Vintage Sewing - part 1

We just got back from vacation - it was great, relaxing, sunny, just the way vacations are supposed to be. Before we left, I made a short A-line skirt in the black Zegna cotton, to wear with the two tunics. Pictures to come. The skirt is amazingly comfortable to wear and feels very summery. I'm used to the more constrictive pegged skirt shape so this is a nice break.

I joined the Vintage Sewing Contest on PatternReview.com, with this lovely Vogue Couturier pattern by Simonetta of Italy. I found it on Lanetzliving, a very addictive website with tons of vintage and recent OOP (out of print) patterns.

The description on the back reads: Two-piece dress and cape. Blouse has optional, bias ring collar, below elbow length sleeves. Button detail at front. Slim skirt. Cape has optional shaped collar with a high roll, and arm vents. Button closing. A very dry description of a totally fabulous outfit.

Suggested fabrics are wool jersey, flannel, tweed, lightweight woolens, brocade, faille, shantung, and something called "slipper satin". I am thinking of making the dress in a lightweight wool crepe. Maybe even the cape would work in a wool crepe although I'm not sure just how warm it will keep me. I like the version on the right, colors included. I may reverse the colors, though.

Today, I traced off the dress pattern so that I can make a muslin mock-up. Stay tuned for updates.