I like that this basically turns into a Public Safety Warning. (“You’re going to get physically trapped in this dress!”)

As a custom sewist I love your videos with your instructive narrative. You're a rock star.

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

Thank you ❤️❤️

It's not just a dress. It's an adventure.

I've pattern tested for Vintage Sewing Pattern Company and have always loved the results! They mostly do pdf versions of true vintage patterns but they've taken a number of them and made them multisized. Honestly this is what I wish the Big 4 were doing. Starting with the original drafting and making multisizes while keeping the original shapes the same instead of creating a draft from scratch that looks like they may have glanced at the original once 🙄 I also can't recommend Gertie & Charm Patterns enough! Incredibly size inclusive and really comprehensive instructions. Her free patterns are a great place to start for beginners.

I'm stoked to see the comparison video! Thanks so much for talking about sizing. There is a reason I end up using like charm patterns or making alterations to make something look vintage rather than buying true vintage and its just totally because of the sizing. I often feel like it is looked down on, like why I dont make true vintage or that is the only way to go, when in reality is it a lot easier for me to do any other method normally.

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

No problem it’s easier for me too when I’m working with my husband’s patterns.

First off, thank you friend! ❤ Second, I always prefer true vintage (even tho I always have to size up).

You always look so stunning in everything you make! As an aside, my Mom and I were going through a dresser the other day looking for something and one drawer was filled with the patterns she used to make clothes for my sister and me in the 60's and 70's. She said, "I should probably throw these away." I told her she had a treasure trove that my sister and I would capitalize on.....some day!

It's a lovely dress on you! It's a shame you don't feel that you want to wear it out in public after doing all that work, (and it looks so spectacular on you,) but you might have to spend the rest of your natural life in it! Good "job security" for your husband! At one time I volunteered for a blind woman. She told me how disgruntled she was when people would say things (as if she wasn't even there.) At church, a woman asked her husband (in her presence,) "Pete, do you have to help Aggie get dressed?" Aggie turned to the woman and replied, "No, but he's helped me get UNdressed a time or two!'

This is so helpful for someone still new to sewing. For years, my mom has used the big box brands to sew and I thought I was a bad seamstress because I found them intimidating and difficult to use. Having tried some smaller, more independent patterns and no-pattern designs, I’m realizing that sometimes the problem isn’t you, it’s the pattern design 😅. Yet, it’s also good to know that there’s a place for these patterns. Going into it with information prevents frustration. The top did turn out really cute and the dress is cute overall, but the sizing does seem off. Thanks for going through all the trouble to test it out!

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

I went a few years thinking it was all me and because I wasn’t apart of any sewing community I didn’t have ppl around to tell me these things. Sometimes the pattern just sucks 😂 or you have the wrong undergarments

@elizabrooke1816

4 ай бұрын

I've had to teach myself everything I know about sewing, particularly sewing vintage, and I'm just now starting to discover things about pattern drafting and alterations that would have saved me headaches years ago. I thought the same thing about my sewing - that I just wasn't good at it because sometimes the patterns were just impossible to understand without a ton of trial and error. It's not just me, I realize! I feel so validated that even more experienced sewers have trouble sometimes. Now that there's this helpful review, maybe I'll check this pattern out, as I've seen it before and loved the neckline, too.

@CatMom-uw9jl

23 күн бұрын

My mom used to just throw out the instructions. She swore they were written by non-sewists. I glance at them for order of assembly, but if I have construction questions, I have a bookshelf by my sewing machine full of reference books. I will say the Palmer Pletsch patterns (McCalls I think) have really good instructions, because those ladies have taught sewing and fitting classes for decades.

@Sjp374

23 күн бұрын

@@CatMom-uw9jl thank you, I will try to find those patterns! Once I am pretty good at something, I can discard instructions, but it can be a bit rough during the learning curve if the pattern instructions are terrible 😅.

Almost starting to sew again. Thanks to your channel!!!!!!

I always say, you can cut it in later but adding more fabric later is harder.

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

Oh I cut out the part of the video where I said that I was working with a tiny bit of fabric. Basically I was trying to squeeze it all in. While also making sure the pattern lined up

@katwitanruna

4 ай бұрын

@@SewRena aha! That makes sense! I’ve had to do the same. And yes, I remade the garment later with more fabric and felt much better about it!

I bought this one on the last sale in the larger size. I'll write back after I make it. Appreciate your review, it reinforced my plans to make a mock-up. 🌻🍄

I love the look of this dress. I would like more true vintage but they either get hard to find or pricey in the larger sizes, especially when you're just starting out.

I got stuck in a dress that I made one time. After I wore it I used scissors to cut myself out of it.

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

I was very close to doing the same thing but I was stuck with the dress over my head and my arms up

I have some of the vintage reproduction patterns. I always have to make a muslin and alter them from there. I also upgrade or alter them for hidden zipper use instead of buttons or overlap zipper. Even non-vintage patterns I have to alter so it’s not anything new for me when I sew. I need a new mannequin that I can pad up to my dimensions which will be helpful. I enjoy your content, it’s so informative. ☺❤ (And I got stuck in a dress because the short sleeves were too snug and I couldn’t remove my arms! 😂 It was a purchased dress so now I have to alter it also 🤦‍♀).

