I love getting the most out of my patterns- and that’s why I have decided to take part in the Double Duty Blog Tour with Rebecca Page Patterns.

This tour is all about using one of the great patterns by Rebecca Page Patterns – once in the instructed way, and then once in a completely different way!

I decided to use the Portia Party Dress for my Double Duty blog post. One of the things I love about this pattern is the sleeves.

The sleeves are a real statement for this dress- they have a real vintage feel- which is right up my street! Not only that, but they are cut out as part of the bodice so no easing in – making it a really quick sew.

This dress can be made in either knit or woven fabrics, and made in different lengths from above knee to full blown maxi- so lots of possibilities!

For my dress I made it knee length in a polka dot for a truly 40s tea dress feel. Because I used woven fabric I had to insert an invisible zip in the side seam- not my favourite sewing activity – but the instructions are great if you’ve never done one before.

All in all, it’s a great vintage style dress pattern, with lots of options! But how’s about one more…..

For my twist on this pattern, I decided to make a 70s inspired kimono.

To do this was quite simple.

1. Instead of cutting the back piece as mirrored images, I cut this piece on the fold (taking into account removing the seam allowance). I chose not to include the keyhole here, but if you want to keep it, why not?

2. Then I simply cut 2 mirrored pieces for the front instead of it being on the fold.

3. I then followed the instructions as per the pattern, with the exception of the zip or joining the front pieces together.

I did sew this with French seams so all the raw edges were enclosed, and then I hemmed around the rest of the raw edges, but you could also use bias binding or maybe a fancy trim to finish off the 70s feel. I used a viscose drapey fabric so perfect as a lightweight cover up for summer time!

Make sure to check out the previous posts for the Double Duty Blog Tour and see the other amazing hacks and ideas by these talented seamstresses! Plus there’s a chance to win a one-month subscription- further info below.

More Inspiration

Please visit all the stops on the Rebecca Page Double Duty Blog Tour for more great inspiration:

• Monday, February 25: Rebecca Page (Intro), Sarcastic Sewist, Sewjourns
• Tuesday, February 26: Stitched by Jennie
• Wednesday, February 27: SimplyKyra
• Thursday, February 28: bigflynotions
• Friday, March 1: Patchwitch
• Saturday, March 2: twofiveohnine, Soul Fed on Thread, Sequoialynn Sews
• Sunday, March 3: Livality, Mama Sew Vintage

Prizes

We will be giving away 7 one-month subscriptions. Each one-month subscription prize contains:

• Ladies XXS to 5XL Strappy Cami pattern
• Bonus Ladies XXS to 5XL Comfy Cowl pattern
• 1 pattern credit to use for a pattern of choice during the month of subscription
• A further 20% discount on any other patterns (including those already on sale) during the month of subscription

For a chance to win a One-Month Subscription, please comment on the blogs each day and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

The Portia Party dress is available in knit fabric in knee length for ladies and children (and 18″ dolls!) as a freebie- you can grab that here-

https://rebecca-page.com/product/bundle-portia-free-version/

You can get your full version copy (which includes all the different lengths and different fabric options) of the Portia Party dress here-

https://rebecca-page.com/product/bundle-portia-full-version/?affiliates=151

This is my affiliate link. Purchasing the pattern through my link does not cost you any more money, but the designer does provide me with a small commission from any sales- which helps fund my sewing addiction and is greatly appreciated xx

My love of vintage extends further than just a love of fashion. I love to watch shows set in different eras- from Downton Abbey with their chic tea dresses to the more colourful outfits of Mrs Maisel.

One of my favourites is Agent Carter- the wardrobe is just fabulous- and today’s sew is based on one of these pieces!

Not only is today’s sew a true vintage classic, but it is a peice that can transition easily into an everyday item from office wear, as in Mad Men, to grocery shopping, as per mom-iform – the perfect pussy bow blouse.

I used the Madison Blouse from Rebecca Page Patterns to create this look.

As with all the PDF Patterns from this designer, you can print only the size you require (or sizes if you need to blend for the perfect fit) and one of my favourite things about the Rebecca Page Patterns is that most of them come in ladies, child and doll sizes- so your mini can match! And what says vintage more than matching! (I always remember a story my MIL told me that in the 70s there was a mother and daughter who always wore matching outfits to parties etc).

The Madison is made with woven fabric – I used a viscose fabric so it created a lovely blousey effect which was perfect for this pattern- but you can also use quilters cotton among other non stretchy fabrics.

