The Great Vintage Shirt Project - Final Review
and Extra Comments on Vintage YSL Vogue 1590
Well, I stuck with it and finished this year's big monthly project, The Great Vintage Shirt Project, in which I made a vintage shirt pattern every month. It has been an adventure and I have learned some things, not necessarily clothing construction methods, as I've been making shirts for a long time, but other things.
I started this project because I noticed that I didn't have a lot of button-up type of shirts in my wardrobe. Now I know why. It wasn't that I couldn't sew them or even buy them, but that I just don't wear them that often. They're not the first thing I reach for when I think about getting dressed for the day. I was hoping that by making some, I'd discover that I really like them. That didn't happen. While I have definite favorites, overall, I still prefer other kinds of tops.
That said, the whole project was not a failure. I learned something about myself and that is good. I do have some shirts that I am definitely keeping, I now have patterns that are already altered and I make up a shirt quicker than before. I also learned how to make my own linked buttons for french cuffs.
While some of the shirts have already been moved on to other owners, I do have favorites. My favorites, in order, are: March, June, September, April, December, October and maybe November (a verdict has not yet been reached on that one).
Will I do a monthly project next year? I'm not sure right now. I've got some ideas and areas to focus my sewing on, and I'll make that decision closer to the end of the year.
Now, regarding that YSL pattern. Thank you all for the help dating the Vogue Sewing Book. Mid to later 70's was about what I expected, with most of the books being around 1975. Ann: no joke about basting that dart! That is the only way to get perfect control of that shape. Lastly, to Anonymous, I did not get this one as a lot of two, but got it as a Buy It Now auction with just this pattern. Very interesting collection you have going! People collect these patterns for various reasons, and yes these illustrations are different that other ones I've seen. This pattern actually isn't for my own collection, but for a collection of a friend in Europe who is trying to collect all the YSL patterns that Vogue ever published. It's been quite fun trying to find all the patterns as he's contacted Vogue and they don't have records as to how many were published by each designer nor what year!
Parting Shot: Pretty Pins. I did a little shopping at our local antique store today and brought home two new sparkly pins for the holidays:
10 comments:
Your shirt project has been very impressive! I don't tend to wear button front shirts either, unless they are more of a blouse style. Now that I've come to that realisation I've stopped making and buying them, and my wardrobe is benefitting from it - what I do make has much more chance of being worn!
Congratulations! I really admire the way you set goals and follow through with them. I have two button down shirts and rarely wear them. Knit tops are more comfy and don't need to be ironed!
Well, it has been a lot of fun to follow along with your project. I agree with Vicki that your "follow-through" is admirable. :-) I think it's telling that all of your white shirts made the favorites list. Good, clean classics. Personally, I really liked your January shirt. Loved the chevron.
Congratulations on finishing your project, I admire your commitment and it's been really interesting seeing how vintage shirt designs still look so classic. I often decide I am going to do some kind of project and then conveniently forget about it two weeks later!
I really liked August. What fun to see them summed up. That Vogue book looked mighty familiar and yep, there it is the top shelf of my sewing book collection. That could be Twiggy on the cover too wearing a blue and purple patterned pantsuit. I have the second printing 1973 with dust cover. After paging though, I rediscovered this incredible book with all the line drawings and a section on designers.
Congratulations on your hard work on these shirts, Summerset. It's great that you've taken the necessary distance and have realized not all of these worked for you - although they are all beautiful!
I am not much of a shirt person either, so I totally understand what you mean.
My favourite shirts of the lot are June and November - so I hope you keep that one :) This red is so gorgeous!
Congratulations again! And have a lovely weekend. :)
I really enjoyed your vintage shirts project. It is always worthwhile learning new things about ourselves. I do like wearing button front shirts and would have liked to own all of them, in - um - sort of different (larger) sizing ;)
I watched the vintage shirt project with great interest. Unlike some of the commenters here, I would wear a vintage shirt or blouse everyday if I had them. I have a terrible time finding shirts or blouses that fit because I'm quite tall and have full-back shoulders. You've inspired me to make more of my vintage shirt and blouse patterns next year, especially since I have a fair few of the same patterns. I really like the 40's styles the best (broad shoulders, guess why?). Thanks so much for showing us such beautiful work (and perseverance, too)!
It was interesting to read about the things you learned from this monthly project...because you made some amazing blouses this year. It was fun to follow your progress and I have to admit that the white blouse with the S on the chest is my favorite!
What an outstanding set of shirts! All your hard work has paid off well!
We are alike on the shirts matter: It's not the first thing I reach for in the morning either (I prefer sweaters, turtlenecks and dresses). I have a few shirts, but I rarely wear them and when I do, I prefer white plain shirts over other styles.
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