@qe1dayatime

3 ай бұрын

Me too...

@CatMom-uw9jl

23 күн бұрын

I’ve found kits on Amazon and eBay that have all kinds of pads and a cover so you can personalize your dress form. I’d like to buy one to try.

I've had some experience with several Simplicity reproduction patterns, and I think their blouse patterns are better than their dresses. Simplicity R11967 is my favorite. It's a 50s blouse and it's very easy and flattering. I love the tie neck option.

Loved the video! I find the way changes in undergarments affect patterns over time fascinating. Gorgeous dress, but your description brought to mind the dress M. Monroe was sewn into. Eep! Glad Mr. S. was there to assist. 😊

It is a very flattering dress on you, but it does look like it runs small.Thank you so much for the review, it is so informative!

Hello, new viewer here, I just wanted to say that you’re stunning and it makes me happy to see that younger people are enjoying vintage style fashion. I’m from Sweden and beginning to get into sewing, my current project is a pair of trousers from the 1890’s which would probably suit me well enough to wear several years on. I’m sick of struggling to buy clothes that still won’t fit well or look good on me, and figured I might as well cut out the middle man and just make my own clothes then. One big issue here in Sweden is that pattern making companies generally don’t archive old patterns, as it’s seen as “silly women’s things that doesn’t matter”, so finding old patterns can be a nightmare as nobody has saved a copy of the original pattern.

Yesssss finally! I got stuck on the neckline. I could not figure out how to construct the pleats on the neckline and combine the facing fir the neckline. Thanks for the video!

On open end construction design line is correctly stated by you, it's a tuck not a dart

This is such an informative video. Thank you. Plus I have to say again you looked fantastic in your get away video. Loved all your fabulous outfits. You and Drew looked wonderful. So glad you had a great time. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so so much 🥰

I just discovered your channel. You are a woman after my own heart! I grew up in the 50s and my mother was a very elegant dresser. She taught me how to dress and deport myself "like a lady." I have retained those habits and I stayed with dresses all my life. I only wear dresses and I make all my clothes. My next project is a 1950s dress winter coat. Great channel!

Oh I’m so glad I watched this before I attempted this pattern

Loving your work, and the honesty & thouroughness of your reviews

Again, if you've been sewing for a decade, you're closer to being a professional than you think. The pattern having tucks probably was so that it allowed for wearing ease. I like that you decided to sew darts instead, because that's what professionals do, they redraft/redesign things on a pattern as they see fit. Which brings me to this question; I realize that the pattern calls for a woven, but would you consider using say a ponte or scuba knit? Might help with the ease of wearing, and since it runs small, there shouldn't be too too much concern about the garment stretching out of shape. Just a though

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

I considered the fabric change after the fact, but idk! I would absolutely consider revisiting this pattern.

All the vintage patterns I own are ones I actually bought in the 60s & 70s, or ones my mom got in the 50s! So I’ve never tried a reproduction vintage pattern 🤗

Yes, you are a professional. You're amazing.

A lot of work but looks adorable on you!

I love your vintage clothes they are beautiful To me I really enjoy watching don’t know how sew but I love watching you make beautiful outfits thanks for sharing ❤😊 7:42

An interesting review thank you. I have seen Stephanie Canada's comparison vid so knew of the issues you were talking about. The neckline on the dress makes it a really appealing pattern. Your shoulder seams could be adjusted back to( if you choose to make again) It's an awful feeling being stuck in clothes! Hubby to the rescue! 🙏💗

I use both factory fold true vintage patterns and redesign vintage patterns.

I think if you went up a size and shifted the zipper to the back you’d find it more comfortable. It looks to me like you need 1/4-1/2” in the side seams.

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

I agree I would probably do an inch 😂

Joanns fabric has pattern brands on sale for $1.99 every week in my state VA. For me, vintage patterns fit rectangular bodies better.

Thank you so much for this video; this pattern is on my upcoming makes list and the tips will really help. I have a size 46 bust so true vintage patterns are very few and far between in my size so I rely on reports unfortunately. Every once in a while I find one I can scale up on Stephanie's site but it's rare.

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

No problem! It’s a beautiful style and I think once you make the alterations it will be worth it. Once I make the changes I’m sure I’ll make at least 3

Great review!

Omg! I made this dress & I had the same issue with it running small. I added gussets to the waist so I could wear it. I put my zipper in back, as you suggested also. When it didn't fit, I thought I'd really made a mistake in measuring. It still came out pretty. Thanks for this video.

I came across SewRena a couple of days ago. Like the style & instructions. Excellent clothes. Looking forward to seeing more. 😊

This review is so helpful, thank you. I appreciate you including information for plus sizes too

I'm subscribed with Stephanie Canada and just subscribed with you SewRena.

