Sewing & Crocheting Plans for 2018

Yes folks, it’s that time of year again where I figure out all of the gorgeous vintagey projects I want to do throughout the forthcoming months. As there are so many of them, I’ve decided to treat this as a kind of brain dump of the things I really want to focus on in 2018. It will probably seem like a lot, and there’s no way I’ll get them all done, but it’s more about having a reference point I can keep going back to when I’m not sure what to tackle next. (Sorry, this is going to be a long one!)

So, what goodies are in the plan?

Sewing Plans

Tanith Rowan Grevillea Beret

Despite it already being February, I actually haven’t done any real sewing yet this year. However, to ease me in, I am starting with this gorgeous Grevillea Beret, which was created by my lovely and talented friend Tanith Rowan. I love it because it reminds of a 1920s tam, a cute oversized beret style hat that was often worn low on the forehead.

I’m making mine in a navy velvet I’ve had in my stash for many years. The lining is then being created from left over scraps of white and blue polka dot silk from my leg o’mutton sleeve blouse. I’ve done the main bulk of it, but I’m waiting for the self cover buttons to arrive before I go any further.

1930s deep pink dress

And talking of my leg o’mutton sleeve blouse, I am finally getting around to making a dress from the pattern I used for it. This has been in my to-do list for over two years, so now it’s time to get it done. I will be making it in this deep pink vintage rayon and will add white buttons, once I’ve found some. I think this will be a lovely in-between season dress that can be worn for just about any occasion.

1930s summer dress - Liberty fabric

I also have this beautiful 1930s dress planned, which is from a pattern the gorgeous Kitty Lou very kindly traced for me. The fabric is a Liberty lawn cotton called King’s Meadow. In 2016 it was created by Liberty of London exclusively for Remnant Kings 70th anniversary and is a recoloured version of an original 1940s Liberty print.

I have an original 1930s collar that I’m going to use on this dress instead of making the one in the image. It’s a removable one, so the neckline of the dress will probably be finished as a round neck. I can’t wait to make those puffy sleeves though!

1930s beach wear

Looking ahead to the summer, I am currently planning a holiday in the sun in early September. It’s not 100% confirmed where it’ll be but, wherever it is, it’ll be hot. I’m seriously craving vitamin D right now!! So, with that in mind, I am thinking beach pyjamas. I mean, what else would a 1930s gal wear on such holidays?

These two beauties are featured in the Record Fashions magazine I featured on the blog a few months ago. Since purchasing that magazine, I came across the Austrian version of the exact same magazine from July 1938. And not only that, it had the enormous pattern sheet (bigger than A1) still included, which you can see below. Of course, I snapped it up straight away!

1930s Austrian pattern sheet

Click on image for larger view

1930s beach pyjamas pattern

The pattern for the beautiful pink beach pyjamas in the image above are included in all those thousands of lines. And these are the different pattern pieces I need to pick out and trace off. Thankfully, it is easier than it looks! I will, however, get the big sheet carefully photocopied before I go ahead and do anything, because it is quite fragile.

1930s beach wear

I’m also planning to make a couple of hot-weather-friendly tops to mix and match with my skirts. I was thinking along the lines of the top half of both of these dresses, which are also included on the pattern sheet. As I have a sizeable chest area, I do always need to wear a bra and I think I could just about get away with wearing one with these two. I’d also love to crochet a lightweight vest top but, when you get to my crocheting list below, you’ll see why I’m not committing to it here.

1930s dogtooth suit

Heading into winter I am absolutely determined to finally make my own version of the 1930s suit that was featured in the Fashion & Textile Museum Jazz Age exhibition. I think that’s going to be a bit of theme with my sewing this year, to finally get on with the projects I’ve been putting off for some time.

This suit will hopefully be made in a vintage purple houndstooth wool fabric that I picked up a couple of years ago. I say hopefully because it’s it’s going to be a tight squeeze to get it out of the length that I have. I can, of course, play with the length of both the skirt and jacket to try and get it to fit.

I also have a couple of winter skirts that I want to make using wool fabric I already have. Thankfully, these can be done over a free weekend as they’re pretty simple designs, but they’ll be the sort of wardrobe staple I love to have for work. They’re also great for mixing and matching with my blouses and jumpers to stop myself getting bored with my clothes.

Crocheting Plans

There are literally thousands of crocheting projects I want to do, but I think I’ve whittled it down to a more manageable list for 2018. Quite how many I’ll get done remains to be seen, especially as two of them are quite big projects.

1930s swagger pull on jumper

My first project, which I started on the 3rd of January, is very nearly completed. I have crocheted the front, back and both sleeves and have sewn them all together. It’s in a dark brown as the main colour with ivory detailing, which looks gorgeous together, almost like white and milk chocolate.

However, the waistband is knitted and, after attempting to do it for myself for a whole two hours and getting nowhere, my mum offered to quickly do it for me. She pretty much did it in a hour or two! I’m now waiting to pick it up from her at the weekend, so I can get the jumper all done and wear it before the weather starts getting too warm.

