You might remember, from the Fall, when I started working on my capsule wardrobe. At the time, I was able to sew two dresses, a velvet bag and trimmed two hats. You can read about those here:

Creating a mini early 1930’s Capsule Wardrobe Part 1

Creating a mini early1930s Capsule Wardrobe Part 2

Since then I also created a regency gown and spencer in the same color scheme :

Regency Birthday Picnic Dress

And it turns out, I still have quite a bit of fabric left from all the projects.

Thankfully I have two hats and they seem to change the overall look quite a bit. You can see the difference in the photos above. My daughter has since absconded with my velvet bag, so that may need to be replaced.

A capsule wardrobe needs separates so that’s wear my wardrobe is headed next. Let’s start with the blouse. I’ve made it before and absolutely love it. This time it’s sewn with the short sleeves instead of the long sleeves. I really loved this pattern the first two times I sewed it up Why not again? This time in a lavender /blue iridescent washed organdy. The lightness of the fabric works great with both the neck flounce (jabot) and the volume in the sleeves.

Speaking of sleeves, one of the best details on this dress is the decorative gathering or “smocking” at the shoulder and also at the cuff. My one complaint (if you could call it that) is that the sleeve opening is a bit large. I think that is due to the cuff piece being cut on the bias. When I make this again , and I WILL, I will make the cuff on the straight grain and make sure it’s a bit more fitted.

I still absolutely adore this hat and so pleased with how it looks with this outfit. My Hair on the other hand, is falling out of shape a bit. I can never seem to get it evenly brushed out and curled, all the way around my head. Oh well. Not so bad, considering my getting gussied up routine is a bit out of practice.

Here you can see a progress shot of the blouse before the sleeves and neck tie are attached. The wearing history pattern is very thorough and it sews up really nicely.

The sleeve cap is gathered and then stitched onto a “Stay” I finished the bottom edge of the stay before sewing it onto the sleeve. Funny enough, the cuff doesn’t have a stay, but I think I will add one next time.

Easing in the fullness on the sleeve is always a challenge but this one is not so bad. As you can see it’s done in the round, which gives a nicer finish than inserting the sleeve flat before the side seam is joined.

Both the Skirt and the bodice have side seam zippers. While not totally accurate for the area, it is much much easier to get in and out of clothing with a zipper. So, there you go. I really like inserting them by hand with a prick stitched (hand picked zipper). They look really pretty and the threads blend in more than when it’s machine stitched. Also, one has so much more control with hand stitching than with a machine.

Finally, I finished the hem with this pretty lavender hem tape and a catch stitch. While the hem tape shows through, slightly, I just could not resist the purple color that matches my pieces so well.

And speaking of the skirt….I have about 3 or 4 of these now. It’s a very easy pattern from Vintage Pattern Library. It runs a little small and I needed to size up. I have written about it in this post :

A Tweed Skirt Story

It was fun to make these two pieces and super fast. Now I just need an occasion to have a capsule wardrobe! Perhaps a train adventure across Great Britain is in order. Anyone want to join along?

Here are the details for the outfit:

• Both hats - previously trimmed or made by me. Ribbon trims - Lacis

• Jewelry - Earrings made by me, Necklace from Over Attired Vintage & Belt Buckle from Little Stars Jewels

• Blouse Pattern - Nanette Blouse by Wearing History

• Skirt pattern - 1930’s Ladies Skirt T1047 by Wearing History

• Fabric - Blouse and Skirt are the same fabrics I used for my Regency Birthday Party outfit.

• Shoes - Trieste by Remix Vintage Shoes

• House - Special thanks to Joy Johnson for letting us invade your front porch for a random photo shoot!

• Photos - My Mom Sheila. So glad she’s back in action.

Sewing vintage is really fun. If you are interested in learning more about sewing vintage clothing and also enjoy spending time with a small group of like minded stitchers, you may wish to join my Vintage Sewing Retreat at the end of August.

Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!

xo Jennifer