Friday, August 7, 2009

How Far I've Come

So, as you probably know by now, my goal is to sew all fourteen projects from 1952's Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing. I don't think I've ever been as caught up in a project as I am in this one. And I don't know about you, but when I get caught up in sewing, it's hard to sit back and enjoy the ride. Let's stop and smell the roses, shall we?

I've completed four out of the fourteen main projects in VoNBBS. (There are some supplementary projects, like the halter dress version of the full, gathered skirt pattern, but essentially there are fourteen projects.) I think that's some pretty good progress! In fact, it makes me a little panicky that it's all going to be over too soon. But then I remember that I've got an evening dress, a tailored suit, and a coat to make - among other things. This is going to take a while. That's good, since this whole journey is keeping me sane and centered right now.

So just for the sake of taking inventory, let's look back at what I've made so far, alongside the VoNBBS photos:



I liked it so much I made it again in pink.



Then there was the "slim, supple skirt."





Next, I moved backwards to the first project in the book, "the chemise dress."



And moved right along to "the full, gathered skirt."



Whew! It's been an amazing ride so far. I never imagined I would meet so many cool sewing friends through this project. Your thoughtful comments have meant the world to me.

Thanks for stopping by! And please keep coming back. I have a couple special tutorials planned so you can make your own versions of two of these projects - no patterns required!

18 comments:

  1. I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I must say that when you put everything you've done together....wow! I can't believe it's been such a short time! everything is so gorgeous and you're going to have a rocking wardrobe and crazy sewing skills. I don't know which piece is my favorite so far, but that full gathered skirt is amazing.

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  2. This is such a wonderful project and I'm so inspired by your amazing pieces and how well they have all come together. I too love the full gathered skirt... that fabric is so darling!!

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  3. No, thank you for sharing this fun,original project. I love tuning in to watching and you should be proud of your accomplishments. When the 14 are done, you just need to find another book! A sequel...

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  4. CUE APPLAUSE!!!

    Now, you need to take a pic with the portrait blouse AND gathered skirt. Preferably with...what is that, a patent leather belt? (Posing with hands awkwardly perched on shoulders not necessary.)

    Are any more projects put together as outfits in the book?

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  5. I'm amazed at how much you've managed to accomplish already! Especially since you went back and remade some of those projects. ;)

    To chime in with everyone else: I think the gathered skirt is by far my favorite! :) Such a simple garment, but one that can be so much fun depending on the fabric (and you certainly picked out an eye-catching one!).

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  6. My favourite - though they are all stunning - is definitely the portrait blouse. I just think it's so darn pretty. I'm dying to find a similar pattern!

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  7. Gertie - I'm just getting onboard and following your journey and I think this is such a kewl project you've taken on! You do realize that you will have an entire wardrobe when you've finished, right?!

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  8. I'm really amazed at how quickly you put everything together! Certainly puts me and my slow-pokiness to shame :-). Love seeing your progress, though! And you're really making me itch to try out some of these patterns. That blouse is lovely, and it's not like I need an excuse to make yet another skirt.

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  9. Found your blog last week and am still in awe. You are doing a fabulous job accomplishing your goal and in the process inspiring me to keep on sewing some vintage things. Can't thank you enough!

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  10. Aw shucks, everyone. You ladies are so sweet. I'm so happy to see the new commenters here, as well as the ones who have been around from the start. Isn't the online sewing community the best?

    I don't know if I could pick a favorite project! I've definitely gotten the most wear out of the slim skirts and the portrait blouses. They are perfect for work.

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  11. Gertie you are just simply adorable! I am so inspired by all of your-dress making that I went and bought some very old Simplicity, McCalls, and Advance patterns the other day at this antique shop--we'll see how they turn out or if they're salvagable! :) Happy Friday!

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  12. How fun! I'm lovin' the skirt. And you know this could be a movie!

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  13. The portrait blouses you've made have me searching out the pattern but my other favorite is the full gathered skirt. Great blog and when you're done, I echo Cindy, you need to find a new vintage book to go through!

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  14. I really enjoy your beautiful blog each day and you have inspired me into this vintage clothing and patterns land. I have been looking in the antique stores for vintage patterns and clothing which I never paid attention to before - I was happy to see you will be offering new tutorials. Thanks so much.

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  15. I'm looking forward to the next installments of your project. Each garment is fantastic. I love LOVE the full gathered skirt. So cute!

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  16. Gertie, love your blog - came over from WR. Tweeted it to all my pals - subscribed to your RSS - go girl go

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  17. You guys have no idea how much your comments make me smile! Thanks to you all for reading.

    And thanks Sally for passing the link along. :)

    Knitosaurus, one of the tutorials I'm working on is for a portrait blouse lookalike. I figured out a way to make it without a pattern. Stay tuned!

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  18. These are all so beautiful! I'm so happy to have stumbled upon your blog and can't wait to learn from you.

    Beautiful!

    ~ Holly

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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