I made a 1930’s dress with NO INSTRUCTIONS || Using a 1930’s vintage sewing pattern
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- Using a vintage sewing pattern is hard enough when everything is present, but sewing a vintage pattern that has NO INSTRUCTIONS is a whole other mess entirely. Can you make a vintage pattern without instructions? Come with me and I will show you.
In this video, I made a 1930's dress pattern from McCall without instructions. This dress has puff sleeves, a gathered skirt and a high neckline with tie at top. I tried my best to use period 1930's sewing techniques I have learned over the years, but sometimes I just had to wing it.
Pattern used: McCall 9200 (dated 1937), size 16 (bust 34")
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I noticed on several of your videos that you question the flap missing on patterns. I worked at a 5 and 10 in the 60s and we removed the flap to return to supplier as store was credited for patterns not sold. It would cost too much to return so only flaps were sent back. They would find patterns that didn’t sell well that way as computer was not an option. The patterns sometimes were given to employees or just put in trash depending on store. I laugh sometimes as people today are upset about construction details not always on pattern. Most fabric stores had classes that taught that and in high school all girls learned sewing or cooking depending on school
Thank you for that. Really interesting. X
Some of the flaps have the sizing listed inside it.
We still do something similar in bookstores, especially with mass market romances. Every month, we sent a big envelope of Harlequin covers back (and I flipped through any books that used the name of a friend, to see if I could steal some steamy pages) 😂.
By the time I was 20, pattern directions were only used on the rare occasions that I hit a snag - that's it. Good to go for 10 years. Then I bought my first Burda pattern, a jacket, with 18 separate pieces. Using a napped brushed corduroy, I chose a couple of favorite TV shows to watch/listen to while I carefully cut everything directional and on grain. Marked all points and pleats.. Cut out interfacing.. Finally done, grabbed a soda and sat down to peruse the directions and watch my last favorite TV show of the evening.. First sentence I read as I opened the pages: NO SEAM ALLOWANCES INCLUDED.
Next day, stop at store, buy more fabric (still had some left on the 50 cents/yd table - miss those days!) Repeat entire evening, adding the allowances.
Ever since, I glance thru directions first.🙄
Your dress turned out great!
Always at least read those directions lol
The pants of shame are the cutest!!! Also, feeding the elastic into the channel was highly entertaining, it's going to be what I think of from now on when I feed elastic lol. You did an amazing job. I've yet to tackle an instructionless pattern. And it was an honor to model the dress for you and to be in your video. I will treasure this dress forever
Thank you so much for giving her a good home! And I am glad my "st*bby alligators" made you giggle.
But...she is hilarious 😂!!!
Sewing without a pattern or pattern instructions is how I learned to sew. Trying to discover the most logical progression, making mistakes and therefore seam ripping, and learning from your mistakes, makes it extremely difficult for me to read and follow patterns. Sometimes I'm surprised when I see a pattern description that makes you do something very quickly, making it difficult to get to certain seams that need to be finished, or you end up with an unnecessary amount of fabric in your hands because of a certain order. Sometimes I wish I could work better with patterns, on the other hand, I love that I rarely need them. I look at a nice piece of clothing and mentally take it apart into pieces. Then, based on that, I make a garment the way I ultimately want it. With those details that I want, and by leaving out what I don't like.
"Stumping Stephanie" :D That should be the title of this series. :D
Interesting... definitely has potential. Thank you so much!
YOU ARE HILILARIOUS AND MORE !!!
THIS IS HELPING ME AND THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH !!!
The algorithm threw this up for me. And I am glad it did, lovely your sassy sarcastic style! Project turned out really well!
Yes. You can do it. That is a very nice looking finished dress. At least you had time to redo something if you needed to.
I had to make a Bride's Maid dress from a McCall's pattern that had the wrong instruction sheet in the envelope. It was a brand new pattern; and I was the first person to use it. The envelope and the pattern pieces had the same number; but, the instructions sheets had a different number on them (and clearly belonged to another pattern). The Bride bought the pattern and fabric in Lexington (only 120 miles from my house). She then dropped the whole thing on me (after work) to make my daughter's Bride's Maid dress (to fit her properly). I had one evening to cut, sew, and have the dress finished by 9 a.m. the next morning. Another seamstress was waiting for the fabric and pattern to make the other Bride's Maids dresses (in Lexington). Later, I was told that my daughter's dress was made (and fit) much better than the other dresses. If I can do it, you can too.
