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 

A Fresh Start

I have taken some weeks to think about how to re-start my blog and after much thought I decided my blog would be a good place for me to continue writing about sewing but also about my passion for vintage lifestyle.

I have never been one for talking about myself online, I don't do out pourings of emotions or anything like that. I wouldn't say it isn't 'me' or I am secretly an ice queen but more of a case that I use social media for work and lets face it some things are just too much information for customers.

For the past 2 years or so I have poured all my energy into sewing for work rather than for my own benefit. It has been amazing and my shop has grown so much but I felt it was time to get my own sewing off the ground again.

It was by this time I realised I was lacking in confidence with my own sewing and my 'sewjo' mojo had packed up and left some time ago. I had just been too busy to notice. I made a few things which I liked but I was hiding behind my phone and not really feeling myself at all.

It wasn't until my sister said she missed dealing in vintage clothing and accessories that I suddenly realised I too had missed is massively. As soon as we started sourcing stock again, it was like the blinkers had been removed and I was getting my enthusiasm back again!

I can only really think that my confidence had been partly knocked due to a few people leaving my life, they aren't dead but for one reason or another you can no longer sweep the issues under the carpet and it is for the best. Whether this means we permanently will not be in touch or if perhaps later on down the line we can fix these relationships remains to be seen. I did however see this quote on Pintrest and struck a chord with me because it is true for me. It doesn't even have to be about a boyfriend/husband or girlfriend/wife, it can apply to friendships or for family too.

After lovely Saturday with my good friend Liz. It reminded me I should make more time for doing things I love and I am actually okay looking, so I should stop hiding my face haha.

On a sewing related point, the dress above is in fact By Hand Anna and I will have another blog post for a couple of UFOs I need to finish. Then I will be swiftly moving on to all the exciting projects I have set for myself. I will also show how I style vintage pieces with modern for every day style. Plus will also share some free patterns I have drafted myself.