Here's a peek at the pattern that won the vote:

Whilst I loved the style of the pattern, the thought of working which such a formal fabric like velvet or tweed didn't fill me with hope. I wanted to make the pattern work for me and read through the instructions before thoroughly to see how I could adapt this dress for cotton. The dress is also fully lined which seemed like a lot of faff for me. Again after analysing the pattern, I made a few changes to the construction.

In the video below, I discuss the changes I made and how I adapted it for cotton. You'll also be able to follow along with me as I sew the dress, finishing with a close up look discussing the fit and details and an in depth pattern review.


It is my longest Stitch by Stitch video yet, but the dress has a lot of steps to it. I really wanted to do the pattern justice and help anyone looking to sew it. I tried to make the construction look as simple as possible and I felt like if I edited too much out it wouldn't be much help. So I really do hope my video will be helpful! Unfortunately my camera wasn't having an easy time dealing with the black fabric so the quality is a little off.
I'm really pleased with my finished dress. I found the sewing process a lot simpler than I thought it was going to be. I was prepared for a sewing headache, but the bodice came together pretty quickly. Then the steps like the sleeves and skirt are much the same as other patterns. So what I thought was going to be a tricky make ended up to be rather straight forward!
My favourite thing about the dress is the top-stitching and the scallop neck edge. I really enjoy topstitching and find the process really satisfying. I opted for baby pink to compliment my lovely rose print fabric. I love the finished look and the neckline and bodice shape is really flattering.
I'm also really pleased with the fit of the dress. If I were to be super picky I'd say the shoulders could be taken in and the bodice shortened slightly, but I'm really happy with the fit nonetheless and will certainly enjoy wearing this dress! I think it's the perfect retro Autumn dress!

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Simplicity Pattern 8259 Women's Sew Chic Button Front Dresses

Fabric: Vintage Style Floral Print Polycotton Dress Fabric

Notions: 5 x 1 inch buttons.

Sewing time: A day.

Modifications: See my above video to learn about the changes I made.

Fit: Really good.

Difficulty: More straightforward than expected. For confident seamstresses.

Watch out for: Tidy scallops will make all the difference for a clean neck line finish.

Make Again?: Maybe one day!

Overall, this dress is a surprise favourite of mine. The style lines of the pattern are gorgeous and I love the 1950s feel. I think the design lends itself really well to cotton fabric and the added top stitching make the creative possibilities of this sewing pattern endless.

To compliment my 8259 dress, I wore a gorgeous hair flower by Daisy Jean Floral. I'm wearing the Signature Rose Double in Peach. Shop the look HERE. It's such a perfect match!

I really hope you've enjoyed my extra special 8259 Stitch by Stitch post and video as much as I have. Will you be adding this gorgeous vintage inspired dress to your sewing list? Don't forget to tag me in your version @craftypinup!

Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo

I am so excited to be able to finally share this make with you! I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester for Sew Over It's NEW Elsie Dress Printed Pattern, sewn with one of their equally beautiful fabrics. I knew this dress was going to be something special and it's been super hard not to gush all about it this past month!

Here's a peek at the pattern:

Again with the beautiful illustrations and beautiful Lisa!

Elsie is a stunning 1950s inspired dress (and skirt) pattern, with a princess seamed bodice and a full skirt exaggerated by the large pleats giving the dress a great structure, especially when worn with a petticoat underneath.


So the Elsie pattern is pretty good looking, but 'what about the sewing' I hear you ask! I found Elsie, overall, a pleasure to sew. There were a few techniques in this dress which I was reasonably new to. For example, when sewing the bodice lining the technique in this pattern was something I have not yet come across. Whilst I struggled with this step, the finished effect is wonderful and totally worth the bit of extra care. Also with my fabric being a weighty cotton sateen, it's a little thicker than some fabrics which probably added to my struggles.

Inside the dress, I really like the lining. It's part facing and part bodice lining and I used my floral fabric for the facings and black cotton for the lining and find the finished look to be really professional and clean looking. I'm thinking about filming a 'Behind the Seam's video on Elsie, would you be interested?

