Friday 6 March 2015

The Wastecoat & Further Adventures In Sewing



Chill out, pedants! I didn't forget to spell check before I posted, this really is a wastecoat, the latest creation in my mission to shut the lid of my bulging fabric stash. Made from scraps too small to make anything of much consequence, I've trimmed it with pompoms left over from a me-made patchwork lampshade. 


My Mum used the West African waxed cotton as a throw at home when I was a child and, as I left home 30 years ago, I can safely say it's vintage.


The McCall's 1971 pattern I adapted was so simple that I ended up making three! I used the fringing off an old bath mat to trim the other two. Needless to say the fabric was bought for pennies. If you're resourceful, sewing can be one of the cheapest (and most rewarding) pastimes ever.


 I added to the ever-increasing skirt collection with two more, both made from vintage curtains bought from jumble sales over the years. I used zips salvaged from tattered old clothes destined for the rag bag.


The awkward blouse didn't kill me in the end. It looks pretty harmless but the draped neckline (which makes my boobs look inexplicably huge) was a killer. 


The 1968 pattern I used also has maxi-length culottes, my next make providing I find some groovy second-hand fabric going cheap. I also rediscovered some ridiculous Thomas the Tank Engine curtains, which could make the perfect dress for this year's IndieTracks (a music festival that combines indie music and steam trains).

Me-made wastecoat worn with 1970s Scandi patchwork print maxi, fringed body, Bertie boots (all bought second-hand)
My mission is finally accomplished, I can shut the lid of my fabric stash so I'm off to the pub to celebrate.

Have a fab weekend & see you soon.

66 comments:

  1. Always a crafty inspiration, Vix! Which pattern did you use for the short skirts? It's lovely.

    That Thomas fabric sounds epic too!

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  2. Vix you really need to create a brand , either kinky Mellon or vintage vixen , Sew little labels hand made by vix at whatever you decide , Your style is so individual it should be protected , Sorry about the Drag queen earnings LOL i mentioned on my blog , I did laugh xxx

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  3. Lovely !
    and i agree - get some labels !
    xxx

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  4. Those skirts are great and I love that you match your lampshade :-)

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  5. I love those pompoms and can't wait to see your Thomas the Train creation lol. Enjoy the pub!

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  6. You're completely brilliant, and I agree, some Kinky Melon or Vintage Vixen labels are definitely needed.

    Enjoy your weekend xx

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  7. Bloody brilliant, darling. Sewing is such a buzz innit? I get home form work as quickly as I can to get sewing. Bloody love it.
    Love the skirts and the wastecoats are properly pompom Kinky. Like the idea of a Thomas dress. It has to be made.
    Have a terrific weekend.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxx

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  8. Splendid makes. I never see fabric as good as that anywhere, I reckon all the best bits are in your trunk.

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  9. Blimey you are resourceful, fringeing off an old bath mat?! Brilliant!

    I am trying to be more resourceful and creative and this is great inspiration.

    Enjoy the pub! xx

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  10. You deserve a night out after all that sewing, love! The waistcoats and skirts are fabulous, I love seeing them hung up outside like that, and the blouse with magic boob-expanding properties is a beauty. The patchwork and blue sparkly maxi skirts have caught my eye, of course - lovely!
    What a productive week you've had, and I look forward to seeing a Thomas the Tank Engine frock and some groovy culottes very soon.
    Have a great time tonight, love ya! xxxx

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  11. Those colourful skirts are just fabulous as well as the newly-sewn waistcoats.

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  12. You are so resourceful! Nothing goes to waste at your house.

    Everything turned out amazing. I envy your killer sewing skills and imagination.

    Digging the fringe on the sleeves too baby! Rrawr.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  13. Great use of scraps, I like the brown print skirt particularly. Think you certainly deserve to retire to the pub after all that hard work!

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  14. Your sewing machine must be smoking...you've been so busy! Sewing multiples really does improve your skills, not to mention build a wardrobe! My favourite 'waste' coat is the blue paisley, and the bathroom mat fringe is so clever! You are a cheery, cheery sight...outdoors, colourful, and smiling!

    I hope you find fabric to make your culottes soon. Wide pants need so much more fabric, but I know the thrifting gods will provide the materials needed! Maybe curtains?

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  15. I love those waistcoats... Your tempting me into my vintage pattern stash! I think the trim really makes them. Xx

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  16. I love those vests! I really need to find a pattern for that! And I would love to have a boob expanding blouse, sounds like something you could make a million selling! :)

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  17. My dear, you have magnificent boobs! The blouse just tells it like it is!

