My New Year

I am an addict.  I am a geek.  OK. OK.  So, I am both a sewing geek and a sewing addict.  A favorite past-time for me is collecting vintage patterns, sewing books, laces and findings.  Recently, at a nearby used book store, I found a most interesting book, "Art of Dressmaking" published by The Butterick Publishing Company, copyright 1927:

This jewel of a book is compiled by Mr. Butterick of the famous pattern company.  I became captivated by the charming drawings and gorgeous displays of sewing techniques.  The art-deco body forms are intriguing especially the emphasis of two dimensional, rectangular bodies:

There is evidence of the sexism from the era:

References to sewing for men are few.  I saw just this page and a note about measuring men along with a short chapter about sewing for men and boys.

There is a chapter in the early part of the book discussing using a sewing machine.  However, almost all of the illustrations are shown using just a needle and thread.  Interesting.  Typical:

Now, I have always enjoyed occasionally hand-sewing buttonholes.  I think they are so elegant, particularly on silk.  

A technique that caught my eye:

So I decided to sew this "Dart with Fulness on One Side," just to do it.  I eliminated the seam in the gathered (fulness) portion by cutting my sample fabric on the fold. Otherwise, I pretty much followed their instructions.  Of course, I sewed by hand. I felt myself becoming entranced with the meditative nature of sewing without a sewing machine.  First, it is quieter and second, the control of the fabric is quite different.  I like being able to have more control of sculpting the fabric.  Additionally, it's just fun.  Here is my finished sample:

The cotton fabric I used was a gauzy type but more dense than cheese cloth.

I have to say that this little exercise has inspired me.  Can I tell you my thoughts?  While I sewed it occurred to me that hand sewing a project could simply not take more work/hours than to knit a sweater or lace shawl, etc.  So I have accepted a personal challenge of hand-sewing a complete outfit for this year.  Are you ready for this?????

Here is my sewing machine:

Next, I will be exploring my vintage pattern collection, current reproduction patterns, historic books of patterns and design ideas of the period.  For now I feel as though the early part of the 20th century is calling me; maybe the 20s and 30s.  Stay tuned as I audition designs and fabrics.

For 2015 I will complete a jacket/coat, dress or pants ensemble plus all my undergarments.  There will be posts of time and progress with all accompanying pictures.  I would love to hear from everyone who enjoy doing projects like this one.

As Confucius reminds us:

A journey of one thousand seams begins with just one small stitch. . . .