I buy the repro patterns because as a bigger woman i cant find patterns in my size.

I got stuck in a beautiful formal, satin gown in a dressing room at a thrift store many years ago.... I had to bust seams to get loose. Couldn't open the door, the dress and my arms up over my head, flesh and underwear below... It was one of those moments I'll never forget and still makes me laugh at the absurdity. I hate side zips. Might work for the svelte, but not for the overly snacked...😳😁🍩🍪🍩

@CatMom-uw9jl

23 күн бұрын

I’m still pretty thin, but side zips are awful! I always move zippers to the back when I sew, if I can. Plus I have a raised mole right where the side zip goes. I’ve gotten it caught a few times-ouch!

The neckline is very sophisticated

I don’t know if this counts as vintage reproduction or vintage inspired, but I prefer Charm patterns by Gertie because of the cup sizes. I have narrow shoulders and a G cup size. I tried doing full bust adjustments on regular patterns for years and they always created more problems than they solved (this is not a request for help with full bust adjustments, I have absolutely zero flips to give about fbas at this point). So, any pattern I buy now has to have the same range in cup sizes before I’ll even consider it.

Dang gurl! You look too good!! I know it was a nightmare, but at least you look amazing.

Wkoa! Super good to know. Very useful video!

Just found your videos! You are terrific. I love watching you sew vintage designs. Well done. Do you have a favorite sewing machine? Do you use a surger? Do you order fabrics or personally select them? If you order, what company do you trust to send you quality fabric?

I love your instructions

It is snug but it’s movie star snug! And you look amazing!

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

😂😂😂 I was thinking this feels like I was sewn into it

I love your style❤️

You are so cool and fun to watch.

I got this pattern too. The instructions like a maze which made me so lost. I’m still struggling on the neck which area behind the bundle of fabric 😅

Great video

Simplicity's sizing is just a hot mess all across the board, IMO. I have modern patterns from Simplicity, Butterick, and New Look. With the latter two, I can grade a wearable mockup that is close to perfect just by going off the measurements on the pattern packet. Even the Butterick repro. with dolman sleeves that I made as a brand new sewist fit extremely well after adding underarm gussets. Compare to my modern design Simplicity dress, where the same treatment got me something that bags horribly around the waist and has a really strange fit in the underarms. Thankfully a simple waist belt salvages the look. Not sure why there's such a difference when they're owned by the same corporation.

I love using vintage patterns, but the instructions leave a lot to be desired. Even sewists at the time complained how complex, or even useless the instructions were.

Im guessing the reason they're saying 'authentic' now is because all these reproduction patterns (excluding vogue) are not reprints of the original pattern but current interpretations (or guesses) at what the pattern pieces would have looked like. Ive seen a side by side comparison of an original pattern and repro and they were nothing alike, no wonder people end up disappointed with the results of the new ones. Vogue are good though.

Love your videos

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

Thank you ❤️

I got a reproduction pattern by simplicity it was very hard to fix it I gave up.

That’s a great style…too bad the fit is wonky! I’m in plus sizes so I don’t even mess with big 4 vintage repro because of the massive amount of ease, I just go with what I know and have been sticking with Gertie and Charm patterns because they are so size inclusive.

Question, are the true OG vintage patterns true to size? How does one know what size you are?

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

You have to compare your measurements with the measures on the back of the pattern. Keep in mind they were drafted for vintage undergarments to be worn as well.

It did look lovely on you, but it definitely didn't look like something you'd enjoy sitting at a dinner table for a couple hours. So pretty on you, though. I wonder how hard it would be to get in and out of a sedan style car, though.

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

Hahahah put your butt down first and swing your legs 😂😂😂

I love this video! I was thinking (while watching0 that clothes back then were made to "fit" and women wore the undergarments of the day. I knew you would! I think people have forgotten that loose clothing and ample ease for movement is kind of a new-ish thing and most people I see running around town don't even know what a bra is! LOL!

I wanted that pattern...from Amazon

@8:33 those folks worked, and we don't tell them how tall they are.

@lainecolley1414

4 ай бұрын

(more Empire thus)

😮😊😊😊😊😊 lindo vestido 9:49 🥰

your description states, “i don’t not sew on commission”. so you do sew on commission ?

@SewRena

3 ай бұрын

It’s a typo

I can ask my mom. She made this dress for herself. My mother was a 34-26-34.

You look gorgeous in that dress!I'm having so much fun watching your videos even though I don't dress vintage. I have realized I may make some vintage dresses though, as I love some of the styles. I was wondering though, how do you decide on the vintage garments you make? Do you just look through vintage patterns available and then choose, or do you specifically try and find something that you want?(I realize that could be quite a challenge) Oh! And I love watching the videos making the recipes from the cookbook that came with that appliance. I laughed pretty hard at the Prune Whip one!

@SewRena

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching I decide based on the styles I feel look interesting and the silhouettes I feel most confident in. Like this dress I just love the bodice detail.

LouiseAustralia 🦘