I’m not exactly sure why sewing patterns scare the crap out of me but I think my bizarre fear may have begun during the horror that was my Home Ec. class eons ago in school and the terrifying teacher who taught it. (those unfamiliar with Home Ec. can learn my tale in this video)
A funky thrift score has now convinced me to face my ridiculous pattern dread and attempt my first instruction following sewing project:
A pair of vintage East German jazzy pants from a still originally packaged 1970’s pattern!
That groovy high-waisted trouser pattern is from the oh-so-imaginatively named Verlag für die Frau (Publisher for Women) and appears to have only 3 pieces so fingers crossed it won’t be too complicated…
The Verlag für die Frau in action in 1971 – I’m totally digging that wrap maxidress!
Snag the scoop behind the pattern & help me decide which marvelous vintage fabric I should use below:
Vintage pattern (thrifted) €0.10 – Vintage Floral Fabric (thrifted) €0.50 – Vintage Tablecloth (thrifted) €1
Total cost: €1.60
Let’s take a closer look at those funky fabrics:
This tablecloth is huge and a mix of polyester & cotton that has been dyed to cover a few unsightly stains.
This large piece of fabric is a light cotton and may be easier to work with than the tablecloth…?
Let me know which fabric you think is best in the comments below + any pattern cutting, sewing & basic usage advice is most welcome too!
Not real fond of either for this project, keep looking ?
My quirky taste in fabrics and styles are definitely not to everyone’s taste but that’s what makes sustainable DIY eco fashion so awesome, choosing exactly what suits your individual personality & personal style 😀
I like the floral fabric. It’s got a “summery” theme yet it’s a dark color-so more versatile to wear year ’round 🙂
I’m also thinking it might be easier to work with as it’s quite a lightweight cotton…hmmm
I totally agree with knotrune about practicing with a sample fabric – even an old sheet will do. Pants patterns can be trickier to fit than any other type of pattern. I think in choosing a fabric, it is also helpful to look at the pattern on the fabric from a distance – like across the room. I’m also not sure how well that bright floral is going to look in a pant. Are you sure you want a big pink or red
flower on your crotch? It might make a great skirt or blouse though.I think of everything I sew as an experiment. And always baste your fabric with large stitches before sewing the final seam. Good luck. Can’t wait to see the pictures!
I definitely see pair of experimental “sheet pants” in my future…thanks for the tips!
definitely the flowers
the flowers are absolutely a bold statement (which I’m all about! 😉 )
The floral pattern, definitely – it will suit your vibrant personality.
I do love a vibrantly loud outfit 😀
I vote for the vintage floral!
It’s very 70’s – I dig it too!
Your fabrics may be great value, but if you’d be gutted to ruin them it always helps to make a toile (mockup) first in a cheap fabric you don’t love, of similar properties (thickness, stretch) just to check you are making the right size and it fits you. Don’t panic if the toile doesn’t fit perfectly, there are tweaks that can be done – the main advantage of making your own clothes is that you can do those tweaks so the clothes fit better than off the peg. It can also help to leave extra seam allowance just in case the seam needs to be let out.
Patterns are not something to be afraid of 🙂 Also, if you don’t want to cut your original vintage pattern, you can trace it. Thin interlining can be a good thing to use for that because it is more like fabric itself.
Check whether the pattern includes extra seam allowance or not.
Good luck, you’ll be fine 🙂
soooo many great tips! cheers my dear! 😀
Ja, ich schließe mich AnnaMedas an. Auf jeden Fall den Vintage-Stoff. Der ist viel besser 🙂
Ich denke auch so 😉
Vintage Floral Fabric is the best for me! 🙂 Good sewing!
Tablecloth!
Thanks Joli! Finally a vote for the tablecloth! 😉 It’s a much heavier fabric so would definitely be better for the coming fall/winter wear.
Grazie Anna! Maybe I will have enough left to make a cool crop top too! 😉