joysinstitches

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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