SHE LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL!!! The dress turned out AMAZINGLY!!! BRAVO
Thank you so much! And it really did fit her amazingly well for an "out of the packet" fit.
The frixion pens are wonderful They disappear with heat but be careful. They come back in the cold weather. Mark a piece of fabric. Iron it off, put it in the freezer that mark will come right back.
Frixion pens can also ‘bleach’ or discolour darker fabrics.
They were a big hit in the quilting community for a few years, but most of us realized that they only work for marks inside the seam allowance.
Adds this to seeing things I wanna make for frolicking in flower fields😭😍
RIGHT! The sleeves alone on this are phenomenal!
how have i never thought to anchor the other end of the elastic before threading it through the channel... genius!
I think this came out super cute for not having any instructions!
I love how much I can relate to things you say and do in your videos. Case in point, I, too, watch videos and play games instead of crafting. I have (at the very least) 5 projects in the room currently that are unfinished. Yay adhd!
I have made some dresses and had no instructions just general information on how to put the different parts together but I make simple items, I have no doubt you did very well and I am going to shut up and watch you succeed.
That was fun! You did a good job working without the instructions. The dress turned out so cute and looked adorable on your model.
Thank you so much Debbie!
I’ve been sewing since I was 8. Actual sewing. Learned for my Barbie dolls. No patterns. 🤗. I think you are doing fantastic work & give lots of inspiration & support for others who don’t have massive experience 🤗
I actually don’t necessarily need the instructions for most patterns. I read them when available, often deriving much amusement (Vogue, looking at you) from some. NEVER use the layout diagrams tho. Now not having the recommended fabric allowance would be a pain but obviously the work around is what you did - using the pattern pieces to figure it out .
I’m so proud of you! And I have sewn more seams I have had to rip out .... trust me, all sewing peeps have multiple seam rippers. You did well grasshopper, now you can rest on your laurels, or your couch. 👍🥰
As far as names go, you could try copying the format the Try Guys use for their "Without Instructions" videos. Maybe the algorithm will toss some of their viewers your way.
Maybe, but from what I understand it is rude to use someone else exact series name unless it is super generic like "thrift flip".
Congratulations,Stephanie!!! You did a bang up job and the dress turned out really cute! You are a very good sewist and deserve many kudos!! Never doubt yourself. You can do anything you put your mind to. 👏 👏👏👏👏
Well done. The finished dress is cute and looks good on your sewing friend.
I hereby second 'Sewing from Memory' for a series title.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown
Thank you so much Cathy!
Wow, beautiful fabric and a great dress.
I vote for “Sewing without a parachute” for the name!
I just found your channel. I have been sewing since the age of 5. Yes, on a machine and not embroidery. I remember making a romper that I wore in kindergarten. On some of your videos, usually the ones you are stressing on, I wish I could give you a ring on my rotary dial phone, and give you a little hint to help you along. You seem to stress over sleeves. An alternate way would be to NOT sew the side seams and sew the sleeve in first. Then close the sides. Also, when it comes to zippers, whether it is a full back piece or bodice and skirt, I complete the back and then put the zipper in. It's much easier to sew the side seams last than to sew a zipper in a near completed dress. These are a couple of short cuts I use at times. My mom and a friend of my mom taught me to sew. I have never had any formal training/schooling on how to sew. I never learned how to alternate a pattern to fit me properly. I have a large body, much larger than you, so most purchased patterns do not fit the bossoms😢. Hope to see more videos from you.
I love the shorts of shame! I actually use instructions from patterns to make doll patterns when they have the pattern pieces displayed. Great job! The dress looks lovely.
Oh yeah 😅 I totally do that.
If it is any consolation, I have TOTALLY sewed flat bits below gathering. I feel ya. You did a fab job.
Thank you! I usually do it EVERY TIME, so the fact that I didn't do it once, make me sure I will do it like three times on the next project.
the fact that I am also currently sewing from a vintage pattern while ignoring the instructions all together lmao (it is ok it is a simple late 60s dress lmao)
AMAZING! I wish you all the luck on it!
