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

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  3. They're very cool and the fit is great!

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

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  8. Love the top is it RTW or hand made?

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

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  12. Too cute! I need to make these!

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

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

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

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

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  19. 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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  20. Oh I would love to see the ones you made!

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

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

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  23. 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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  24. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. How cute! These look superb! What a gorgeous outfit!

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  28. what fabric did you use??

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  29. It was a suiting fabric, wool blend.

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  30. 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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