I didn't really have any sewing goals for the year, but just sewed what I needed to or felt like making, so it's interesting to see the variety of things I actually completed, and which ones ended up being the most useful and favorite.

   

Three piece 1950s mix and match ensemble.

 

One thing I've noticed in other vintage sewing blogs is that many times the seamstress will make variations of the same style of dress over and over, so that other than fabric and embellishment choices, many of their creations look the same to me. I was hoping to avoid that, and am pleased with the variety of silhouettes I made from three different decades this year. Though I am noticing I made more 1930s patterns than I'd thought, and less 1940s this year.

   

   

Periwinkle 1930s housedress; teal late '30s dress
late '40s/early '50s steel blue dress; plaid 1950s house dress

 

It looks like I made a nice variety of outfit types this year, both dresses and separates, and some 2 piece dresses for the first time – which I can wear as separates or together. I love that, and want to do some more!

   

1930s separates & 1950s does 1930s blouse

 

In an overview of the year like this, you also get to see my own personal journey from glasses to contacts, and the difference losing another 15-20 pounds made. (Only as a result some of these outfits have to be altered or passed on because they are way too big for me!)

   

gray 1930s housedress with accessories; blue gingham 1930s dress

1950s atomic print dress

 

5 times this year I made the same pattern twice, something I usually don't do because I'm always excited to try a new one. But several of these were worth remaking, like this 1930s pattern – and of course, it makes it all the better when there are different variations in the pattern itself so you can make the 2nd version a little different.

   
pink and gray 1930s dress; spring version

 

I'm pleased with the range of fabrics I used, from linen to rayons of different weights, a few wool blends, and of course different kinds of cottons. I also used a variety of colors this past year, including uncommon ones for me, like green, pink, and brown. 

   

   
1940s 2 piece; late 1930s flowered housedress

navy and tan 1930s dress; 1940s pink striped dress

 

I see there is still plenty of my favorite blue, though! 🙂

   

   
1950s blue shirting blouse; 1950s cobalt polka dot dress

1930s Fireworks Dress; 1950s does 1930s twill skirt

 

Do I have sewing goals for this coming year? Yes! I want to sew more things I need, and most of all – sew from the stash! I have a huge amount of fabric and hope to get excited about fabric "shopping" on my own shelves. I'd like to continue the variety of silhouettes, fabrics, and colors implemented this year, and hopefully improve the photography, modeling, and historical faithfulness along the way.

       

1950s linen dress with interchangeable panels; 1950s slender Easter dress

 

I like the versatility of some of the pieces I made, from the mix-and-match outfits and separates, to dresses with removable bows and collars, multi-color accessorizing ability, or switch-out components. Though at the same time, some of my most worn dresses, especially for everyday, are the simple ones I can just button up and go.

   

1950s black and green dress; 1950s poppy print dress

Of course, this year I had a huge project I never would have seen coming – which was my wedding dress! 

   

wedding dress

 1950s engagement dress

 

So, for the 2016 countdown…that makes 12 1950s projects, 2 1940s, and 10 1930s. Plus a late '40s/early '50s project that fits in neither general decade's silhouette, and 2 transitional projects that are 1950s but can work for 1930s as well.

I also got a number of older projects photographed this year, which I enjoyed doing. Some of them I quite fell in love with again now that I've lost weight. Others, not so much – they used to fit me but now need altered or passed on. Sometimes a belt or sash can hide the too-big fit, but not when it's just too big all over.

   

1950s pink polka dot sundress

1940s orange poppy dress, 1950s picnic skirt

1940s plaid asymmetrical dress

 

It's fun to look back and see where I've improved this past year… which projects turned out better than expected, or were a bit of a disappointment for one reason or another…which ones I've ended up wearing most, or have gotten a lot of attention on the blog. And which photos are my favorites! Sometimes hair and makeup turn out perfectly – other times, it's more like, "What was I thinking??"

I already have my first 2017 project complete and am starting on my second one, this time to fill some gaps in my closet. I have a number of new patterns I'm dying to make, and some lovely fabric to use up, so pairing things in the stash and crossing off projects are already several things on my list that I'm working on. I'm so excited to see what takes shape this year – there's something magical about taking a flat piece of fabric and turning it into something shaped, expressive, and lovely.

 

Happy sewing!

~Kristen – Verity Vintage Studio