My usual sewing method 😂
I love that you are so honest about sewing anxiety I’m putting off making my first dress I need to and I want to but I’m scared aaagh
Just go ahead and sew! I promise the world won't stop turning if you mess up lol. But I do recommend doing a mock up first to check the fit. The other sewing channel I like is Evelyn Woods. She has a lot of tips and useful information. Good luck and happy sewing!
Did you make one?
It is really a sweet dress, congratulations!!
Thanks for keeping me company while I batch threaded a bunch of ties through slightly too small casings after deciding that laying the tie in an sewing was resulting in too much seam ripping. I have since changed my dimensions.
And thank you, for the quiet static on the colour bars. That's so perfect. I giggled at the technical difficulties for the first time in a video, because I wasn't cringing and covering my ears. WIN! Thank you!
Also, I would quite enjoy watching you attempt to assemble a non printed patter the same way. If, and when, you are feeling like torturing yourself again, with that challenge for our amusement.
Thank you for the suggestion Lynn! I actually found it a nice change as well and definitely not as jarring. And yeah, I think at some point I will have to do the unprinted as well, but I will save that one for a bit.
Blind sewing. You actually did a really good job. It looks super cute. YAY! Hemming, feh. I machine ALL of my hems -- I hand hemmed all my skirts and pants when I lived with my mother and Dogs as my witness, I'll never hand sew a hem again!
Thank you so much! And yes, I now see why folks do it, it was SO MUCH FASTER!
I don’t think you are meant to see the gathering stitches after the seams been sewed, they are normally temporary. Such a beautiful pattern and fabric ❤
You got a wearable dress out of it without major mishaps, so I'd say it's a success! Those sleeves are mad; I knew 1930's sleeves were voluminous, but that pattern piece is insane! Any weird stitching will be hidden by the fabric pattern.
I'm currently sewing a bullet bra with very little in the way of instructions and am mostly making it up as I go. I'm almost done - just half the back closure to go - and it looks ok?
I sure did! I was so excited about how it came out. I wish you all the best on your Bullet Bra!
I love this dress. I think it's timeless. I am currently making a dress with not only no instructions but no pattern. I'm still on the "muslin" stage, except I expect this to be a wearable dress. I am also making this first version out of cotton and the dress I'm trying to recreate was a stretchy rayon. Once I have the pattern pieces shaped correctly and have a dress that fits my daughter ( I'm doing this for her because she and anyone who saw it loved the original dress but the rayon wore out in one summer) then I will make a second "muslin" version and then if it is all correct I will use some slinky, stretchy fabric I found in the second hand store. At that point she wants me to come up with different sizes for my granddaughters and all her friends! This is way harder than it seemed when I took on the project and said, "Yeah, I can do that." Ha, Ha, Ha!
You are so incredibly funny!😂 (seeing the result, there is hope for even dummies like me😮🎉)
This dress is absolutely gorgeous and now I want to find this pattern for myself! Preferably WITH instructions. 🤣
That was fun!
Put the fabric in the freeze to get the friction pen marks to return. Heat takes the marks away. Cold can bring them back. Stay stitch your fabric to prevent stretching while fitting and sewing.
Terrific job!!!
Loved it! Thanks for showing the real defeat- of-the- pattern struggle, it helps us mere mortals..
Great video. I was scared the whole time because the fabric is so beautiful. I’m a bit sad that the dress wasn’t for you. 😢Yes please make a dress with no pattern instructions. Zero help. 😻😻😻
Thank you so much, and yeah I was sad too. However, she went to a good home with someone who also loves and wears vintage.
@@StephanieCanada lol I’m like who is that wearing Stephanie’s dress!
In the 60s-70s, there were always so many darts. 😂 It’s nice to see that you pin down your pattern pieces to the fabric. Also, you cut out your pattern pieces. I’m surprised that people don’t do that. I’ve made renaissance outfits, coats, pants and tops and I have to cut out pattern pieces for accuracy not to mention the pinning.
Wow, I'm impressed! You did a great job and your friend looks beautiful in that dress.
I have a ton of vintage patterns given to me. Most are 36 inch bust and i'm a 42 ... tips on how to grade up are MOST appreciated. I watched your recent podcast where you were measuring the differnce on the sizes and they were all wonky!!!! Whaaaa!!! Those patterns would not have fit people I'm sure.
And you are precious!!! Love your podcasts!
