Tag:

retro

Blue floral Camí

by Pauline Alice 15 May, 2014

written by Pauline Alice

This dress have been waiting almost 1 year to be made! From the day I bought the fabric on sales last summer to last week when I finally stitched the last button, I knew exactly this blue floral border print would make a great Camí dress (even if at the time the Camí pattern didn’t even have a name, it was just a sketch).

I’m glad I made it as it’s a great summer dress. I wore it to the sea shore last weekend and it was perfect for the weather.

I had some fun with the floral stripes and decided to use them verticaly on the bodice (to follow the button placket) and horizontaly on the skirt and sleeves to use the larger border for the hem.

I found some exemple on Pinterest (I even considered a chevron pattern but didn’t know where to place it).

And some behind-the-scene picture for fun (making sure I don’t have lipstick on my teeth before the photo):

15 May, 2014 44 comments

Blog idées et inspiration Ninot Patrons pauline alice projets

Like Arish Agoriuq

by Pauline Alice 21 December, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

From the very beginning, I’ve imagined the Ninot jacket as part of a suit. So when I bought the fabric for the jacket, I took enough for a pencil skirt as well.

I just love the contrast of the fitted skirt and the boxy swing jacket.

The post is called “Like Arish Agoriuq” because she is one my favorite character right now. She’s the main character of “El Tiempo Entre Costuras” a TV serie set in the 40’s in Spain. Arish is her spy name while living in Madrid as a very stylish seamstress.

I love the show for the fashion: the 40’s were so elegant! In the serie, Arish is wearing a lot of two pieces suits with pencil skirts, blazer jackets and big fur collars. You can see more pictures here.

The skirt is the typical pencil skirt with a kick pleat at the back. I made the pattern. The wool crepe is so soft, it’s the perfect fabric for such a suit. I’m wearing it with a light pink detachable faux-fur collar from H&M. I think this will be my Christmas outfit…

I wish you a Merry Christmas! I’m going home to France in my family but the shop is going to stay open during the holidays (last minute gift?). After the holidays I’ll be back with a serie of tutorials on the Ninot jacket, stay tuned!

21 December, 2013 35 comments

Blog Malvarosa Patrons pauline alice

Malvarosa Dress Pattern!

by Pauline Alice 14 November, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

Here it is, the new pattern: the Malvarosa dress!

After a fitted 50’s inspired dress, I wanted to recreate the style of another decade I love: the 60’s.

This babydoll dress is all about volume, fun and comfort without compromise on great style.

Version A has small drop shoulders, perfect for summer or for parties!

The pattern features a low waistline with A-line bodice, a gathered skirt with hidden pockets, bust darts and boat neckline.

For a dramatic result, use a fabric with a lot of body like this black and white cotton canvas (with Eiffel Tower, french poodles and the typical french policeman on bike, how cute!) or a taffeta or brocade, so that the dress will stay open, away from your body.

Version B has elbow length sleeves attached to the drop shoulders. I made this version with a beautiful cotton fabric from designer Anna Maria Horner from Telaria online shop.

One of my favourite features on this pattern are the pockets hidden in the skirts gathers. You don’t even notice they are here until you put your hands in them. And I don’t know about you, but pockets are definitely a must for me!

As you can see, the pattern is quite simple, it’s recommended for a beginner seamstress. There is no fastener of any kind (no zipper or buttons), just pull through like a t-shirt.

The shape is loose so fitting is not too complicated either.

The Malvarosa pattern is a great project for a beginner seamstress who is looking for an dress easy to accessorize and make in a lot of different fabrics (think heavy brocade for a party, chambray or cotton for summer, wool for winter, or even lace for a wedding…).

Feel like making a Malvarosa dress? Buy the pattern here!

14 November, 2013 33 comments

My makes Sewing projects

Fall/Winter Sewing Plan

by Pauline Alice 8 November, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

Let’s continue with Fall/Winter sewing: after the inspiration, let me show you what I plan on sewing.

Hopefully the weather will behave and the temperatures will go down (but I really don’t know, I might just wear my bikini and go to the beach this afternoon. I’m not joking!).

The fabric is mine and the illustrations are to give you an idea of the shape, but I will draft my own patterns (you might even see some of them later if I am happy of how they turned out!)

I have this beautiful burgundy wool that will be perfect for a jacket/skirt ensemble. I’m thinking of a short swing jacket and a pencil skirt with knife pleats at the back. And the light pink lining for a little bit of contrast.

With the same pattern as the short swing jacket, I want to make a swing coat. I will just make it longer (or I hope it will work like that). I have a bright baby blue wool/cotton fabric with a diamond pattern in relief. With a bright green lining, it will be a very nice coat to brighten the winter.

