joysinstitches
-
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
-
Why I Love Thrift Stores – Bubblegum Coat
This past month I haven't had much to share, since my projects were all quilt tops (still in progress) or mending/alterations (like repairing this wool coat). I am now back to sewing garments, and next week I plan to show… Continue reading
-
DIY Vintage Fashion – Thrifted Sweater Made 1950s
I beaded this sweater more than a year ago, and only now finally got around to taking photos of it! But I was more than happy with the way it turned out. What do you do when true vintage… Continue reading
-
Sewing Recap for 2019
It's that time of year again…time to round up all my makes from the past year so I can see them all in one place. I like doing this so I can see repetition or continuity, spot gaps or trends,… Continue reading
