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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I Heart the 40s / Sewing up the Fun-Shus Fabric

I have been sewing steadily along as I always do- tank tops, a bathrobe for the little one, a halter top pdf pattern that I am testing, etc. I enjoy it, but sometimes sewing practical items really starts to grate on my nerves. Yes, I probably need more knit tops, but what do I want? I want Fun-Shus.

A few days ago, upon receipt of the final part I needed to get my lovely 221-1 Centennial Featherweight actually sewing, I decided to do something a little bit frivolous and to bust out some of my prized stash fabric. I chose the Fun-Shus fabric I found at a thrift store January of 2012 (what? over a year ago?).

 I chose this pattern, thrifted within the last few months.
And, I made it up on this pretty, thrifted long distance, which hums like a bee.
And I came up with this...

Don't fear the shoulder pad, my dears. And can I just say it? I love a wing-y collar. I do. 

I love the blouse-y effect of the tucks. No, you can't see it here. My arm is totally in the way.  

It's so stinking gorgeous here right now, and I love my deck! I love lots of things! Love is good!


Innards. Collar and button placket interfaced with an old cotton bed sheet.
Edges serged. A fair amount of hand-stitching. Me-made shoulder pads using Casey's tutorial.  

Here's another close up of that FAB-ric, and the vintage yellow buttons I chose to go with it. 
This was so fun to make- it has me feeling all jazzed up about sewing again. That's right. Jazzed up. You thought "jazzed up" was just for little old ladies with cat applique sweatshirts? Well, it's for Fun-Shus too. How about you? What are you jazzed up about right now?

Edited 5/25/13 to add: This project was featured on Sew Country Chick's Sew and Tell Saturday! Thanks Justine!

28 comments:

  1. hi! Just saw your lovely blouse on sew retro!

    i've been attemting a few 1950's shirts at the moment and I'm noticing a lot of my fitting problems are due to not making shoulder pads. glad to see you made some the fit is lovely!

    happy sewing and I look forward to reading your blog,
    Allison

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    1. Thanks!
      I used to fear they would give me that 80s look, but sewing them yourself allows you to control the loft, and I think they just give a lovely, structured and straight shoulder.

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  2. Great job on that blouse! What fun fabric!

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    1. Thanks Joanna! I have about 1 yard left and I am hoping it is enough to make some shorts or even a little sun suit.

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  3. LOVE IT! How adorable! I haven't attempted shoulder pads before, but I'm working on a 40's blouse right now that could probably use some. Perhaps I'll try Casey's tutorial as well. :)

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    1. You hand sewn blouse? It's so pretty! Give that tut a try- it's easy!

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  4. That is ADORABLE. And super authentic looking too! It looks just like a vintage blouse.

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    1. Thanks Amy! I think the tailor's tacks made a big difference in the sewing. That and the crazy fabric :)

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  5. Oh, what a super cute fabric (and your blouse is great, also (-:!

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    1. Thanks! Still trying to decide what to do with that last yard!

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  6. Great blouse and fabulous sewing machine!

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  7. Looks great! But I hate to tell you, this blouse still falls into the practical category! ;)

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  8. Hi, visiting you from Sew Country Chic and your blouse caught my eye! Love it!

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  9. What a great blouse, that fabric is amazing!! I think this is still a great practical item, you could wear it all sorts of different ways :)

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    1. Yeah, I guess it is practical, but fun. At least it's not another knit top, right? I have been sewing so many of them lately!

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  10. That fabric is fantastic and you did a great job matching fabric to pattern. I think Fun-shus was a sneaker company.

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    1. Thanks Lizzie! That means a lot coming from you.

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  11. This whole outfit is so adorable and looks so pretty on you too ! I love it.

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    1. Thanks Justine! I used to think it was so funny when people said "jazzed" or "jazzy." :) Now, I'm one of them.

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  12. I just saw your blouse on Sew Country Chick! It's such a great piece to have and it looks prim and proper, way better than the current garments you in see in-stores! I love how you've paired it with the shorts - you're ready for summer!

    www.greenissuessingapore.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate that! I love being free of ready-to-wear, which with my very figure has always been pretty disappointing.

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