Pattern of the Week no.13

Hi all,

Pattern of the week again. Here is a vogue vintage model pattern for the iconic 1940's militaristic utility look. The A-line skirt with the sharp shoulders. To bring this pattern into this era I would loosen the skirt a bit making it less regimented, by adding a few more pleats, or gathering sections. I also think that this pattern would lend itself to a more colourful patterned fabric. Maybe mixing using a lighter weight fabric, such as a georgette .

Thats just my personal opinion, what would you do?

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no.12

Hi all,

Wow, its been ages since I last posted a pattern of the week.. but I still have loads to show you :)

Here is a Vogue pattern by Victor Costa. I am guessing its from the 80's. I think the contrast between the very geometric upper part of the bodice really contrasts the fuller skirt. I am not too keen on the dropped waist, I would had the waist line higher and make more of an hour glass shape. I think the way it is wouldn't be very flattering on pear shaped figures as it would just emphasize the hip area.

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the week no. 11

Hi all,

Pattern of the week again, this one is a simplicity design, but it is far from simple! This has to be from the 80's (although I am not 100% sure) Those sleeves are pretty impressive, not like something you would see around on a regular day. Its quite frilly, with the detailing in the skirt. Wearable??? Hmm, I don't know...

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the week no. 10

Hi all,

Wow, it feels like ages since I did a pattern of the week post. I still have a good few to get through, so these will keep on coming slowly but surely. 

This one is a vogue vintage model, from a 1949 design. Its very 1940's, with the influence of the new look by dior. I think that this design would be more wearable with a shorter length skirt, to make it a bit more fresh and modern. I do like the upper bodice, and the cap sleeves, I think that they have a nice detail to them.

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the week no. 9

Hi all,

Pattern of the week here again. A style pattern which is oh so Grecian looking. Three variations are available with this pattern, and I think I like the off the shoulder style, possibly with the shorter skirt. I really like the frill on the skirt, maybe having it in a lighter weight fabric than the underneath would be nice, to contrast the main. Personal preference for choice of colour would be cream, to really channel the delphos look (mint/aqua green would also work, and really channel the fashionable colours right now). Accessorise with strappy sandals, and a thick gold bangle.

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no. 8

Hi all,

Pattern of the week, Vogue attitudes. This oversized coat, I am in love with. I am definitely going to try making this one, it will be perfect for autumn winter when the weather starts getting colder again (not that I want it to!) In the picture is appears to have been made in a really fuzzy fabric, and it looks super cosy :) I think it looks good with the hood, and the only adjustments I might make to it would be the edgings. I think around the pockets I would do a different colour fabric to make them stand out. Thats just my idea. What do you think?...

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the week no. 7

Hi all,

Pattern of the week here again! This time a very easy very vogue patter. I think this pinafore style dress is really quite cute. I love the fitted waist section, and the long straps. I think it would be nice worn with a skirt with frills on the front, or just a plain t-shirt. The length of the pattern doesn't really do it for me though. If I were to change it I would definitely shorten the length, and maybe even think about changing it from a skirt to trousers (shorts) kind of like a playsuit. 

Here it is...

What do you think about this one? How would you change it to make it fit to your style?

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no. 6

Hi all,

Here we go again with another pattern of the week. This time it is.... Givenchy. This dress has quite an understated and simplistic front, with an almost drop waist skirt, and the back is quite interesting, with the gap and the two bows. If I were to make this dress I think that I would only use one bow, and maybe shorten the sleeve to make it more my style. The back is definitely my favourite part of the design.
Here it is...

Hope you enjoyed, do you like this one? What would you change about this design?  :)

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no. 5

Hi all,

Pattern of the week again, this time... M C Hammer pants! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this pattern, in among the dresses and smart suits. The M C Hammer pant is an iconic symbol (of terrifying proportions) but I am probably never going to make these. Harem pants look really good on some people, but it doesn't feel right to me having the crotch of your trousers hanging down at your knees. Ah well, I guess he rocked them in his own way  :)

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no. 4

Hi all,

Another pattern of the week here! This one is a style pattern, 1940 style dress. I think that this one is pretty cute. I love the back detailing with the opening and the bow. I like it in the floral fabric (this would really lend itself to Liberty fabric!) I prefer the shorter version, I think it has a younger vibe to it. This would be really nice as a dress to wear for the summer. (although the weather here is awful!)

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no.3

Hi all,

Pattern of the week again, this time with a Jenny Silverman design. I really like this design, the soft draping of the back, and of course the full sleeves. I think the full length version is really gorgeous, it would be so lovely for a summer dress in a light georgette or silk, print or solid colour... 

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no.2

Hi again,

Here is another pattern of the week, this time I managed to find this vintage vogue model pattern for a 1930's dress. It just screams 30's glamour to me. Bias cut, Madeleine Vionnet, low back, and the silhouette that saw women become very long and elegant. (sigh... if only I had the time to actually make this dress!, and the ability to change its size. Some day........)

xox Niamh xox

Pattern of the Week no.1

Hi all,

I thought that it would be a fun idea to start this little weekly post. I inherited paper patterns from the 70's, 80's and 90's, and I am going to share some of them with you. Some of them are VERY dated, but others could quite easily be re-vamped with tweaks to details and using more mod materials. I really want to give this pattern a go, but I'm going to need to size down the pattern.
Start the drum roll please.................. the first pattern is................

This Ralph Lauren pattern has the pattern pieces for the top, and the skirt. Although its from the 80's the frills seen in the shirt can still be seen in many of the shirts and blouses from most of the current collections. I really love the shirt, it has quite a victorian feel to it, with the high neckline. The ruffles and tucks on the front give it such an interesting textural appearance. And as for the sleeve, well I do like a good bishop sleeve. I can imagine this pattern being really successful in a light floaty fabric, such as a chiffon, or georgette, and the cute black bow could be made in a soft fabric too, I'm thinking navy blue, or soft peach. The blazer style jacket could be updated with a nice coloured pin stripe fabric, to give it a more preppy edge. As for the skirt, I like the lines, but this length does not do it for me. Cut it shorter to just above the knee and we may be onto a winner.

Hope you enjoyed this, look forward to more pattern's of the week!

xox Niamh xox