I'm in a quandary, dear readers. I have two projects I love equally that are competing for my attention and I can't decide which to do first. (I intend to enter one of them in the Pattern Review vintage sewing contest that has just begun.)
This arrived yesterday, the 1948 McCall's pattern I planned to make with the rose-print cotton sateen I showed you the other day.
Just this last Tuesday, however, I found about four yards of heavy purple rayon at the Salvation Army -- wonderfully drapey and rich-looking and perfect for Hollywood 1471, my 1937 Joan Bennett-inspired dress:
I wasn't expecting the McCall's pattern to arrive so soon, so I spent nearly an hour yesterday morning prepping the Hollywood pattern which, by the way, looks unused.
I also found this at the Salvation Army yesterday:
It's a yard of polyester satin with a very retro rose print -- or are those peonies? Anyway, I can definitely use it with this purple outfit. A turban perhaps?
Dear readers, you know I rarely ask for advice, but I think I need your guidance on this one. Which should I do first? The 1948 McCall's or the 1937 Hollywood?
Now before you more practical-minded types remind me about these, which obviously coordinate perfectly with the purple rayon...
....I feel I should tell you about these, which I found at the Salvation Army on the same day as the fabric and would be perfect with the 1948 dress:
You can see how this becomes confusing!
And so...
Your comments are also welcome, as always. Dish it out, I can take it!
Yay for being the first to vote! I voted for the rose print, since it's more springy and I've just watched Gertie finish her beautiful shirred rose sheath dress. There's my two cents, good luck making the decision!
I just adore the purple rose print, almost as much as I adore those purple shoes. Inspired by your purpleness, I have pulled a length of purple slinky knit from my stash that is looking to be made into something this weekend. Maybe a wrap dress to go with my purple shoes?? In case you couldn't guess, I voted for the purple!
I want to see both. :) Though I voted for the purple one, because I *love* the pattern. The vintage bug has bitten me, too, Peter. I just ordered a whole bunch of vintage toddler patterns for Evie's summer clothes collection. Well, and some for the fall, too. I found a great coat pattern in her size that I'll be making up before it gets cold again. (It's such a good thing that she's not growing as fast as she was this time last year!)
I voted for purple as well. It seems to have more interesting details and I like the fabric better (I'm anti shine-y). Good luck in the contest. Maybe you'll get to enter both!
One of my favorite sewing techniques is chewing my nails about what to do next. Usually, by the time I've made up my mind, I could easily have finished both projects.
I recommend tossing a coin - if you're really unhappy with the result, just do the other one, you're only tossing as a means to see whether you have strong feelings one way or the other that are masked by all this reasoning.
That said, I voted for the McCalls simply because I think the fabric is more summery, and we all need rose print right now more than a fairly dark purple :-). Marie-Christine
I voted for the rose-printed dress because I love the neckline. But honestly, this was just because you had left out the option of MAKING BOTH! C'mon, why force yourself to choose? Oh was it about choosing what to make first? Even that can be worked around, or are you really the kind of sewist who has to actually finish a project before starting another???
Just wanted to add that your blog is what I look up when I need something sunny in my day... you always make me smile!
I want to visit your Sally Army store, looks like it's full of great things. I vote for purple because I love purple and the matching shoes are to die for!
purple purple purple! how could you choose anything else ?? (actually I think I did in your poll by mistake: blame it on sharing a bottle of red wine with my wonderful husband over several hours this Friday night on the front porch (in australia )...
The rose print is just to harsh for me. I like the second rose print better, it's softer, more floral and less... something... I don't know, I just like it better. I voted for purple.
Oh no Peter-you've only made it more endearing! I voted for the roses because, well I'm in a rosy kind of mood these days (must be the warm weather) and also-because I have a sort of affinity for funerals and it really does remind me of a very fancy coffin lining.
I voted for the roses but I think you're leaning toward the purple.
And my neighborhood has thrift stores galore but I am amazed at what you're able to find at that Salvation Army store! Do you have any shopping secrets, or are you just lucky to live near a store that gets good donations?
I'm on team purple, but really only because you've already started the prep work, and in my book, that gives it the lead. I really like the other one better, and I can't wait to see it in that coffin, um, rose fabric.
BTW, those purple shoes appear to be identical to the ones my daughter is wearing under her wedding dress. They wouldn't be nine wests by any chance? Love them!
I don't have a strong preference (though i voted purple). My real goal is to whine! Thrift shopping in DC is abysmal. The Goodwill is crazy overpriced and all of the thrift stores are completely picked over by hipsters and eBayers who can go during the week. The jewelry selection the last time I went was LITERALLY limited to plastic mardi gras beads. Really. Whither the enamel pins??? And there is no fabric at any of them.
