Vintage pattern giveaway.

~ Simplicity 2154 ladies slip dress ~

I recently purchased a few vintage patterns on ebay (more on that later). One of the sellers was selling two of these vintage slip patterns in the one auction. The item description did not say whether the pattern had all the pieces, so I took the chance and bid hoping that with the two combined I would end up with a complete pattern.

Arriving home after work yesterday I found the package waiting for me on the door step. After tea I opened all the patterns to check all the pieces were there, and found that both the slip patterns were complete! I know that I have no need for two of the same pattern, so I am giving one away to a lucky reader!

The photo above shows an example of what the pattern looks like because I haven't yet found the cord to connect my scanner up yet. I have modified the pattern sizes to the correct size in the picture to prevent confusion (36B 39W). The pattern envelop is pretty tatty, or you could say well loved, but the instruction sheet and pattern pieces are in perfect condition.

I think this sized pattern is a good giveaway choice, because it could be easily scaled up or down depending on your size. Due to my 'pear shape' the bust is a little large for me, but it will fit my hips. This pattern would be perfect for underwear or even a summer dress.

Anyone anywhere can enter this giveaway simply by leaving a comment on this blog post.

The winner will be drawn at 8pm 4th September 2011 Sydney time.

Good luck!

Sam xox

My new vintage sewing machine.

Two weeks ago I won this vintage Pinnock sewing machine on eBay, for a whole $1.04!!!

The seller said she wasn't a sewer, so could not guarantee that the machine sewed, although she did say that when plugged in the needle moved up and down - which is a start! I haven't yet plugged it in to give it a go, but fingers crossed it stitches. I have found a website that offers the manual for sale, so that will be next on my list to buy, as I have no idea how to thread this thing!

The machine is in great condition, and comes complete with its original cabinet. The cabinet lid folds down and the machine rises up from inside. Once up, the sewer is able to open the cabinet door (which has cute shelves and a bobbin holder), and sit in it to sew.

From online reading this machine dates to the 50's or 60's. If anyone knows anything about these machines feel free to give me advise. My best $1.04 buy on eBay ever!

Sam xox

Itsy bitsy teeny weeny.

Seeing as it is summer and all, I have decided to try my hand at making myself a bikini. And yes, it will be polka dot!

I stumbled across Sew Happy Clothes the other day, and have to admit I have spent hours reading Meg's blog. All the clothes she has made are beautiful, and I love how she sews/knits to the seasons (knitters would love her blog too). I fell in love with Meg's tropical bikini, and just had to go in search of the pattern she made.

I'm glad I saw Meg's swimmers first before seeing the pattern, as I know that if I had seen the pattern first, I would have been put off by the bikini photographs and fabric combinations. (On a side note, I have been trying hard lately when looking at patterns to see past the colour/print of the fabrics used for the display, however I am still not good at it. Maybe I don't have a very good imagination?).

I found the pattern on eBay for $8 and it is now on its way to me.

I then went in search of appropriate swimwear fabric. The website Meg uses is an American-based one called Spandex World and had a great selection of fabrics. However, the postage to Australia was going to be $50 (yikes) so I decided not to buy their fabrics. If you do live in the US though I would seriously check it out.

After much googling with search results for 'spandex' and 'lycra' coming up with lots of unhelpful images, I turned to eBay and voila, 1 yard of this polka dotted print is on its way to me.

I am going to make bikini 'C' with this fabric. I needed lining also, and again eBay delivered the goods...

This weeks Sewing Homework is to research more about swimwear fabrics with a "4 way" stretch and work out what type of needles to use, what stitches to use, etc.

Hmm... I like the idea of Sewing Homework! Maybe I will make this a weekly thing?

Lets hope I can make this polka dotted beauty before summer ends!

Sam xox