The gathering along the front and back yokes add a lovely detail to the blouse.

I love this pattern as it offers different sleeve variations- long, short and puff making it a great all year round pattern. Plus it means you dont have to keep making the same style – because you will for sure be making another one! In addition you can choose to either pleat or gather your sleeves when attaching to the bodice. I opted for gathered here but the instructions for pleats looked really easy to follow.

You can also leave the bow off and follow the patterns instructions for a simple collar too.

The instructions for the Madison blouse are detailed and easy to follow- I love how it goes into detail about flat felled seams (learn something new every day!) and my favourite – French seams. These sound complicated but are in fact super easy and make a really professional looking garment inside and out.

And on that note, I’m ready to channel my inner Peggy (Carter or Olsen 😉) thanks to my Madison….

Lucy xoxo

Patterns available here-

Ladies-

https://rebecca-page.com/product/ladies-tie-neck-blouse-pattern/?affiliates=151

Child-
https://rebecca-page.com/product/tie-neck-blouse-pattern/?affiliates=151

Doll-
https://rebecca-page.com/product/doll-tie-neck-blouse-pattern/?affiliates=151

Bundle of all three-
https://rebecca-page.com/product/mommy-and-me-tie-neck-blouse-pattern/?affiliates=151

These are my affiliate links. Purchasing the pattern through my link does not cost you any more, but the designer does provide me with a small commission from any sales- which helps fund my sewing addiction and is greatly appreciated xx

I love a good flare. The flare is one of the top things I think of when someone says ‘seventies fashion’. With its iconic shape, it makes a perfect staple for a vintage inspired wardrobe.

I have worn a fair few flares in my lifetime (the bigger the better, and I only threw them away under duress – even when they were completely frayed at the bottom!) and so this time I thought I would switch it up and make my little girl some of her very own!

However, these are not just your ordinary, run of the mill, adorable little girl bell bottoms. These are some super duper flared dungarees.

I used the Ellie and Mac PDF Pattern ‘Be Outstanding Overalls’ for these vintage inspired flares. I made my version in a denim material so they look like an authentic pair of 70s flare jeans but these can be made in any type of woven fabric. The dungaree straps simply tie in a knot so no need for pesky buttonholes or snaps. It is a great pattern for a beginner and actually a quick sew. I managed to prepare the pattern, cut the pieces and sew while my children were out at school. Also, the pictures along with the instructions make it really clear to follow.

I think these dungarees will be great for all seasons- with a polo neck in the winter or a tee in the summer – definitely a good all rounder!

And who knows, maybe some flare dungarees will be on the cards for me next…

Until the next sew- Lucy xoxo

This pattern was gifted to me as part of my testing affiliation with Ellie and Mac PDF Patterns.

Link to pattern-

Girl's Be Outstanding Overalls Pattern

This is my affiliate link. Purchasing the pattern through link does not cost you any more, but the designer does provide me with a small commission from any sales- which helps fund my sewing addiction and is greatly appreciated xx

I love that quote from Audrey Hepburn. And it fits so lovely with what I want to share here on my little blog about sewing a vintage style wardrobe.

My name is Lucy. I live in the UK with my husband and three children. I have always had a love affair with vintage style- from the roaring twenties to the swinging sixties to 90’s chic (the 90’s are vintage now?!) I even had a vintage style wedding- my bridesmaids all in fabulous fifties style dresses and flowers in my hair.

I began sewing in my teens from the simple cushion cover and gifts for family and friends. I always wanted to try my hand at dressmaking – espeically vintage style clothing as buying true vintage is quite expensive. I decided to take the plunge after buying some vintage paper patterns on an online auction site. It was a huge learning curve. The instructions were difficult to understand and tracing the sizes was a nightmare! And have you ever tried folding the pattern back up again to fit in the packet? It’s practically impossible!

After the birth of my little girl I decided to give the dressmaking another go. After a few attempts at paper patterns for baby clothing I fell into the online world of PDF patterns – and instantly fell in love with the varied choice, style and options. Not to mention the ease of printing off just the size required so no tracing!

Using these PDF patterns I am hoping to not only recreate some popular vintage on- screen clothing from the likes of Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe, but also sew up those everyday pieces for the normal ‘mom uniform’ but with a vintage feel.

And so here we are at the beginning of this vintage sewing journey. Thank you for coming along for the ride!

Lucy xoxo