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May 6, 2015

What I'm Making With My Hibiscus Print + New Dress Patterns



Readers, I've made a decision about my wild hibiscus print fabric: I'm going to make an informal summer blazer, using Vogue 9445 (up top) from 1958.

 I purchased this pattern sometime last January, prepped it, but haven't used it yet.  It's hard to believe, but all the instructions for this garment are on a single printed sheet!



I thank you for your many excellent suggestions about what to make with this admittedly overpowering coated cotton print.  I considered everything from a tablecloth to a jumpsuit/coveralls, but decided that a blazer is something I'll actually wear and enjoy.



I'm approaching this as more of a wearable muslin, especially since I laundered the fabric yesterday and, as you can see in the photos below, it did not hold up well in the wash: the red areas in particular washed very poorly (and bled).  Not so nice.









In other news, I have three new (to me) 1930's dress patterns!  My hunch is that these date from about 1933-1934.  I think my favorite is the first one, with the cape.  A Cathy summer outfit perhaps?







And that's it.  I'll soon have some exciting news about a sew-along I'm planning, as well as an MPB Day Save the Date, so stay tuned.

Have a great day, everybody!

26 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 6, 2015 at 6:51 PM

    I'm personally not feeling the jacket, but as a muslin to fit the pattern why not. I just don't think the quality of the fabric warrants your effort.

    ADORE the first and the last 30s dress patterns. Love the back of the first one and the sleeves on the last. Can't wait to see your ideas for those!!!

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  2. MichaelCMay 6, 2015 at 7:14 PM

    I think walking shorts would be great for that fabric. I agree with J Krogh about spending too much time on a suspect fabric.
    I do adore those patterns. They sure are elongated amazon women. Not a curve in sight.

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  3. Antipodean StitcherMay 6, 2015 at 7:54 PM

    So sad that the hibiscus fabric bled and faded - it's such a fun and happy print!
    With the dresses, I love the slight hint of open back in the striped first one.

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  4. MouseMay 6, 2015 at 7:58 PM

    Pattern #3 is my favorite with or without the long sleeves. I like the slender silhouettes of the '30s; the Great Depression likely helped many to maintain such a figure.

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  5. AnonymousMay 6, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    It's definitely a loud print and unusual fabric for a blazer, it will certainly be unique. That print still screams "shorts" to me.

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    Replies
    1. Peter LappinMay 6, 2015 at 8:06 PM

      Maybe there willl be enough left for a pair!

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMay 6, 2015 at 8:06 PM

    Hi Peter!

    Hello from Down Under! :-)

    What a great blog - I really enjoy reading it and seeing your sewing adventures.

    Those patterns are fantastic. McCall always dated their patterns so check the fine print on the back of the envelope, usually along one of the edges. You'll find the date there.

    Cheers

    Markl

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  7. AnonymousMay 6, 2015 at 8:29 PM

    Can't wait to see it! I love this idea!

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  8. UstabahippieMay 6, 2015 at 10:10 PM

    Just a hint with 30's patterns. I'm a 12 in a modern pattern and wear about an 18 in 30's patterns. I love #3!

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  9. Mr. TinyMay 7, 2015 at 1:14 AM

    Those dress patterns are beautiful. I love silhouettes of the '30s!!!

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  10. Jamie KempMay 7, 2015 at 1:55 AM

    Go for it Peter. That pattern is lovely to work with, especially if you like a bit hand sewing. My version came out really well and although not as colourful as yours will be, I wear it a lot. Look forward to seeing the finished article.

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  11. poppyMay 7, 2015 at 2:08 AM

    will work brilliant;y as a jacket, perfect in the summer sunshine or on a cooler summer evening! Such a shame it didn't wash very well, although with such a busy print no one will notice.

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  12. LouiseMay 7, 2015 at 4:02 AM

    that will be a "statement jacket!", looking forward to seeing it,

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  13. AnonymousMay 7, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    I'm glad you're not making a Hawaiian shirt out of that print. The jacket pattern will keep it from being too Tommy Bahama.
    Great patterns! I love the designs and illustrations from that era of McCall.

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  14. chesneykatMay 7, 2015 at 9:55 AM

    I love the third dress pattern. I think it would look great on Cathy!

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  15. lwMay 7, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    I love all three dress patterns, especially the 2nd one with the striped fabric.

    I hope there's enough of the hibiscus fabric to cut around the parts that bled.

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  16. tessMay 7, 2015 at 10:54 PM

    shoot, how about trying to get your money back? If you washed per the instructions the colors should not have run

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    Replies
    1. Peter LappinMay 8, 2015 at 8:33 AM

      Sadly, there were no instructions...

      I'm just going to include it as if it were an intentional design element. ;)

      Delete
  17. UnknownMay 8, 2015 at 6:31 AM

    As sure as I am I know you'd look wonderful in a floral jacket but I think a jumpsuit would make everyone's week!

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  18. AlyssaMay 8, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    What a great choice for your fabric. I've been trying to find hawaiian print rayon shirting for ages in a print I like.

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  19. AnonymousMay 8, 2015 at 5:54 PM

    This blog is very inspiring and helpful. Started collecting Men's Vintage Patterns any good recommendations for vintage patterns in the garment district?

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  20. UnknownMay 9, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    I cant wait till MPB im so there peter!!!!!!! Cant wait to see you and all my other sewer friends!!!!

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  21. Nancy KMay 9, 2015 at 6:48 PM

    Amazing jacket, Peter! The gingham is a wonderful accent for the large print and the details are perfect.

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  22. RobertaMay 12, 2015 at 9:42 PM

    I love all 3 dress patterns. The artwork is fabulous and I think the ‘30’s silhouette is good for Cathy.

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