Retro Simplicity 4044

Sunday, February 24, 2013

I'm really starting to get into this whole vintage thing.  Lately I can't seem to stay out of antique stores and my husband says I'm starting to dress like I stepped out of a time machine. Well that's vintage baby.  This Sew for Victory sew along has really gotten me in the mindset of less is more.  The 40's seemed like such a simpler time.  No internet or cellphones. Far more socializing face to face or long letters being written.  When is the last time you got a letter in the mail or hand written one yourself for that matter?  Models in the magazines weren't airbrushed.  Pinup ladies were the real deal.  And the fashion was awesome which is why I love these pants so much! 

Retro Simplicity 4044

I used retro Simplicity 4044.  This is the same pattern I'll be using for the Sew for Victory sew along but in red I believe.  I used a wool suiting from my stash of 2 years.  The construction of these pants is super easy, only four pieces and can be completed in a day.  Just my type of pattern.  I really took my time with these and I love the result.  I learned how to use my overlock foot for finishing the facing edges.  That foot is awesome and I will definitely be using it more.  The seams are all pinked (which set me back a day because my shears broke!) and I used my blind hem foot on the bottom hem.

gray inside2

I love the style of these pants but I knew I was going to have problems with the width on my small frame.  I cut a size 10 and since I didn't make a muslin I basted first, much easier to rip out later, which is always inevitable for me.  I ended up taking in the inseam half inch on each side.  This reduced the width and also brought the crotch up for a better fit in that area.  They have a side lapped zipper, back darts, and I just adore the front pleats.  The front also has a little scallop detail (I guess that's what you'd call it) which is hard to see with my plaid shirt.

front pleats

I feel these pants still look a little too wide on me when I stand in certain positions. Maybe it's just because I'm not used to this style.  I haven't washed them yet either.  It seems handmade garments fit and lay better after you wash them for the first time.

Simplicity 4044

Simplicity 4044

Simplicity 4044

Who else is sewing for victory and how's it coming along? It's not too late to join!  Rochelle has posted tons of resources and information on 1940's sewing styles and fashion.  I'm particularly looking forward to the makeup and hairstyle post ;)

Catch ya on the flip flop ~Peace!


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39 comments

  1. MilenaFebruary 24, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    Perfect fit! Great job, I love that pattern. He is waiting for it's time in my pattern box:) I think th material is just a bit stiff, and the front darts need to relax. But the fit is just perfect.
    Btw, "the 40's seemed like such a simpler time" minus one world war..:) I think we tend to romanticize the past (just like that Woody Allen movie- Midnight in Paris. But It is fun to take the fashions out of their sometimes sad social context and play with them again. Anyway, you look lovely! Milenushka from http://thehomeblues.blogspot.co.il/

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  2. punkmikFebruary 24, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    i love them! you did a great job on them!

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  3. CeciliFebruary 24, 2013 at 10:48 AM

    They're very cool and the fit is great!

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  4. Dawn BlakeFebruary 24, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    I love these pants. Also thank you for choosing this pattern--I bought it recently, and love seeing it actually made up by a real person. Can't wait to try my own. Also can't wait to see your red "Sew for Victory" pair.

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  5. sarahFebruary 24, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    Ooo I love them!! The details are so cute and the fit is great on you!!
    I've been thinking of joining in with the sew victory challenge but I'm not sure I'll have the time :(

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  6. Joanne LambertFebruary 24, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    Gorgeous pattern! And such a great fit onyou! Can't believe you didn't make a muslin and they fit that well!

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  7. Amanda AdamsFebruary 24, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    Wowser! These look absolutely stunning! What a fantastic fit on you :D

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  8. Sassy TFebruary 24, 2013 at 4:29 PM

    Love the top is it RTW or hand made?

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  9. Rochelle NewFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    I love them!! I don't think they look too wide at all, I think the fit is perfect! The pleats and scallop look so professional. Awesome job! Can't wait to see your red version :)

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  10. Alison EstherFebruary 24, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    These pants look great on you and I adore the scallop detail on the front. I'm into vintage too, right now!

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  11. Rebecca WagnerFebruary 24, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    they look great! the front looks so well done:) good work

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  12. SueFebruary 24, 2013 at 9:34 PM

    Too cute! I need to make these!

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  13. Gjeometry CatjaFebruary 24, 2013 at 9:48 PM

    Wow, Shannon, I really like these! I think they are supposed to look that wide, that's part of the style. But, they really fit you well. I've never used my blind hem stitch. It looks so neat and perfect in your pic. Going to use it on the pants I'm working on now. IF I ever get to that stage.

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  14. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    Thanks!! The stitch took some practice before I was comfortable with it but it makes them look more professional.

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  15. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    Thank you!

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  16. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:47 AM

    Thank you! I just ordered my fabric from Mood last night. Excited!!

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  17. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    Thanks, it's RTW, I got it from JCPenney a couple years ago.

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  18. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Thank ya!

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  19. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Thanks! I did measure the pattern pieces and compared them to some of my RTW pants before starting. If I can avoid a muslin I will.

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  20. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    Oh you should, it'll be fun!

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  21. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks! This is such an easy pattern to work with. Love being able to make something in a day.

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  22. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks!

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  23. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Thank you!

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  24. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    Thanks, this is a great pattern!

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  25. Miranda BurnettFebruary 25, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    I love this pattern and have made two pairs of pants from it! Loving that gray suiting! Looks great on you!

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  26. ShanniLoves...February 25, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    Oh I would love to see the ones you made!

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  27. Miss Crayola CreepyFebruary 25, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    Wow, those fit you so perfectly!! And I'm going to use your tip on basting the sides first!

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  28. ShanniLoves...February 26, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    Can't wait to see yours!!!

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  29. the Garment FarmerFebruary 27, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    Oh! Those pants are darling--great fit. I like the pleats and waist band too--cute details :)

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  30. thequirkypeachFebruary 27, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    These are GREAT pants! I still haven't ventured into that realm of sewing - lol. Also, I love that TOP! Did you make it??


    In other news, I have nominated you for a LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD :) I just really enjoy your blog and am AMAZED at how quickly you can make these garments! You can read more about it on my latest blog post - I hope that it gets your blog out there, because it deserves to be read :)

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  31. ShanniLoves...February 28, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Thank you!

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  32. ShanniLoves...February 28, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    Why thank you, that's so great to hear!!
    I was really scared to make pants but actually they are really pretty easy. I find I have better luck with them than I do tops. I didn't make that top. I got it a couple years ago from JcPenney. Thanks again for the award! :)

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  33. JoFebruary 28, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    Wow, I'm so very impressed! And your site is looking great (haha, hate my blog's design, it's so amateur). I agree that they are supposed to be that wide, but it looks good :) And oh! They just look so well made. And amazing fit, geez :D

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  34. ShanniLoves...March 1, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    Thanks so much!! It's taken me almost two years to get a blog design I'm happy with. I had to teach myself how to do it. Html code can be quite confusing!

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  35. GingerMarch 5, 2013 at 7:08 PM

    How cute! These look superb! What a gorgeous outfit!

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  36. deja jonesMarch 9, 2013 at 4:34 PM

    what fabric did you use??

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  37. ShanniLoves...March 9, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    It was a suiting fabric, wool blend.

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  38. ShanniLoves...March 9, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    Thanks girl!

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  39. Sophie-LeeApril 14, 2014 at 4:42 PM

    Oh I LOVE these. In the last few days my desire for wide-legged trousers has hit me with gusto, so I'll have to keep my eye out for some suitable fabric

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