These two combinations are for skirts: A-line skirts with pleats. I need more skirts, I have lots of dresses but very few skirts. So I will add two for the winter: one in wool tweed in green, pink and brown with a bottle green lining and the other one in purple wool with blue/purple lining.

And a winter Camí dress of course! 3/4 sleeves or long, I still don’t know. I have a nice cotton/wool fabric but I might have to change the collar, it might be too heavy. It’s dark grey with purple leaves, very subtle.

Are you ready for next week? I’m so excited to show you the new pattern. I really hope you’ll like it!

It will be out on Thursday! Monday I’ll let you know more…

Have a great week end and see you then…

8 November, 2013 9 comments

Blog proyectos proyectos personales

Tweed Ride

by Pauline Alice 1 November, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

Have you heard about the Tweed Ride phenomenon?

The Tweed Rides are bicycle rides through a city, where the riders are dressed in early 20th century fashion (from the 20’s to the 50’s). Vintage bikes are more than welcome of course!

Well, last Sunday was the first Tweed Ride Valencia and it was a huge success!

We were more than 200 persons for the very first time it was organised in Valencia and as you can see in the picture, people really dressed up!

Of course, I had to make something for the occasion! It’s not like I really need any excuse but come on, it would have been a pity not to sew something special. And not only for me, for my man too!

Tweed seems like a good idea in October, but in Valencia, not so much. We were all sweating (ok, the men were because they were all wearing wool socks, vests, jackets, hats… so sartorials) but at least we were fashionable!

I made my boyfriend a vest and a cap from the same fabric. Both are from Burda (who knew Burda was so vintage-forward?): the vest is #136 and the cap #142 from the April issue 2013.

As for my dress, I made it from Vintage Vogue 2787 pattern, a reproduction from 1948. I used a nice crepe georgette I had for a long time. I also made a little faux-fur capelet (that I didn’t wear because of the heat) completed by my own hat and leather gloves (hand-sweating is so disgusting).

Here we are with my friends Gloria and Joan (they own the best teashop ever: La Petite Planèthé). Gloria wore one of my dresses for a 50’s style. She looks adorable!

And finally, a picture with the beautiful Nay! She’s a photograph and took so many pictures of the evnt while being so stylish.

And these two little girls were so cute and nice!

So I’ll leave you with them, you’re in good company…

1 November, 2013 23 comments

Blog Cami Pauline alice patterns

My Camí dress

by Pauline Alice 16 October, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

I can now show you the Camí dress I made for the Sew-Along! I used a floral cotton fabric and a white cotton sateen for the contrasted collar and cuffs (that’s a look I saw on a Dolce & Gabanna dress and I thought I could try to make a modest replica).

Now I really looking forward to show all your pretty dresses on the 25th…

And I remind you that there will be one lucky winner of the next pattern during the giveaway!

16 October, 2013 32 comments

Blog Cami Pauline alice patterns Tutorials and techniques

Camí Sew-Along: Sewing the Pockets and Attaching the Skirt

by Pauline Alice 7 October, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

I guess you’re looking forward to finish your Camí dress, no? Well, with today’s step, it’s going to be almost done and you’ll be able to try it and see the overall look and fit.

We are going to sew the pockets, gather the skirt and attach it to the bodice. I don’t know about you, but for me, the perfect garment (whether it is a dress, a skirt or a jacket for example) has to have pockets. They are to practical and it’s always a cute detail to add.

DRAW THE SKIRT PIECES

1.Following the instructions, draw the 2 skirts pieces and mark the zipper opening and the pocket start and end.

If you wish to make a circle skirt, there will be a tutorial on how to draw your own circle skirt pattern on Wednesday 9th.

STITCH THE POCKETS

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-1

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-2

1.Match the pocket marks to the skirt marks and pin right sides together. Stitch with a 1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance.

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-3

2.Fold the pocket over and press the seam allowances toward the pocket.

Repeat with the other pocket on the opposite side and the two other pockets on the other skirt piece.

STITCH THE SKIRT PIECES TOGETHER

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-4

1.On the right side, match the seams of the two skirt pieces together all around the pockets, with right sides together and pin.

2.Stitch, pivoting at the pocket angle.

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-6

3. If you insert a regular zipper on the left side (that’s what I will do), match the seams, pin and start stitching from the zipper mark to the hem.

If you are inserting an invisible zipper, it will be easier first to gather the skirt, attach it to the bodice, set the zipper and then close the side seam.

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-7

4.Finissez les marges et repassez les poches vers le devant de la jupe.

GATHERING THE SKIRT

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-8

1.On the skirt waist seam, baste 3 lines of stitches at 1,5 cm, 1 cm and 0,5 cm from the egde (5/8″, 3/8″ and 1/4″).

