Thursday, November 12, 2009

Sewing Made Easy, really? Yes!!!!


Sewing Made Easy 1959, yet to be made vintage patterns from my collection.

I love to sew and I am not to shabby but I am self taught, everything I know about sewing I have learned on my own (well there was that week in 8th grade Home Ec where we sewed a snake, weird huh?). Over the years I have been collecting patterns well not really more like hoarding patterns, but any who these gorgeous patterns seldomly get used and that is so very very wrong. Shame on me!


A few of my favorite patterns from my collection.
 
Self taught has made me a master at tailoring ready made, making wicked awesome pencil skirts, sewing my own designs (like my halloween costume) and whipping up accessories but horrible at understanding written directions and terminology amongst a few other important details. So when it comes to getting ready to make most dress patterns and especially suits I am scared out of my wits.


Gosh, I really cant wait to make these.

All my problems have been solved, well in away. Today I stumbled upon something I have been needing for way to long, but did not have the extra pocket cash to pick up via the internet. This book is entitled Sewing Made Easy and that is exactly what it does.


A few more favorites.

My first sewing book and its from 1959 perfect for all of my vintage patterns, best dollar I ever spent! I am no longer scared to make a fancy dress but excited, if I have any questions I can just refer to my new lil sewing bible! Over 400 pages covering all the basics and then some, along with lovely how to's, like slip covers for furniture, curtains, hats, slippers, belts (which I have included a picture of below for you to save or use as inspiration) and turning two ugly dress' into one gorgeous dress.


Click to enlarge. The first is my favorite, using a mans watch chain to make a belt how bad ass is that for a 1950's housewife!!!!

I hope all of you guys have an amazing Veterans Day and even better sewing adventures.


18 comments:

  1. I'm self taught too, I made that lovely Advance housecoat a couple of years ago. Currently I'm making a 30s skirt but half of the instructions seem to be missing......

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  2. Ooh, the book looks awesome and chock full of information!

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  3. I need a book like that. I learned to sew a bit as a child but lately have been wanting to pick it up again to be able to sew the things I can't find in stores.

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  4. What a great book! One of the patrons at the library where I work picked up a Vogue sewing book from the 50's for fifty cents last year and I wanted to kick myself for not checking the book sale rack.

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  5. I am sew jealous! I have been dreaming of a finding a sewing book of hints and tips. I have been putting one together myself form handouts from classes or things that have been told me buy teachers (I just leant an awesome way to put zips in) but I forget so much more then what I write down. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled!

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  6. Vintage sewing books are so much more fun than a lot put out today. A lot of books today have the same ten projects, whereas the older ones have variety and techniques. Enjoy your find and good luck with your future projects.

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  7. I have a sewing machine but I'm terribly afraid to use it. Stupid I know.

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  8. thanks so much for your lovely comment....!! nor more sequins, you're right !
    and : happy sewing !

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  9. I have that exact book! And even though I am a seasoned sewer, I refer to it often especially when I am doing up vintage patterns. Kind of gets my head in the right place if ya know what I mean.;)

    And speaking of vintage patterns, I am in a state of serious and deep envy over that Hollywood wrap dress pattern. I want it!! Badly.

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  10. Those vintage sewing books are just the best! Chock full of information that will never be outdated. Makes me want to do more sewing myself...

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  11. Those photos are so swoon-worthy, who wouldn't jump at the chance to own such amazing patterns and a vintage sewing book like that (I know I would! :D). Hope you have a blast with all sewing projects, honey - it's so fun to create something to wear from scratch.

    Thank you dearly for you immensely kind comments. I hope you're having an amazing week!
    ♥ Jessica

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  12. Ohh!! You have great patterns!! I like them ALL!! and that book, is also great! where did you get that book? I envy you =(
    Have you sew all the patterns?
    About sewing, I'm taking classes because I used to sew just by my self, but then I didn't understand some instructions because of the sweing termns, so I started taking lesson, OF COURSE I need more time to learn and more practice, but I've done some dresses.
    You should post some of the dresses you did using the patterns you show here =)

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  13. I love reading old sewing books, and that is a really good one! Love your patterns, I sew vintage, too, and myself have some difficult dress, suit, and coat patterns to tackle one day.

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  14. Yes, yes, yes! I would love to see the link.

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  15. I was taught to sew in school as child, first hand sewing then machine sewing, and using patterns. My mother was always making my sister and I clothes. I have made a few over the years myself without any other help, just seem to understand the patterns and how to do it all, and amazingly remember what I was taught in school Wish I had time to make clothes these days, oh and knit, I can do that too and haven't made anything for years. The one thing I am not good at is crochet, can just do an ordinary stitch and go backwards and forwards!!!!! lol

    I am so pleased I found your blog via The Frivolous Flapper.

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  16. Vintage patterns are the best! If I could just find more of them where I live, I'd probably start collecting them...

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  17. I am taking a sewing course, I started last month and for now I can say I can properly make a pencil skirt from making the pattern to the real thing. I have so many vintage patterns too and I'd really love to be able to use them soon. The book you've found looks magic!!

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  18. I know this is an old post but I just found a copy of the book at an estate sale. I am selling it on Amazon in a couple of days.

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