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Kimono topper
A few rectangles sewn together creates this kimono style jacket. I used French seams throughout since the inside can be glimpsed and serged edges do not look very nice. This was an experiment following a diagram in one of my sewing books and it turns out, really not for me. It feels a bit sloppy with too many folds and not enough structure. Since the fabric (a really nice crepe) came from the local thrift store, it may end up being donated back there.
Vintage style shirt (5)
Black and cream shirt with contrast topstitching on the collar. Contrast double yoke. Made from polyester microfiber sheets. Super cheap way of buying fabric that can go in the washer and dryer, very soft and very easy to work with. Does not drape as well as rayon, but good enough.
Vintage style shirt (4)
Vintage style shirt
Added February 10, 2019
By: Susan
Close up of collar showing contrast topstitching.
Added February 10, 2019
By: Susan
Close up of collar showing contrast topstitching.
Vintage style shirt (3)
Not my favorite, but I wanted to experiment with the collar for a more 1940's look. It's OK, but I won't use it again.
Vintage style shirt (2)
The first of the vintage style shirts, made from leftover rayon poplin from summer pants I made for myself. Due to fabric constraints, there is no yoke and I had to piece the back. The rayon drapes beautifully, and is what these shirts were made from back in the 50's, but needs extra care washing and ironing. The fabric scorches very easily, requiring a pressing cloth, even on the inside. I made a round back adjustment after this test shirt, but it is still wearable.
Vintage style shirt (1)
The 2nd shirt, made from rayon gabardine. This fabric is even more fragile than the rayon poplin, but still drapes very well.
Vintage style shirt
3rd shirt, made from the nasty rayon gabardine, because I paid for it, and was going to use it. Never again.
Sun Cover for Road Trips
We are moving from Colorado to Ottawa soon, and will be spending about a week driving in the car. I didn't want to keep applying sunblock throughout the day (my skin is very sun-sensitive), so I starting thinking about some kind of coverup that I could easily take on and off, and only covered the areas of skin that would be exposed while riding in a car. I used Vogue 8572 as a base pattern (because it was the first jewel-neck top pattern that I found in my supply), lengthened the sleeves to go past my fingers (they can be easily rolled up if needed), and shortened the bodice to measure about 6 inches. The back I kept open like a hospital gown so it can be put on and taken off quickly (and my hair wouldn't get messed up). The fabric is a light weight polyester jersey knit. I chose a dark colour for sun protection and because it will be worn in the car for a week, and I don't plan on doing a lot of laundry while on the road. I thought about purchasing the new SPF fabrics, but then looked at the tops my husband wears for running and riding his bike - it's just a plain polyester knit, and he does not get sun exposure through the shirts. I made arm covers from the same fabric for my husband, just simple tubes with elastic on top and bottom. He doesn't wear v-neck tops, so was not interested in covering his chest.
Shirts and Tops
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