I voted for the 30s dress... I love that purple cabbage rose print (I believe they are cabbage roses, though they do resemble peonies). Why can't I find fabric like that at the Salvation army?
If it's any solace, Trena, the jewelry at the Salvation Army is mainly of the Barbie variety, and fabric rarely shows up that hasn't already been turned into bedding -- often of the stained, worn out variety.
I'm going to throw a monkey wrench into the proceedings and suggest that you use the purple solid for a nice retro skirt suit, with the purple print as a shell (you know, sleeveless collarless blouse) to go underneath it.
Slinking off now to work on my own semi-retro project ... Burda 5.2005.113 in a nice hydrangea georgette that was never bedding (dare I say it came from JoAnn's?)
I don't know about which dress to make, as I'm the queen of indecision... but it makes me happy that you referenced "Harold and the Purple Crayon." One of my favorite childhood books that my mom would read with me. :)
Oh, and what size women's shoes do you wear? Because I maaaay have to steal those black pumps from you/Cathy. Which Salvo do you shop at, by the way? I need to go there.
The Hollywood pattern naturally since it is a competition! And the regal fabric colour is perfect even if it is of a questionable background. Just like many tinseltown starlets of years gone by...
Purple, purple, purple, for sure! The red roses look like wrong side of the tracks to me. Cathy will look divine in the purple. The retro purply-lavender rose print is pretty but that royal looking purple with the chic shoes will look stunning on our Princess Cathy.
I'm a native New Yorker and sewing fanatic! I started sewing in 2009 and today make all my own clothes using vintage sewing machines and vintage patterns, in addition to sewing for private clients. Welcome to the warm and whimsical world of Male Pattern Boldness, where the conversation is sewing, style, fashion, fabric, and more!
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I'm only voting for the McCall's because the View A woman has such frightening eyebrows. I'm pretty sure she'd curse me if I didn't vote for her.
ReplyDeleteYay for being the first to vote! I voted for the rose print, since it's more springy and I've just watched Gertie finish her beautiful shirred rose sheath dress. There's my two cents, good luck making the decision!
ReplyDeleteaw I was too slow...almost the first to vote :)
ReplyDeletePurple all the way, your sassy purple pumps look like they're dying to be worn around town.
ReplyDeleteI'm voting for the 1930's over the 1940's, because I will always, in any situation, however inappropriate, pick a 30's fashion over a 40's one.
ReplyDeleteBut that rose fabric, especially since you made the coffin lining connection, is tantalizing...
Can't wait to see what you pick.
Those purple pumps are divine, however...
I just adore the purple rose print, almost as much as I adore those purple shoes. Inspired by your purpleness, I have pulled a length of purple slinky knit from my stash that is looking to be made into something this weekend. Maybe a wrap dress to go with my purple shoes?? In case you couldn't guess, I voted for the purple!
ReplyDeleteI only WISH that I could find heels in my size at the Salvation Army! Lucky Cathy!
ReplyDeleteI want to see both. :) Though I voted for the purple one, because I *love* the pattern. The vintage bug has bitten me, too, Peter. I just ordered a whole bunch of vintage toddler patterns for Evie's summer clothes collection. Well, and some for the fall, too. I found a great coat pattern in her size that I'll be making up before it gets cold again. (It's such a good thing that she's not growing as fast as she was this time last year!)
ReplyDeleteLove the purple - Cathy will look so regal in that!
ReplyDeleteI voted for purple as well. It seems to have more interesting details and I like the fabric better (I'm anti shine-y). Good luck in the contest. Maybe you'll get to enter both!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite sewing techniques is chewing my nails about what to do next. Usually, by the time I've made up my mind, I could easily have finished both projects.
ReplyDeleteI recommend tossing a coin - if you're really unhappy with the result, just do the other one, you're only tossing as a means to see whether you have strong feelings one way or the other that are masked by all this reasoning.
That said, I voted for the McCalls simply because I think the fabric is more summery, and we all need rose print right now more than a fairly dark purple :-).
Marie-Christine
I voted for the rose-printed dress because I love the neckline. But honestly, this was just because you had left out the option of MAKING BOTH! C'mon, why force yourself to choose? Oh was it about choosing what to make first? Even that can be worked around, or are you really the kind of sewist who has to actually finish a project before starting another???
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add that your blog is what I look up when I need something sunny in my day... you always make me smile!
Justiina
I want to visit your Sally Army store, looks like it's full of great things. I vote for purple because I love purple and the matching shoes are to die for!
ReplyDeletePurple!! I think the pattern is more interesting, and I loooooove purple dresses. :-)
ReplyDeletepurple purple purple! how could you choose anything else ??