    I also have magnificent boobs - just a little too magnificent - but then, what can one do?

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  18. Your new wastecoats are brilliant, and I love the West African fabric! Looove seeing all the colors in your post, so cheerful and optimistic. Have a good pubbing, dear! You both need some rest, you and your sewing machine. :) xxx

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  19. fringe! You sure did get your sewing on. I've been on a mission to find more printed corduroy. I have leftover fabric from my hat project and there's something patchwork in my future

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  20. Bwahaha, I love your play on words. Well done on the sewing projects. Even the zips have been repurposed brilliantly. I think I need a blouse that magnifies my boobs, heh. Time to play - have a great weekend!

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  21. Are there no end to your talents, Vix? Vintage queen and sewing diva! Can't wait to get my fabric stash out of storage so in the meantime I'm following your crafting with jealous interest!

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  22. I feel like I need an extra half hour to absorb this absolutely fabulous post. You have mad skills! I can't believe how resourceful you were...and those vests really look fantastic.

    So much colour and life in all these shots...makes me feel a lot more positive.

    That maxi skirt with patches...divine!!!!

    the necklace...omg!!!!

    the award blouse does make you look might curvy in that area---nothing wrong with that;)

    You deserve a great celebration after all this sewing you've been up to.

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

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  23. Wow, Vix - I bow down to your excellent sewing skills. And the fact that you put zippers in.
    Squeeeeee! Pom PomS!!
    Love the wastecoats/vests (as we call them here in the USofA. xox

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  24. And so a fashion house is born! All those skirts and wastecoats looks so lovely and colourful all together. All those fabulous pompoms and fringing.You've been working so hard. Hope you're all tipsied up by now. That would be a good name for a label; 'chill out, pedants'!! Looking mighty fine in your new blouse. Well done for keeping going. Xxxxx

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  25. wonderfully creative Vix !!! what great waistcoats, have a fab weekend and best wishes xxx

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  26. So creative and lovely, Vix! And I love the necklace, and the admonition to "chill out, pedants!" Sounds naughty but it's not. xox

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  27. You are incredible, do you know that?! I like to sew, but using a pattern=I can't do it! I can deconstruct and recontruct garments, but sewing from scratch makes me bonkers...and sewing zippers. I hope there is help for me still ;)

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  28. Of course you triumphed over the awkward blouse, Vix. How nice to see you wearing it like a trophy, rather like an Eskimo wearing a fur he acquired the hard way.

    The waste coats are charming! Do wish they could be adopted -- with the skirts -- as the stylish cover-up for women wearing only yoga pants and a skimpy top in public spaces. Too many would look better with a bit of color covering critical seams...



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  29. Your talents never cease to amaze!

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  30. Wow Vix you certainly have your sewing mojo in full swing. Well done you. Love you in your outdoor photos, gorgeous and relaxed. Guess that is what a month in India does for you.

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  31. Looking good, Lady. Those skirts and wastecoats look like candy in a candy shop! Have a great weekend. xo

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  32. I agree - I'm eager to see your design at Kinky melon ... I especially remember your white lace (probably curtain) tunic (if it happens - please make one extra long and with extra deep V-neck)

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  33. You have a great sense of style, love this colorful outfit, and those skirts are to die for need them for spring! :) Have a nice day! xo

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  34. wouaaa!, those wastecoats (mwahaha) look pretty well made, cool and colorful and funny, and your skirts make a fabulous collection, everyone is awesome!
    And I'm still loving your patchwork maxi, it's cheering up my day!!
    besos & color

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  35. Your new makes are great! I'm inspired to get out my machine and do some sewing, myself. I really need to find a source for that great pompom trim - it makes everything better!

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  36. cheers! prost! nasdrowie!
    well done! like you i like to make some pretty stuff from "waste". love that pic of you in front of the sad paintings - with your hair that silky and the shimmery clothes - beautiful!!!!
    xxxxxxx

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  37. All the 3 waistcoats look so rad!And I can't take my eyes off that patchwork maxi skirt!!! <3

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  38. Those wastecoats are fab. I'm completely in love with your patchwork skirt too! It's wonderful XX

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  39. Gorgeous as ever. I have a necklace in a similar vein if you are interested. I will send you a pic when I get back from hols?