2.Tie the bobbin threads (the ones at the bottom) together at both end. You will pull them to gather the skirt volume.

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-10

cami-sew-along-sewing-pockets-attaching-skirt-pattern-11

3.Match the skirt side openings, front and back center, side seam to the corresponding bodice marks, with right sides together and pin. Gather the skirt between the marks until it fits the bodice.

When it does, stitch and finish the seam allowances (I like to bind the seam with bias).

There you go! On Wednesday we’ll see how to draw a circle skirt and how to add a lining in case your fabric needs it. Now go try your almost finished dress! And the whole Sew-Along posts are here.

7 October, 2013 4 comments

Blog Cami Pauline alice patterns Tutorials and techniques

Camí Dress Sew-Along 1 – Fabric inspiration

by Pauline Alice 17 September, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

Let’s begin the Camí dress Sew-Along with the fabric selection.

The pattern specifies that you choose among cotton poplin, cotton sateen, linen, chambray, a cotton-silk blend or even a lightweight wool blend.

When buying your fabric, you should take into account the following points:

Are you going to make the short or 3/4 length sleeves? For the short sleeves version, a lighter fabric might be more appropriate for the warm weather and easier to pair with a cardigan later. If you intent to make the 3/4 sleeves, what about a chambray or flanel version to make the transition into the colder months.

You also want a fabric with a little of structure for the collar (and cuffs if you are making them). You are going to interface your fabric but imagine making your collar in chiffon… not great. But a cotton voile would be structured enough while still being very light, a nice compromise.

The skirt of the Camí dress is designed to be very full. I know that some of you are afraid gathers at the waist will add volume to that area. Using a lightweight fabric with a nice drape is the perfect way to still have volume at the hem but not at the waist. Stay away from stiff quilting cotton!

cami-dress-sew-along-fabric-inspiration-pattern-1

I love shopping for fabric! I have to admit that’s the only shopping I’m doing lately as I haven’t bought any clothes for at least 2 years (can’t say I’m saving any money though!). While designing the Camí dress, I came accross a few fabrics I thought would look nice and brought them back home.

You can also look at the dresses made by the pattern testers for fabric inspiration: part 1 and part 2.

cami-dress-sew-along-fabric-inspiration-pattern-2

This fabric I actually had before but I think it would look beautiful paired with the Camí dress pattern. It would make a very romantic dress. How about changing the shirt collar for a peter pan collar for a more 1950’s retro look? It’s a cotton poplin with a nice drape, a little bit of stretch and it’s very soft to the touch.

cami-dress-sew-along-fabric-inspiration-pattern-3

Gingham of course! There were 3 pattern testers versions made of gingham and they looked amazing. This one has bigger squares and would make such a cute summer dress with the short sleeves (very Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz!). There is a lot of variations possible: how about playing with the grainline for some pattern pieces? Or changing the skirt for a circle skirt?

cami-dress-sew-along-fabric-inspiration-pattern-4

With its basic dirndl skirt (2 rectangles gathered at the waist), the Camí dress allows you to play with borders. I found this white cotton-linen blend with blue flowers stripes and a larger stripe border that would look nice at the hem line. As a spring/summer version it would be so pretty and breathable, yet not too prone to wrinkle thanks to the cotton percentage.

cami-dress-sew-along-fabric-inspiration-pattern-5

Finally, this is the fabric I am going to use for the Sew-Along. It’s a cotton fabric with little blue, red, yellow and green flowers. I will make the collar and cuffs in contrasting fabric: white cotton sateen. The one I have is a bit on the heavy side but it will do.

Let me know what fabric you are using.
Find the schedule of the Sew-Along here.

17 September, 2013 12 comments

Blog Cami idées et inspiration projets

Camí Dresses – Part 2

by Pauline Alice 10 September, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

Here is the 2nd part of the Camí dresses made by the pattern testers (and one very fast-sewing buyer). It’s so great to see the different styles everyone of them chose according to her personality. I hope they will inspire you to make your own Camí dress!

Isa from Onlylola made such a cute version: navy fabric with small white polka dots and red buttons! Hello Sailor! Isn’t she beautiful?

Lisa’s version is more classic in a blue cotton (go see the fabric detail on her blog Small Things, there are some little textured dots on the fabric: so pretty!). She was brave enough to test the 3/4 long sleeve version with cuffs and she made a wonderful job!

I think gingham was a perfect match for the Camí dress as Adrienne also used this fabric! But her’s blue! You can see her beautiful dress on her blog All Style and All Substance.

I thought I would also show you Inge’s version. She bought the pattern at the beginning of last week and posted the results on twitter 2 days ago. How fast does she sew? And how cute is she? I love how she made a classic black dress but used green buttons and green topstitching to brighten it! Check out her blog for more pictures.

