FIRSTS for 2014 -- Book, Pattern, HAT!

I know we're only three days into the new year, but let the clutter begin!

In truth, I ordered my copy of Vintage Couture Tailoring by Thomas von Nordheim a few weeks ago, but I only received it yesterday.

I haven't read the whole book let alone based a sewing project on it, but I can say having read a bit of it last night, it looks great.  One of things that stood out in particular is how the author repeatedly explains that there is more than one way to tailor a jacket (I'm not referring to the use of fusibles or other quick methods) and every couture house had/has its favored style.  I find this freeing; most other tailoring books I own teach their method only and it's easy to believe that if you opt for something different you are, quite simply, wrong.

I have one beef with Vintage Couture Tailoring and it's one others have had too, based on the Amazon reviews.  The type in this book is light gray and exceedingly difficult to read.  In some sections the font size is also teeny tiny; I can't image what the designer was thinking: it must have looked fine on their 32" monitor.  All in all, however, I'm happy to have this book and am eager to grab a magnifying glass and read the whole thing cover to cover.  The section on hand sewn buttonholes is particularly clear and detailed.













This morning on eBay, I happened upon a lovely vintage 40's McCall's dress pattern -- my weakness -- that was especially well-priced so I grabbed it.  The dress and jacket are quite simple but that's fine by me.



Meanwhile, I've been meaning to experiment with making my own newsboy caps but I haven't been able to find a commercial pattern I liked.

At the Salvation Army yesterday, I found this somewhat beat-up vintage wool cap for just $1.99.  My plan is to take it apart and create a pattern based on it.  Somewhat oddly, the entire top is lined with a thick wool knit ski cap that ruined the cap's classic shape.  I cut that out first thing.





That's all for today, friends.  Thank you so much for your many kind comments regarding my rendition of Frank Loesser's (He of Guys and Dolls fame) "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," sung in my best Steve Lawrence style (or was it more Eydie Gorme?). 

I think I will take the Menswear Sewing class -- I couldn't register today since FIT is closed on account of our recent snowstorm, but I hope to do so on Monday.  Thanks for all your help in making my decision.

Have a great day, everybody!