Vintage 1950s Housecoat Simplicity 4005

I wouldn't have said a housecoat was a dream project but it has been a long time coming. I have started them before and had wobbles that end in scissors but this time I was determined to finish. Despite my confidence wobble part of the way through I have finished it... well almost I haven't hemmed it haha. In my defense I have been really busy with both Etsy shops and I wanted to make sure I gave a decent review of this one

I chose Simplicity 4005 from my own stash of patterns and also made sure I used fabric/trims from my stash. I made a pledge not to keep buying for myself and for the most part I have stuck to it 

I chose view 1 as I have always fancied big 50s style cuffs and never really had the bottle to make or wear anything like it before. I figure a housecoat would give me a good chance to get used to them. I also liked the idea of trying out quilted fabric for the first time

The only really obvious change I made was to the front. I did way with the buttons, I know I will never faff about with them and simply wrap/tie and go! 

Unfortunately I have indoor photos as the weather hasn't been great for a couple of weeks for outside photos. I have 2 boxes of fresh vintage waiting to be taken eek!

I was using up binding from my stash and had to skimp of trimming the pockets with it!

It is fully lined in regular black lining fabric

Overall I am really pleased with it. I won't be making it again because I do have drawer full of patterns to get through including another 1940s housecoat pattern. I will be listing this one for sale over in our Etsy shop soon 

It is easy to make and as there is no waistband seam it comes together really fast

Pattern - Simplicity 4005

Fabric - Textile Centre 

40s Weekend at Bletchley Park

I have been to Bletchley Park a few times before and every time I go I see something I didn't see before. It was an added bonus this weekend to go with my younger brother, sister and my Dad who hadn't been before.
My children also came and it was great fun for them to see all the extra things for the 40s weekend. In particular the 'military police' who took a shine to them and teased them for their ID cards before letting them pass the gate!

For lots of people the 1940s look is an every day style and for some it will be a chance to dress up in their special original pieces. I adore the 40s look so much but I prefer the 50s as it works for me every day. Here are some of the photos I took from the day

Alan Turing's Teddy Bear

I think for me the fascinating part is the hut where they shows things they actually found during the major revamp such as these bottles and advertisement

It is a fantastic day out and I thoroughly recommend it. The entrance cost includes a season ticket for you to return again for a year at no extra cost (apart from the odd excluded event) The work they did at BP is fascinating and to hear it at the place where it all actually happened is an amazing opportunity. I think even just to stand where once they were, it stays with you too.

Also this week I have been working on one of my bigger sewing projects, an original 1950s style housecoat. Here is my work in progress and the pattern I used. I hope to show you next week the finished piece

1950s Simplicity

Work in progress

By Hand Anna

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog so far. I managed to finish another UFO this week from my box. This one had been cut out for a few months but the fabric has been languishing in my stash for 2 years (not that long in comparison to others!)

I shared half this fabric with a friend which left me around 2 metres. Lucky being super wide I was able to cut Anna bodice and a self drafted circle skirt

The original link I had for the circle skirt has vanished but I found another here for you here
I sat down one night and made a 1/2, 3/4 and full circle skirts in a couple of different lengths. It was so worth it as being able to mix and match the skirts can really change a whole style of a pattern

Necklace is original vintage 1950s

This week I have nearly finished the skirt I started last week and started a housecoat. I have also planned my first project from the blog

My main goal is get enough clothing made and accessories collected to take part in Me Made May 2018

Sewing Pattern - By Hand Anna
Fabric - Central Milton Keynes Market
Jewellery - Original vintage, browse our online shop here Fox Vintage
Shoes - Converse