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  40. Your talents know no bounds! I want the blue and white skirt on the end. x

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  41. You seriously are awesome, the "wastecoats" are brilliant and your skirt I'm lustful over. I really need to get some sewing done this year and make more of an effort.

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  42. Love them all … you're just too clever :0)
    xx

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  43. Fab makes from your fabric stash. Love the fringing and Pom poms on the waistcoats . xx

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  44. Oh Vix the wastecoats and skirts are divine! So clever, you and Helga are my sewing inspirations! Xx

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  45. You must have sewn a groove into your sewing machine table by now. Smokin'!
    Very impressed you can now shut the lid.
    Love your little vests with pompoms! How cute are they!!
    xo Jazzy Jack

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  46. Brilliant & creative post:-)

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  47. Every time I see your creations it re-inspires me to drag out the stash of fabric I have back at home and to finally DO something with it. Perhaps this Easter…
    I love those skirts. And your 'waste' coat kind of reminds me so much of my grandma's stories of how she and her sister would manage to creatively use any scraps of material they could get their hands on when they had become refugees towards the end of the 1940s.

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  48. Wish I could sew, its never too late to learn though. Love your skirts and yes I agree that is vintage wax. Enjoy the rest of your week dear Vix. xo

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  49. this is what i have to do right now ... sewing ... eeer, fixing some 40s and 50s items ... (etsy has to be started soon.)

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  50. Beautiful waistcoats and skirts Vix. I'm sure you'll do really well at the festivals with them all. I've been inspired to get my machine out and get stitching myself with the leftovers of the patchwork you sent me. And there's one of my makes winging it's way to you... xxx

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  51. happy women's day!
    love the patchwork a lot - I should wear it more ofter to rock like you!

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog

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  52. You do make me laugh Vix...Chill out pedants, indeed. Normally I would be one of the aforementioned but I know you are far too educated to make a silly mistake like that.
    Bloody Nora, those waistcoats are magnificent and of course anything with pom-poms gets extra points, especially if they are from that nice bloke from the trimmings stall. I'm sure the skirts will sell like hot cakes.... you are so resourceful love, what will you come up with next?
    x

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  53. Most excellent! I do love clever uses for scraps.Indeed, sewing is dirt cheap when you use only found or opshopped stuff. I was just showing off some sheets I got for one whole dollar to G yesterday, that will make a great squaredance frock with some secondhand thread and a secondhand zip. Huzzah! Perfect for cheapskates like me who like loads of frocks for bugger all outlay!
    Love Helga XXX

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  54. You are such an inspiration! Every time I come here I say, I'm gonna get out my sewing machine and learn to use the dang thing... but I never do!! Poo!! One day. One day...

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  55. God I do love those skirts those fabrics are divine. I hope you are using your own labels for them its an exciting new range for you :-) those waistcoats are fab to and so is your top your made you are clever. dee xx

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  56. You're one of the most resourceful people I 'know'! Such a fantastic idea and my kids could make up whole stories/adventures/shows based on your wastecoats! Well sewing will be something I look forward to doing once we move. xxx

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  57. Ooh you clever thing! Those waistcoats are gorgeous, love the fringing.
    x

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  58. You're so resourceful Vix! I should do something similar with all my scraps of crimplene x

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  59. The patchwork maxi is dreamy. That is so me. You rock, Vix!!

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  60. The patchwork maxi is dreamy. That is so me. You rock, Vix!!

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  61. Your vintage fabric homemade skirts are convincing me that I need to acquire some dressmaking skills. They're lovely.

    Also love those Fifties photos, despite the bleakness of the scenes featured. Definitely not a rosy, cosy time to live if you were working class and had only just scraped a living through the war.

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  62. fantastic sewing work! They all are so wonderful and colourful too! I still have my scraps but I am convinced that one day ill somehow make a proper scrap quilt. In the mean time, small projects like vests are a good idea! Such a clever lady you are xo

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  63. Your mad sewing skills continue to impress the hell out of me. You know that if you make yourself a Thomas The Tank Engine dress that we're ALL going to want one, don't you?

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  64. wow! I just luv your new sewing line of mod skirts and vests, Vix. They'll surely get snapped up in no time. And your tricky blouse looks awesome too. Way to go girl.

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  65. I hope this comment shows up, sometimes they never show up and I wonder if you ever see them when your commenters reach a certain number.

    Anyway, I love your makes! I'm itching to get sewing again, but alas, my machine is still not working. Looking forward to the Thomas dress!

    xxx

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Lots of love, Vix