DIY Vintage

I love vintage clothing and there is nothing better than finding that perfect treasure at a great price tucked away in a junk shop. I've decided to take matters into my own hands and create some perfectly fitted vintage-inspired tops for myself. One way that I'm going about this by thrifting old fabrics - more specifically, old pillow cases. Gotta work with what I've got :)

I am making my first pillow case top this morning and pictures will follow.

Today I...

...Made my own bias tape without the aid of the DIY bias tape maker (which turned out to be useless when making 1/2" bias tape with upholstery fabric). It was my second attempt and though it took forever it went pretty well (I had to take numerous smoke breaks). I attached the small amount I was able to make to the left armhole of my blouse and was pretty impressed with the polished result. I think if I were to do it over, I would have 1) used different fabric or 2) made my bias tape a little wider despite the pattern suggestion of 1/2". There were a few wavy places (though surprisingly less than I imagined) and several places where the thread failed to catch the fabric underneath, but overall I am pleased. Making bias tape is not so hard and the result is very panache.
I found fabric, thrifted awhile ago, tucked away and have decided to make round II top with a scalloped hem. As for round I top, I have decided to rip out the bias tape I made today (even though it looks good it doesn't look that good good enough) and add sleeves or possibly make facings (Whatever those are..). With that fabric weight, sleeves will make sense. A collar might also make sense, but we'll see.

...Discovered Fabric.com's free downloadable patterns. I downloaded about 5 of them. Who says sewing has to be expensive? So far I've managed to do quite a bit without spending money.

...Found fabric that is completely not my first, second or even third choice in pattern or color but is available, and cotton, and easy to work with. These will be, of course, for the purpose of learning, and if I am able to wear something it's a bonus.

As you can see, pre-topstitch, pre-iron, bias tape attached with pins.
Not horrible...

On an unrelated, but somewhat related note, I've been feeling a british - or rather English Countryside - influence coming on strong again.