joysinstitches
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1940s Gray Gingham Rayon Dress
This dress was a bit of a fun challenge. I've sewn up dozens of vintage patterns over the years, but this is the first time I've done darts like this – yet don't they add such a quintessential and fun… Continue reading
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New Look Favorite Floral Dress – and a Castle
On a recent vacation in Colorado, I got the opportunity to tour the incredible Glen Eyrie castle. I wore one of my new dresses, so of course I had to get photos there – it provided the most amazing backdrop… Continue reading
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Simple Summer 1940s Skirt and Blouse
When I made my 4th of July dress this year, I pulled out some navy fabric from my stash to use as contrast, only to discover it was a heavier weight poly blend that was much more suitable for a… Continue reading
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Wardrobe Staple: Late 1930s White Blouse
I've been so busy this summer crossing exciting, urgent projects off my to-make list that I overlooked a wardrobe staple that I badly needed – a white, lined blouse. Too many skirts haven't been worn because I had nothing… Continue reading
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Tutorial: Make a Vintage Style Double Strand Faux Pearl Necklace
Ever had a hard time finding exactly the right color and length of pearls to wear with your vintage outfits? (Or anytime, for that matter.) Today I am going to show you how to make a double strand of pearls,… Continue reading
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1940s Dotted Swiss Dress
I got a length of vintage blue-gray dotted Swiss fabric on eBay a long time ago and it languished in my drawer for years. This summer I pulled it out and put it to use. I'm not sure how old… Continue reading
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1930s White Twill Skirt
This skirt is one I made last fall and never got pictures of it, partly because I also made a matching jacket but it didn't turn out so well. I finally decided to figure out what to do with the… Continue reading
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1940s Patriotic Colorblock Dress
I am not very adventurous with color, but this year I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a color block dress for the 4th of July. Color block clothing was especially popular in the 1940s, as… Continue reading
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Green Print 1930s House Dress
I like quick and easy projects because they are so satisfying! This is the 3rd time I have used this pattern for a dress. Neither of the earlier versions opened down the front, so I can't wear them right now.… Continue reading
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1940s Pinstriped Summer Suit
This project has been a long, long time in the making. I got this fabric ages ago, quickly paired it with this pattern, and then it sat in my drawer for years before I finally made it real this summer.… Continue reading