A couple of weeks ago, I had a weekend picnic event that I had been invited to attend. The theme was “Posh/Glam 1950’s New York City”. Discussions with friends Led to talk of Mrs. Maisel and big full skirts. Not really my era, but I remembered that pedal pushers were quite popular and so were dolman sleeved blouses. I also realized that I could make these things for my every day wardrobe instead of making something over the top for just one event.

Here are some photos from our lovely picnic with photos from the talented Daisy. You can see more of her work at www.MementoModa.com. We had a staged group shot (maybe two) and lots of fun eats from everyone, who seemed to have a slightly different take on the theme.

My friends Lisa & Robb made these German Cookies with either pluot jam (from their pluot tree) or poppy seeds and also the most delicious vegetarian Reuben sandwiches. Daisy brought the bounty from her garden and made our set up very picturesque, Yuri and Matt brought the egg salad and Emma made three trays of of charcuterie (veg, traditional and sweet). There was coffee with traditional NY paper cups and Egg Creams which none of us could really get behind.

There was even a little library that matched my outfit with copies of the New Yorker inside. So Amazing!

This was really the most perfect September Picnic (in addition to Gatsby) with gorgeous weather. We did have to move first into the sun and then back into the shade as the weather changed a bit while we were at Lincoln Park. Such a fun afternoon.

My outfit was pretty simple. It Started with the Sailor Top from the Merchant and Mills Sewing Book and ended with a great pair of tapered trousers made using a Burda Style pattern. All materials and patterns I had on hand so it really was an affordable way to make an outfit. The plaid wool, I received last year for participating in the Make It With Wool Contest and the black peachy bottom weight gabardine had been donated for just this purpose.

For the Pants I used Burda Style 7058 which was fantastic. I had to make the waist about 1” smaller than the pattern. Also, they had a waist facing and sat at the natural waist. If I were to make them more authentic to the era, I would likely add about 1/2” to the overall length through the rises (to drop the crotch a bit) and add a waistband. I am very tempted to make these again soon!

You can find this pattern on Etsy from VintagePatternStore.

The Top I made directly from the Sailor Top Pattern in the Merchant & Mills Sewing Book. I have made two of them before. One of which was made unlined like the pattern calls for. I made this one and my 2nd version out of 100% wool, which necessitated a lining. Luckily I had some on hand so I cut the lining out from the front and back body pieces just like the wool. The lining and outer layer were connected at the sleeves as well as the side vents and then the neck. The neck is finished with the collar and then the front and back hems are sewn with the lining being loose from the outer fabric, so it doesn’t pull.

The pattern itself is great and needed no alterations. Whoo-hoo! You can find the book on Amazon here.

Overall, these were really easy makes and very very satisfying. I would highly recommend them both, if ever you want a quick fun project you can complete in a day or two.

Until next time, Happy Sewing

xo Jennifer