Fabric Friday #1: 1950s floral


Ironically, the day after Kerry shared her thoughts on fabric, ethics and consumption, I decide to launch my first ever weekly feature: Fabric Friday! Not hugely original I know, but everyone loves alliteration, right?

Kerry's post is very thought-provoking and it definitely brought to the forefront my feelings of guilt regarding the size of my stash. My initial excitement about discovering a new hobby led to copious amounts of impulse buying and needless 'social shopping' when in the company of fellow stitchers. Both enjoyable, but unnecessary. Thankfully I've slowed down a lot lately, but the proverbial 'damage' has been done resulting in a sewing room that better resembles a hoarder's room. I can't bring myself to share photos, but maybe an overdue tidy-up will inspire me to do so soon.

I'm not bragging about my stash, if anything I'm pretty ashamed of it. However, I'm excited about my Fabric Friday feature for two reasons:
  1. Selfless reason: I promise that Fabric Friday will provide you with weekly eye candy!
  2. Selfish reason: The process of browsing and photographing my stash will re-acquaint me with what I have and get me excited again about forgotten treasures. What doesn't excite me anymore will be gifted or sold, thus helping me to de-stash. I'm also really looking forward to your thoughts on and vision for my fabrics, as more often than not, I have no firm plans for them.



If you made it through that preamble, today's treasure is an unusual 1950s floral print with a lovely drape. I think its synthetic (must look up and try out the burn test) and it cost me £10 for 1.5m (length) x 90cm (wide). The beautiful colours and size of the print, combined with the limited amount, are screaming out a 1940s blouse to me.

What would you make with this beauty? Got any suggestions for me?

27 comments:

  1. Absolutely gorgeous. Such amazing drape and the colour is divine.
    I agree and lovely '50's top or tea-dress would be perfect.
    Caroline, http://carolinejoynson.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thanks Caroline. I definitely need to show off the glorious drape!

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  2. Beautiful fabric, very jealous, it would make a fantastic 1940s blouse

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  3. ooo! fun idea to propose patterns. how about this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/155878681/vintage-sewing-pattern-1930s-blouse-in

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    1. Oh my, that's divine and a serious contender :o)

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  4. What a beautiful fabric, the colours are lovely. I think you're absolutely spot on with a blouse in it.

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  5. A lovely idea for a regular post. I love a bit of stash window shopping.

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  6. I agree on the 40s/50s blouse suggestion. Something with a slightly boxy shoulders but also feminine elements, like these:
    http://www.simplicity.com/p-12283-misses-vintage-blouse-skirt-and-bra-top.aspx
    http://www.simplicity.com/p-1976-misses-plus-size-1940s-vintage-sportswear.aspx
    https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/166583835/vintage-simplicity-1222-sewing-pattern?ref=market
    https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/194681798/sale-1940s-blouse-pattern-mccalls-misses?ref=market

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    1. Lovely suggestions! Great minds think alike, as I recently bought that first Simplicity repro pattern...and I love the last one you've linked to as well!

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  7. Oh very pretty! I would pair it with something like Simplicity 1166. I just finished stitching up the skirt on this pattern and a coordinating blouse is high on my list. The blouse few seams that would mangle the lovely print, while still having some interesting seaming. Simplicity 1590 would probably also be a good choice, but I may be a bit taken in by the flirty high/low peplum. :)

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    1. I have both of those patterns, what great suggestions!!!

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  8. Fabric Friday! What a great theme - and I do like your selfish reason for it ;) I think this gorgeous fabric needs a pattern without to many seamlines that would break up the flowers. The fewer the better I think.

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  9. Lovely fabric,I'd go for a blouse. I'm dealing with my stash by having to use up 2 items before I'm allowed to buy one more. It's working and I think much more carefully about my purchases.

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    1. What a clever way of dealing with your stash...I may have to impose something like that on myself too :o)

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  10. Definitely blouse, something with a few gathers, 40's style to show off the lovely drape. Xx

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    1. Exactly what I was thinking, thank you!

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  11. The drape makes me want to see a circle skirt... xoxo

    Lovely idea for Fabric Friday and sew with what you have ... you must have such lovely fabrics in your stash as you have a great eye for nice quality. Where you can, can you please let me (or us, but mostly me!) know what the name of the fabrics are... I'm lost in China (not literally) finding the names of fabrics, and I've never been good at remembering what's what. Thanks and yes! YAY!

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    1. No problem my lovely...when it's not a vintage fabric then I'll make sure I name the fabric and manufacturer/designer :o)

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  12. I just got a new to me vintage pattern for a lovely peplum blouse, Simplicity #2027. Would look great in this fabric, I'm sure :)

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  13. Wow! This is beautiful! Can't wait to see what you make with it!

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  14. Can't provide any better suggestion than the great ideas here, but I think reminding yourself what you've already got could really help to encourage you to use things from your stash. Good luck!

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    1. Yes, I'm really hoping it will...thank you!

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