Hi Valerie, unfortunately I am not the one to teach scaling up, as I am still in the rudimentary phase as well. I advise watching Closet Historian, Angela Clayton or Evelyn Wood to learn how to scale.
Love your rendition of "Entrance of the Gladiators" AKA Circus theme/my cellphone ringtone
That’s a cute dress
That is really pretty, and now I want to make a 30s dress
*whispers* do it, do it, do it
I'm starting 2 sew after a stroke 6 years ago. I get confused easily + am learning. I found an old skirt I cut out years ago +100 pounds ago. I hope it looks like a full skirt when done. No directions, 3 pieces. Can't be that hard, right? Stay tuned.
Very cute! You did a great job. (And, having done theatrical costuming and wardrobe in my previous life, yeah. Can confirm that wardrobe isn't gonna teach you much about sewing. It is really fun, though!)
The shorts of shame are amazing, as is the avoidance closet.
Thank you so much Elizabeth!
I have an avoidance room
Love to see you construct in printed pattern as well. This dress turned out well.
Loved following your adventure!! Please do share more!
Thank you so much Zelphia! Will do!
This is very brave !!! I just started making garments. Before dolls and others stuff toys. I still have a lot things to learn.
Thank you so much Joelle! I believe in YOU! You can do it!!
I laughed when I heard your little dot-dotle-loot singing with the elastic band work.
This is one of my various rewatches. The series title "Stephanie Can!" occurred to me.
For my 30th B-day I want to do a 30's photoshoot with my poodles 😂 I may have to sew my own outfits. Wish me luck. I will be watching your videos ☺️
Haven't watched yet, but based on the title, you're a masochistic 😝
Very possible... but it gets the views (supposedly)
@@StephanieCanada Unfortunately, I can't count as part of that control group, because I'm watching regardless of the title. I watch for the duck noises 😜
That dress turned out adorable.
As someone who is simply too lazy to follow markings and notches and is confused by instructions this just looks like a normal sewing mental breakdown afternoon to me 😂
The dress turned out absolutely beautifully btw!!
Cute dress and love the print of the fabric.
Loved watching this and the finished dress is beautiful. Thanks for sharing x
Oh wow, you did an amazing job making the dress. Love your content!!!❤❤❤❤
I see like you did. Even when I did have directions. I enjoy watching you.
Very cute. Nice job
Have you ever tried the Lutterloh sewing patterns? They have tons of vintage ones but none have instructions. 😂 I'd love to see you do one of those! I purchased the kit and have been afraid...
This was such a fun video, loved the idea and the final result =)
I think what would have been fun at the end would be to go through the actual instructions and see what you did right and wrong? To get an idea of how instructional and intuitive the pieces actually are =D
Or you (or a friend if you wanna do a crossover or collab kinda thing) could make a second dress going with the instructions and compare both the instructions and the physical differences that occurred, that would be really fascinating =)
Also for a name you could go for a pun like "Seams About Right?" like seams and seems? Sorry I love a pun XD
Thank you again for the fabulous content, and can't wait for the next video =)
You know I tried my best to find a copy of these instructions to no avail. However, I was actually hoping to do that exact comparison. Also, “seams about right” is punny perfection.
@@StephanieCanada Aww I am sorry you weren't able to get a copy of the instructions, hopefully the next one has them for the comparison, or if you had a friend who knew 30s pattern assembly like the back of their hand they could take a look, or be like a referee XD
I am so glad you liked it, I thought it and had to comment, please feel free to use the name if you like it, all yours =D
I’m guilty of this - I’ve given away a ton of patterns while retaining the first page of the instructions (cause they have the pictures of the pattern pieces which frankly IS all I need…. I haven’t used those (to me) useless layouts for decades cause I’m frankly better at it than the one’s doing it for the pattern company. I’m Home Ec we students had a theory that the pattern companies were in league with the fabric manufacturers 😅😅 cause they always asked for a lot more fabric than necessary unless you had one way prints or nap, or had to match plaids etc.
I have been sewing since I was 8 & took 6 years of Home Ec. My mom in fact made a lot of my clothes & taught me how to sew.
Now Vogue patterns, or really old (before the 50s) that can be challenging lol
She is gorgeous in this dress! Great work!
Thank you! And yes indeed my friend is truly lovely!