I have been taking pictures of the sewing steps of the Camí dress. I am planning on making a step-by-step tutorial with photos so that anyone who purchased the pattern can follow the instructions and the blog tutorial for extra information. And it might also reassure some of you about the techniques involved (shirt collar, cuffs, button placket…). I hope it will be useful!

And right now I am drafting and making muslins for the red jacket and dress I am making for my cousin’s wedding (less than a month now, I should hurry). The jacket is starting to look nice.

Have a nice week!

10 September, 2013 11 comments

Blog Cami idées et inspiration Patrons pauline alice projets

Camí dresses – part 1

by Pauline Alice 6 September, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

Hello!

First, I would like to thank you so much for the warm welcome you gave the Camí dress pattern. It’s amazing and a dream come true for me. I am beyond happy! So THANKS SO MUCH!

Second, I thought I would show you the Camí dresses that were made by the pattern testers: they are amazing! Thank you girls! So here is the first part of the Camí testers dresses:

Mari Cruz from Dedal, Aguja e hilo made a gorgeous purple gingham Camí dress with short sleeves. She decided to reduce the skirt width and it works so well like that! Can you see how the buttons match her shoes perfectly?

I just love the eyelet insert Sonia did on her version of the Camí dress! Go to her blog La Pequeña Aprendiz to see all the pretty pictures she took and look at the details of her dress. She also choose the short sleeves version (Spanish weather!) and used a beautiful coral pink cotton sateen.

Roisin from But it can’t be from Dolly Clackett also made a purple gingham version! Coincidence? I guess the pattern screams retro gingham fabric… It looks amazing on her! She went for the extra full skirt and I love it!

Be sure you check out their amazing versions and blogs! The other testers versions will come very soon for more inspiration.

And remember that the Camí dress pattern is available HERE!

Have a great week end!

6 September, 2013 25 comments

Sin categoría

New Sewing Pattern: The Camí Dress!

by Pauline Alice 2 September, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

I am very happy to present you my first sewing pattern: the Camí dress!

The Camí dress is a very versatile shirt dress: with its sleeve variation, it can be worn all year long… Version A has short sleeves and version B has 3/4 length sleeve with cuffs.

I have been in love with the classic style of shirt dresses for a long time and that’s why I wanted to design one as my first pattern. Make the Camí dress in a cute printed cotton for a casual look or choose a bright cotton sateen or silk blend for a more elegant touch: from day to night, the Camí will make an impression with its retro silhouette.

Camí1

The dress buttons down from the clasic shirt collar to the waist and for more comfort, there is also a side zipper. There are inseam pockets as they are so practical. The high-waist and full, gathered skirt are so typical of the 50’s fashion, you know how much I love those details 🙂

The pattern and instructions are available as PDF files in English, Spanish and French. When the order is made, the files will be sent to your e-mail within 48 hours.

cami dress, pauline alice sewing pattern, sewing pattern, shirt dress

Want to make the Camí dress? Get the pattern here!

I hope you’ll love it and thanks for your support!

Have a wonderful week!

2 September, 2013 53 comments

Blog My makes Sewing projects

Sailor Trousers

by Pauline Alice 18 August, 2013

written by Pauline Alice

Hello Sailor!

This is my 1srt pair of trousers! Aren’t they cute? I am sure they are made to be worn by a tall model like in the Burda magazine (and not a very short girl like me) but they caught my eyes last year when the issue came out and I had to have them. It took some time (and I don’t even have the fabric excuse: I bought that denim fabric as soon as I opened the magazine and had it over a year in my stash especially for that purpose). I was scared of sewing trousers, here’s the truth!

The pattern is Burda 125 from April 2012, high waisted sailor pants with side button placket. The fit is easy to achieve as the legs are very wide. I didn’t make any change to the pattern, only hemmed the leg wayyyyyyyyyy higher:) The most difficult part is the back welt pocket, but as that wasn’t my first, I didn’t have any problem.

Do you like my photoshop tattoo?

The button placket is lined with a red and white cotton fabric I had left. Behind the placket, there is a zipper to close the trousers. This is a quite clever opening and a nice detail. Speaking about details, I added gold buttons with an anchor for an even more sailory touch!

As for the denim, it’s light and nice to work with. But way to warm to wear for more than 10 minutes with the weather we’re having this summer. But I’m sure that they will be perfect trousers for the fall…

I feel very “pin up” while wearing these trousers, they have a 1940’s vibe for me. With a tank top or a crop shirt tied on the front, they would look so cute! And very high heels of course!
I wish you a nice week!

18 August, 2013 24 comments