Monthly Archives: September 2016

McCall’s 9900 Vintage Skirt Pattern

Posted on September 22, 2016 by freshfrippery

Happy first day of autumn! It’s the perfect time to build up a collection of wool skirts.

I used the last bit of fabric left over from my Victorian bathing suit to make a simple A-line skirt using McCall’s 9900, a vintage 1954 pattern.

The cutting took longer than the sewing because I only had about 1.5 yards instead of the recommended 2, and I had to very carefully line up the pieces and introduce some additional seams in order to match the stripes. To give it a bit more flare when wearing it I’ll probably use a petticoat or maybe add some horsehair to the hem later.

It’s not quite perfect, but was still satisfying!

The skirt closure has a side zipper and a button.

It was a nice easy pattern and I will definitely use this again!

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Posted in 1950s, Other Clothes and tagged 1950s, sewing, skirt. Bookmark the permalink.

1930s Vintage Dress at the Gatsby Picnic

Posted on September 12, 2016 by freshfrippery

Yesterday was the annual Gatsby Summer Afternoon, hosted by the Art Deco Society at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate. (This wonderful event is open to the public, but buy your tickets early because they sold out this year!) There is a live band, dancing, gorgeous antique automobiles, and many great costumes. I found a car that matched my dress!

The dress I wore is a vintage 1930s gown made of a very fine cotton or rayon net. It was such a lucky find in great condition! I am wearing the 23 Skidoos from American Duchess and a hat I trimmed myself.

I bought the hat base from Amazon and decorated with a scrap of green silk taffeta from my stash, and some pink blossoms from Michael’s.

A group of us reserved an umbrella table and organized a luncheon.

We also had delicious cocktails (that matched Samantha, winner of the fashion contest!)

For the first time I was invited to sit inside one of the vintage cars!

Bonus photo: I realized my dress matched the car so well it looked like I had extra “assets.” Hah!

Here is the brochure with the schedule if you are interested in the many activities and performances that happen at the picnic. Hope to see you next year!

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Posted in 1920s, 1930s and tagged 1920s, 1930s, art deco, costume, Gatsby, Gatsby Picnic. Bookmark the permalink.

1830s Romantics at the PEERS Victorian Gothic Ball

Posted on September 5, 2016 by freshfrippery

This weekend I went to the PEERS Victorian Gothic Ball. We were invited to wear 1830s or 1840s clothing and dance the night away, along with actors portraying characters from Jane Eyre and readings by Mr. Edgar Allen Poe and other poets. There is a mini-reunion of our Hopeless Romantics group, along with a few new ladies in 1830s clothing.

I wasn’t quite sure until a few hours before the ball that I would be wearing that particular dress because I had a back injury and could not wear a corset or spend a lot of time with my arms above my head doing elaborate hair. Luckily I already had an easy hairpiece from a previous outing (with a tutorial here) and managed to squeeze myself into the dress sans corset by shifting my petticoats down a bit. The silhouette is not perfect, but I made it to the ball!I am wearing jewelry from Dames a la Mode and Pemberly slippers from American Duchess.