joysinstitches

  • My Rainbrella Dress

    I don't know how long I had this late 1940s pattern, but it was one I got years ago soon after I started sewing. It just never made it to the top of my list. Then one day several years… Continue reading

  • Versatile: A 1930s Set in Green

    I had this combo on my sewing list for a while, and a few months ago I made it happen. I realized I couldn't keep cutting into this forest green cotton pique for contrast on things like last year's Easter… Continue reading

  • Late 1930s Dark Blue Rayon Dress

    This dress has been on my list for a VERY long time. For over 3 years I've had this rayon paired with this late '30s dress pattern…every fall it would still be on my sewing queue and I just never… Continue reading

  • Baby Dresses – Sewing 1 Pattern 4 Ways

    My little girl was outgrowing all her clothes, so a few months ago between other projects I sandwiched in making some 6-9 month size dresses for her. I used a very basic baby dress pattern (not vintage, but a classic… Continue reading

  • A Simple 1940s Easter Ensemble

    Easter sneaked up on me this year. I realized one week before that if this was Palm Sunday, that meant Easter was in exactly one week! I had already cut out some sewing projects, so I spent Monday getting them… Continue reading

  • Palm Sunday Outfit: 1950s Gray Dot Spring Suit

    This March and April so far have been far more productive than the previous few months, sewing wise. I chose this new make to wear first on Palm Sunday, even though we had church at home (so thankful for technology!)… Continue reading

  • Why I Love Thrift Stores – Dramatic Sweater Coat

    The countryside where I live is greening up and filled with birdsong. But just an hour or so up in the mountains, there is still several feet of snow on the ground. It made a good backdrop for an outerwear… Continue reading

  • A Different 1940s Rayon Dress

    I was trying to get a few last winter projects off my list – or rather, one last winter project and then turn to some transitional outfits. This dress was from a new pattern that I liked the style lines… Continue reading

  • Transition to Spring: 1940s Chunky Knit Sweater

    This blog post is a little different. It's not about anything I made, or even anything thrifted. Instead, I had to style a new sweater handmade by my sister, using a 1940s pattern.   Ever since seeing some of the… Continue reading

  • 1950s Valentine’s Dress

    My first dress made in 2020 was a fun one. I hadn't done any garment sewing at all for over a month, so I enjoyed getting back to it in February, when I decided to make a dress to wear… Continue reading