Next on the list

My newest "old" machine. Best guess? The notions with it date to the 1940's. On loan right now for a sewing display. What can I say, I love old machines, and this one is just too cool.

 My machine that I use the most is a Singer 401 Slant-o-Matic. from 1958 that I got at the age of 16. Hint: that's a long long time ago. I love the way old machines look, and my slant-o-matic does everything I need it too.

This is my next project: Simplicity 3656 from the early 1940's. It's a dress with a "Redingote", which is a coat. This pattern is so old that there are no markings beyond the patterns name, piece number, and copyright info. All the darts and other markings are holes punched in the paper. 
It cost originally 25 cents. (I was at the fabric store a few weeks back, and patterns were $18.) One of the notions listed on the back is a "9" slide fastener". That's spelled z-i-p-p-e-r. 
Better picture at Vintage Patterns Wiki. 
http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_3656_A

This is my back-up machine. A Kenmore from the 1960's maybe. It came in a cabinet with all the gadgets, including the stitch cams, instruction books, and other things I haven't learned to use yet. 

My Summer Vacation

Started sewing again. It was my vacation last week, so I had all sorts of stuff planned. The first day I dislocated my toe, which means I had to spend a lot of time with my foot up, reading. Lots of books read, not a lot of other stuff done. So yesterday I settle down to sew, with the help of Kevin the wonder cat, of course. I went through my vintage patterns, and decided on this:

 I have a really nice piece of linen, but I decided to make it out of some of the cotton I had to see how it worked out. Going by the measurements on the envelope, there was no way it would fit, so I took the time to enlarge the pattern, and made just the top to check size. Then I had to undo all of the alterations because was too big, and had to start all over. Took me one day to make the dress. I did bound button holes, which I haven't done since home ec in Jr. high school. I even used sew in interfacing instead of iron-on. This dress dates from 1955. Haven't made the jacket yet.

 I still need to make the belt. Found belt buckles at the Fabric Warehouse for 6 for $1. Also got covered button packs for 3 packs for $1. The pattern called for covered buttons, but I went for matte black buttons. All the vintage patterns I've been looking at all call for covered buttons, so they will get used in a future project.

 Also did a side zipper, something I've never done before. Couldn't find my zipper foot, so I had to use the regular one. The zipper looks great, which is odd, because I'm really bad at zippers.

The notches on the neckline were one of the problem spots. Interesting detail, but hard to get open flat. Other then that, this dress was easy to make.

Sewing With Kevin!

Kevin likes to sew! Rule #1, straight pins are toys. They look really nice spread out all over the floor. Rule #2, pattern pieces are for hiding under. Tissue paper... yum. Rule #3, all fabric makes a good sleeping spot, especially if it has just been washed. Sub rule to #3; fabric only stays on the shelf until Kevin (king of cats) decides he wants to put his fuzzy butt on that shelf. 

See Me? I'm king of the world!

See Me holding down the fabric so it doesn't blow away. Yes, we are inside the house where there is no wind. What's your point?

I've got the book here. All questions answered!

Waiting to start.....What do you mean I have to move my foot?