This... construction without Instructions(?)... series is too impressive!!!
OOO... nice! And thank you... I think my next version will be an unprinted one.
I just decided to tackle my first seeing project in over a decade a couple of weeks ago. What did I make? A Tailornova me designed collared button up shirt. With no instructions. Aside from some fitting issues due to my inability to accurately measure myself and forgetting to adjust for needing more room in the back over my shoulder blades, it fits quite nicely. I did spend a fair bit of time researching how to put the collar on, as I had absolutely no idea what that entailed. I now understand why detachable collars were so popular.
GOOD FOR YOU!!! That sounds super complicated and I am proud of you for just GOING for it!
Way to go!! It's gorgeous. I love watching you sew... hope you do more of these 😃😉
Thank you so much Louise! I do intend on doing more of this style. Are there any questions you have about sewing that I could do a video on to help?
It would be really fun to see a vintage bra (doesn't have to be a bullet bra) - do u have any vintage bra patterns?
This came out very well!
'that was fun!!! I enjoyed that so much! Oh, and Your little fluffy baby is so cute!!!
Thank you so much Becky!
You are just a cracked up. Love it
I think it turned out beautiful!!!!
Thank you Monica!
Love the pattern and the end result !!!
Thank you so much Patricia!
What a fun experiment! Series title suggestion: Instructions by Deduction
Very nice made and the model is so pretty 😍
I love it so muccchhh!! It turned out so beautiful! (As is your model!) I’m going to keep my eyes out for this pattern/one similar! Also, I felt so hard opening a vintage pattern to no pieces 😭
You have found your calling. Thanks!!!
Thank you so much!
well done!
Thank you!
@ 1:27 thank goodness that tea was still steeping cuz Internet cant be wrong would have had it comming out my nose. Ah hem, tea in hand here we go
Right! It was a very intentional dig. (hehehe)
Well done
Very nice end result! 👍
Thank you!
Video Series: Mission Impossible Sewing 😂
Well done!
I did not know you leave in the gathering stitches... I have always removed mine after attaching. Is that not correct?
Name idea: No Instruction Madness. Lol
Oh interesting. Thank you Brandon!
I always have to insert elastics at least twice 😂
watching while expecting tragedy was fun! But the outcome was beautiful ☺️
Right! I was too honestly. All the fear was REAL. Thank you so much for watching!
If you don’t unpack an entire seam and have to sew it again; did you even really sew?
You just needed to remove your gathering stitches in the waistline!! Great job👍🏻
I was wondering if the top line needed to be remove, but they were both below the stitching line, so I think they are designed to stay. It even looked like it in the line drawing. Maybe if I can find the instructions one day I will finally know the answer.
@@StephanieCanada I have the same pattern, and I looked it up... the gathering stitches shouldn’t show on the right side. But hey great job 👏🏻 I couldn’t have completed it!!!!🤣🤣🤣
Once I heard the rules of this tutorial, I was like: "Damn...girl. You living dangerous."
I will gladly take any and all patterns you have that date 50's and older that are missing instructions and or pieces, as I've sufficient experience in sewing that I often proceed with merely a glance at instructions, sometimes to my frustration, as I occasionally get the cart before ted horse, but alls well that ends well.
So if anyone reading this has patterns that fit my desire, PLEASE let me know as I LOVE designs from mid-century, and yet struggle to come across the originals but cant justify collecting at the going rate for complete, original, patterns. And sadly so many beautiful designs are simply not coming out as remakes.
The shorts of shame are such good idea tho!
Oh God, you are so funny! More, More!
Thank you so much Barbara!
Well done!
Thank you so much!
Finished dress is cute
Thank you so much Eileen!
Do you sew the clothes we see you in? Your dresses are pretty!
Name suggestion for the video category: Sewing Wild :)
I feel like the fold over thing should have been finished by pinking right? It turned out amazing tho! The busy pattern hides a lot of those things you worried you didn’t do. She looks great in the dress! I love the colors.
Oh I am SURE I messed things up along the way, but thankfully my friend is also a seamstress so I don't have to worry too much.
I sit and mull over the instructions before I sew. Without instructions I would donate the pattern to the local thrift shop. That is all.
I want a dress like that it's so cute
It really was cute!
Love listening to Eine Kleine
It is one of my favorite pieces to lay underneath. It is so fun!!