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DIY Dames, retro sewing and crafts

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Did you make that? Share your retro-inspired DIY projects, tutorials, patterns and hacks.

Members: 238
Latest Activity: on Monday

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1950s style dress

Started by Margrete. Last reply by Margrete on Monday. 3 Replies 0 Likes

Here's finally another project that's been a little on and off.When I got my sewing machine last year, the first thing I started "fantasizing" about was a 50s style dress in white w/black polkadot…Continue

Late 1920s dress

Started by Margrete. Last reply by Margrete May 13. 4 Replies 2 Likes

A lot of things have got in the way for my new-found hobby sewing, but I'm finally able to show you my first dress.In November I got wind of that a party I'd be going to this year was going to be 20s…Continue

Repro clothes that I've made

Started by Eva Andersson. Last reply by Brandi Shuey May 1. 3 Replies 2 Likes

As an introduction of to this group I thought I'd show you some of the repro clothes that I've made. They're on my web site,…Continue

Help! I bought a vintage lace wedding dress at a thrift store that I need to alter.

Started by Alex Fletes. Last reply by Alex Fletes Apr 20. 13 Replies 0 Likes

I still consider myself beginner when it comes to sewing so I am afraid to alter it myself. I want to turn it into a strapless sweetheart dress. I took it to a local wedding shop to have them give me…Continue

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Comment Wall

Comment by Christina Zepeda on July 8, 2012 at 9:05am: I would like to make some Retro Clothing. Does anyone have any advice on patterns, fabric, or just general advice..Thanks

Comment by Bloodsbitca on July 8, 2012 at 3:51pm: Hi I'm currently teaching myself to make retro clothing. I have found quite a few patterns for free, ill post the links shortly.

Comment by Brin Plourde on July 10, 2012 at 3:54pm: I sell tons of vintage patterns....check out my store kooterandflos.com

Thanks!

Comment by Southern Vintage on July 24, 2012 at 12:05pm: For printable pdf style patterns that are free or cost little try Etsy, Ebay, or BurdaStyle.com. They have some really cute vintage patterns! Just watch out for the ones that seem overly expensive just for the copy, these sellers are out to rip you off.

Comment by Brin Plourde on July 24, 2012 at 12:09pm: I totally agree! All of my patterns are ORIGINAL vintage and I find that they are priced lower than other sellers...I just want them to go to a good home not overcharge for a pattern in good condition!

Comment by Brin Plourde on July 24, 2012 at 12:10pm: Plus I set up a special discount code for PUG users! Just enter "PUG15" at checkout for 15% discount!

Comment by Gradly on August 9, 2012 at 11:33am: I am borrowing my friends sewing machine and I'm super excited.

Comment by Ruby duVin on August 17, 2012 at 10:30pm: Those of you who use vintage patterns - is it difficult to grade them to your measurements? Most of the ones I find are itty bitty.

Comment by Gradly on August 29, 2012 at 6:44pm: I just bought some fabric and will be sewing for the first time this week. Wish me luck

Comment by Jen Robinson on November 13, 2012 at 9:36am: For those who haven't used vintage patterns, it's important to know that they're different from modern patterns. If you're not an experienced sewer or are new to sewing, I would recommend you do quite a bit of online research, as they tend to have fewer directions, are not multi-sized and some are not printed.

Here's a website that has help for resizing vintage patterns:

http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/resizing_vintage_patterns.html

This link is about sewing with unprinted patterns:

http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/using_unprinted_patterns.html

Colette Patterns has some nice vintage-inspired patterns that are drafted for curvier women, using a C-cup instead of the standard B-cup.