Long-Awaited Mancunian Treasure

Hello folks!

It’s been a while since my last post, for two reasons:

1) I’ve recently moved house and haven’t got the internet yet 

2) It seems the Bernina I was so excited to acquire isn’t in working condition after all. Bah! I suppose I’d better haul my old Toyota over to the new flat somehow if I want to make anything soon, as I’m not sure if the Bernina can be fixed. Hopefully it’s just a fuse thing but it was making a funny smell before I unplugged it in panic.

Which is a real shame as I’ve only just got the energy back to sew after the move, and one of my first pieces of post in the new place was my gorgeous Sew Over It Ultimate Trouser pattern which I won from Roisin’s giveaway over at Dolly Clackett (and came enclosed in a lovely handwritten note).  I’ve got the shorts pattern traced, cut and ready to play with but can’t make anything!

Before that arrived I’d also traced out the Anna dress in the full length thigh split version as I was hankering after a slinky maxi dress in some fun eye-print fabric (and yes it is African wax print). I’m a little worried that I don’t actually have enough fabric to make this dress of my visions though.

So, in the meantime, until I fix or replace my machine, what can I do? I guess I’ll get to tracing off and cutting some other patterns that I’m keen to make up.  And so this isn’t just a whinge of a post I can share with you some of my other Mancunian treasure that also made it down with the possibly-defunct Bernina. I also have loads of old notions and bits n’ bobs in charming old packaging, but will save that for another day (ever heard of Velveeta Cheese Food, anyone?!).  And old embroidery transfers- I love folk embroidery fashion (especially Frida Kahlo-esque styling) so will have to try and remember how.

So, here are a few of my favourite patterns from the haul, aren’t the couturier designs something? I want to make ALL of them! I think I'd better sign up to A Stitching Odyssey's Vintage Pattern Pledge (but I might start with some of the simpler designs from later in the century). 

And these evening wear gowns which look like they might be from the 1930s are incredible. What is this 'Delineator Style including the New Deltor' I wonder?

The patterns weren’t all so posh though – check out this amazing ‘70s suit that looks like something from BUGSY MALONE, and the ‘80s raglan-sleeved dress.

There are plenty more hideous ‘80s patterns where that came from, but a lot of decent shirt-dresses that could be adapted for everyday wear.

I love this maxi dress, it reminds me of the Anna a bit and might be an option for the eye-pattern maxi dress, although I really want the thigh slit (I wish patterns were still 65p!).  

There are a few more gorgeous ‘50s & ‘60s numbers as well, here’s a round-up of the best of them.

So in short, I’m drowning in patterns but can’t get to stitching! So frustrating. What have you been making? Anybody else doing the Vintage Pattern Pledge?

NorseOtter xx