skirt will be separated by the white midriff, I don’t want the stripes to be too far off.

I enlisted my mother’s help.  She is the professional seamstress after all.  Besides, I get her involved (willing or not) in all my projects.  As we bent over the fabric pinning pattern pieces in place I said to her, “Wow - last time we did this together was probably ten years ago!”  Then I realized, I need to move out.  Soon.  @__@

Mom helped me figure out how to line up the stripes and, if it turns out disastrous, I have plenty of extra fabric to recut.  I cut the pattern with an extra 1/4” at all of the side seams because, according to the vintage pattern measurements, a size 11 waist is 24.5”.  Well, I’m at *least* a 25”, so I’m giving myself some extra room.  I can always tailor it back down if necessary.  By the way, can you believe the difference in sizing over the past 50-ish years?  

Snip snip!  So the entire dress is cut out.  Although, dang, I forgot to cut the interfacing.  I guess that will be for another night.  Anyway, the bodice, sleeves, and 6 paneled skirt (!) will be out of the floral stripe and the collar and midriff of white muslin.  It’s gonna be loverly!

As diminutive as it seems, this little pile of fabric pieces will supposedly add up to be an awesome rockabilly dress!  Stay tuned for more!

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.