ReplyDelete(actually I think I did in your poll by mistake: blame it on sharing a bottle of red wine with my wonderful husband over several hours this Friday night on the front porch (in australia )...
How my Salvation Armies don't boast such treasures?
ReplyDeleteIt just has to be the purple. Honestly. Purple is *my* favourite colour so I know it will definitely suit CC. Because that's logical. xx
ReplyDeleteI WANT those purple shoes - in my size of course. You are so lucky to find these treasures. I like the purple better than the rose print.
ReplyDeleteI fear I have biased all of you against that rose print by comparing it to coffin lining!
ReplyDeleteThe rose print is just to harsh for me. I like the second rose print better, it's softer, more floral and less... something... I don't know, I just like it better. I voted for purple.
ReplyDeleteOh no Peter-you've only made it more endearing!
ReplyDeleteI voted for the roses because, well I'm in a rosy kind of mood these days (must be the warm weather) and also-because I have a sort of affinity for funerals and it really does remind me of a very fancy coffin lining.
... forgot to add that I LOVE the new shoes!!!
ReplyDeleteI voted for the roses but I think you're leaning toward the purple.
ReplyDeleteAnd my neighborhood has thrift stores galore but I am amazed at what you're able to find at that Salvation Army store! Do you have any shopping secrets, or are you just lucky to live near a store that gets good donations?
Betty, this is YOUR decision, not mine. I am surrendered. LOL
ReplyDeleteI think my Salvation Army just gets good stuff -- it all depends on where you live.
Go Team Purple! It'll look STELLAR on Cathy! And I'm swoony over those purple pumps. Delish!
ReplyDeleteI'm on team purple, but really only because you've already started the prep work, and in my book, that gives it the lead. I really like the other one better, and I can't wait to see it in that coffin, um, rose fabric.
ReplyDeleteBTW, those purple shoes appear to be identical to the ones my daughter is wearing under her wedding dress. They wouldn't be nine wests by any chance? Love them!
Those little puff sleeves! That pointy collar! Purple! Definitely!
ReplyDeleteAs enamored as I am with 1930's Hollywood I have to go with the drapey purple.
ReplyDeletepurple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, dontcha know...
ReplyDeletealso, Peter and the Purple Crayon is one of my fave books of all time, so....no contest!
Isn't it Harold and the Purple Crayon? ;)
ReplyDeleteHarold, but of course! I'm so tired right now, I can't think....
ReplyDeletebut I know a good purple when I see one!
You folks are hysterical. LOL
ReplyDeleteI don't have a strong preference (though i voted purple). My real goal is to whine! Thrift shopping in DC is abysmal. The Goodwill is crazy overpriced and all of the thrift stores are completely picked over by hipsters and eBayers who can go during the week. The jewelry selection the last time I went was LITERALLY limited to plastic mardi gras beads. Really. Whither the enamel pins??? And there is no fabric at any of them.
ReplyDeleteI voted for the 30s dress... I love that purple cabbage rose print (I believe they are cabbage roses, though they do resemble peonies). Why can't I find fabric like that at the Salvation army?
ReplyDeleteIf it's any solace, Trena, the jewelry at the Salvation Army is mainly of the Barbie variety, and fabric rarely shows up that hasn't already been turned into bedding -- often of the stained, worn out variety.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to throw a monkey wrench into the proceedings and suggest that you use the purple solid for a nice retro skirt suit, with the purple print as a shell (you know, sleeveless collarless blouse) to go underneath it.
ReplyDeleteSlinking off now to work on my own semi-retro project ... Burda 5.2005.113 in a nice hydrangea georgette that was never bedding (dare I say it came from JoAnn's?)
Those are cabbage roses...swoon.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about which dress to make, as I'm the queen of indecision... but it makes me happy that you referenced "Harold and the Purple Crayon." One of my favorite childhood books that my mom would read with me. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and what size women's shoes do you wear? Because I maaaay have to steal those black pumps from you/Cathy. Which Salvo do you shop at, by the way? I need to go there.
I don't have much of an opinion on which pattern you use. However, my favorite color is purple. So, whenever I can vote for purple, I do!
ReplyDeleteGO GO purple rayon!
ReplyDeleteThe Hollywood pattern naturally since it is a competition! And the regal fabric colour is perfect even if it is of a questionable background. Just like many tinseltown starlets of years gone by...
ReplyDeletePurple, purple, purple, for sure! The red roses look like wrong side of the tracks to me. Cathy will look divine in the purple. The retro purply-lavender rose print is pretty but that royal looking purple with the chic shoes will look stunning on our Princess Cathy.
ReplyDelete