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Sew Over It - Elsie Dress Printed Dress Pattern

Fabric: Stretch Cotton – First Date

Notions: A 22" invisible zip.

Sewing time: A day.

Modifications: None

Fit: Great, other than my need for a full bust adjustment.

Difficulty: Perfect for confident beginners! There's lots of great skills to learn in this one.

Watch out for: Tidy pleats and matching them with the bodice seams.

Make Again?: Absolutely! Elsie's a winner in my eyes.


You may have noticed something in my hair.... Every lover of vintage style knows your wardrobe isn't complete without a hair flower (or 10) and the Veronica's Roses Clip in Light Pink from Daisy Jean Floral does not disappoint. It's a show stopping piece without being too large or heavy on the head. It feels so secure to wear and I think this gorgeous pink option was destined to be worn with my Elsie dress!

Hi pinups! It's been a while since I've done a regular old pattern review and this make was 100% selfish! I know I talked on YouTube and Instagram about my birthday outfit plans, it was part of my Me Made May pledge, long story short I wanted to keep up the tradition of sewing a me-made outfit for my birthday in May. (So you can see how late I am with this review!).

In my previous post I announced becoming Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador, and this is my first post in the series! The 8342 Simplicity pattern is part of the new season range, and whilst not vintage or reproduction, you can't deny it's sassy, rockabilly, 1950s appeal. I jumped at the chance to get my paws on this pattern and knew just the jersey fabric to go with it!

For my first version I used THIS gorgeous Girl Charlee striped jersey fabric to create Version B, the capped sleeve top pattern.

Here's a peek at the pattern:

I love all the options that come with this pattern, I can certainly see myself making the cigarette pants next to complete the pinup look!

I'd certainly recommend this pattern for fellow busty girls, as the top has a really flexible fit. I find that when sewing jersey garments I don't really need to do any full bust adjustments, and even more so with this pattern as you can tie the front to suit you. Perfect!


I was pleasantly surprised at how simple the top was to sew and it didn't take more than a couple of hours. The fit of the top is really good and I love the overall style. My only negative would be that personally, I'm not sure I find the cap sleeves very flattering on me. I think they make the proportions of my arms look bigger. I'd love to make a version omitting the cap completely, or perhaps the cute halterneck version instead.

Like I said in my previous Simplicity Vintage Ambassador announcement post, I've filmed a super handy sew along video to go along with this pattern. Which also meant I got to make another version of this great summer staple top!





In the video below, you'll be able to follow along as I sew my second version of this top, along with a first look at my floral make in my first 'out-and-about' photo shoot. I really hope you find the video helpful and inspires you to try this gorgeous new pattern!



If you have any questions about the making of this pattern please do leave a comment on the video!


Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Simplicity Ladies Sewing Pattern 8342 Knit Tops, Cropped Trousers & Skirts

Fabric: Homestead Life Saloon Stripe Cotton Spandex Knit Fabric by BOLT by Girl Charlee

Notions: Ribbon to stabilise the underarm seams, elastic.

Sewing time: A couple of hours.

Modifications: Just a slight shortening of the straps.

Fit: Spot on!

Difficulty: Straight forward, beginners shouldn't be put off sewing this pattern - there's some great techniques to learn in here.

Watch out for: Take extra care sewing the cap sleeves for a nice and tidy finish.

Make Again?: I already did! See my video above for a first look at my floral version I made in the sew along video or here's a peek below...


Next up, I'll be sharing my images from my first outdoor photo-shoot featuring the above 8342 top AND I'll be hosting a giveaway for people to win 3 copies of this pattern!

Overall, I am very pleased indeed to have these new pinup style tops in my handmade wardrobe. They're easy to wear and comfy whilst remaining stylish with the ability to dress up jeans or pair with circle skirts for a true 1950s look. I really hope you've enjoyed my first post as Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador. Stay tuned for lots more sewing fun. Will you be trying this pattern?

Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo