This is my first attempt at sewing from a vintage pattern, Simplicity 5349, which I bought from the lovelySewVintageNow on Etsy on a whim a few months ago. There are four views but the one I like the most is view 3, in black on the envelope

I wasn’t sure what to make it up in. For a while I had a clear vision in my head of blue and white zebra print cotton, but couldn’t find any. Then I decided I probably wanted black and white.

Last time I visited Birmingham I discovered the Fancy Silk Store, three floors packed with wonderful fabrics. They didn’t have anything that corresponded to what I was looking for, but instead there was a cotton sateen with a very bold black and white floral print. I bought 4m in order that I’d be able to match the pattern across the seams.

After a muslin and a few modifications to the fit I am really pleased with the finished result. Unfortunately I don’t have the Charlie’s Angels hair or platform shoes in the illustration on the pattern envelope! Although maybe love beads and bare feet are more achievable.

I also wrote a pattern review.