1930s checkered crochet jumper

The next project is also underway and it’s this stunning checked jumper with a huge bow. When I first spotted this pattern on Subversive Femme’s Etsy shop I actually thought it was knitted, so I was so happy to find out it was actually crocheted. And believe it or not, it’s actually really simple to do. I’m not looking forward to weaving in all the ends though!

I decided to make this in what I would call deep royal blue and red, which were inspired by the colours in the first jumper on this Free Knitting Patterns page on the The Sunny Stitcher blog. The bow will be in red and I was thinking the waistband and arm cuffs would be done in the blue. However, I’ve started the first row at the bottom of the front using the blue, so I’m not sure it will look right next to a blue waistband. I’ve gone too far to rip it back and start again with the red, so I’m just going to wait and see how I feel once the front and back are complete.

1930s peach cardigan

Once the checked one is complete I will be going back to my peach cardigan. I had to take a break from this back in the autumn of last year because it is a very fiddly pattern to do. It’s not complicated at all, it’s just that it’s crocheted in fine cotton thread with a tiny hook and every little knot is created using six different stitches. As a result every row takes me about 15 – 20 minutes to complete.

I’ve completed about 90% of the main bodice section, which is all done in one piece. So, once that’s done, it’s just two sleeves, the collar and the waistband to do. Therefore, I’m hoping this will be done by the end of May.

simple 1930s crochet cardigan

After that one’s all done I’m going to need a quick and easy project to do and this cute but simple cardigan will be the perfect antidote. It’s created in a 4 ply merino wool and I’m on the hunt for a lovely navy to do it in. I may just need my mum’s help again to do the waistband and cuffs as, once again, they’re knitted. Why can’t I get my head around knitting?!

Duchess of Hutch crochet sandals

Another thing I want to make in preparation for my late summer holiday is a pair of crocheted sandals. I was so inspired by Jess’s (Duchess of Hutch) pair that she made last year in green and cream. They really are wonderful, I’m so impressed with them. However, one thing Jess said about hers was that the heel part stretched quite a lot when walking, which meant the sole kept slapping against her foot like flip flops. So, when I spotted the pattern below, I knew the bottom pair would be a better choice as the heel strap is more fixed.

At the moment I have no idea what colours to make them in, but I want to add wedge soles to them for a bit of height. I’ve found a really lovely cork pair which aren’t too high that will be perfect, but they’re quite costly. I just need to weigh up the benefit of added height compared to a cheaper flat pair.

1930s crochet sandals

1930s angora crochet jumper

My last one before it gets cold again will be another simple but cute jumper. This one was originally made in angora, but to create the fluffiness I will probably go for mohair. The pattern actually suggests several colour options, green with brown ribbon, plum with grey or turquoise with black. Personally, I love the sound of plum with a grey ribbon, so this is likely to be my choice. Although it could all change by the time I get to do it!

1930s crochet two piece

My plans for next winter are focused on two crocheted suits, which I just know will take me forever to do. It’s slightly daunting and I may need to break them up with an easy project (or two) for my own sanity. The one above has long been a firm favourite of mine, although I have no idea what colours I’d do it in. The pattern suggests blue and white, but I want to crochet a dress in those colours at some point, so would go for something else. Any suggestions?

Bonnie and Clyde

This one I’ve mentioned before on the blog, exactly a year ago to be precise, when making plans for 2017. I fell in love with this crochet ensemble when watching the brilliant Bonnie & Clyde TV series and I’m still determined to make it. I have a pattern I can use as a base and, with some slight adjustments, I’m sure I can make it work. I want to crochet the matching hat and scarf too, just to really finish it off. The only problem is making sure I have enough yarn as this one will be more about guess work.

So, that’s it. And yes, it’s a massive list, and I know it won’t all get done, but I will try my hardest to not deviate from it too much. I have a tendency to do that when I plan anything, so hopefully by having this list will keep me more focused.

Cate

Just a vintage gal suffering from the Golden Age syndrome. A lover of all things old, especially the 1930s, seamstress, crocheter, maker of hats and enjoys rummaging at flea markets.

29 Comments

  1. Oh, Cate, you’ve chosen some really fabulous things to work on this year. I’m particularly excited to see the beach pajamas in action and that first crocheted suit. Incredible! The velvet beret sounds lovely too. So much fun to look forward to in my inbox. Always an inspiration!!!

    • Aw, thank you Jennifer! I can’t wait to do those pyjamas, they look so simple to do. I just need to decide on what fabric. Oh, the dilemma! 🙂 xx

  2. So many pretty projects planned!! I gasped out loud at some of the dresses in particular! I’m very excited to see what you end up making this year – your garments are always so impeccably and gorgeously made!!

    <3

    • Oh wow, thank you Emily! Yes, I’m looking forward to doing those two dresses, they’ll be lovely additions to my wardrobe. xx

  3. Adore those sundresses from the Record Fashions magazine, Cate – they look perfect for a sunny break (my – where will it be!??). But a crochet suit and shoes too? I am in awe *bows*

    • Hehehe! I’m not sure I’ll wear the crochet shoes with the suit, mind you. Could you imagine? I could add a crochet bag and crochet hat, just to top it all off! 🙂 xx

  4. Wow, you certainly won’t be bored this year! I’m particularly taken with the two dresses (what a great idea to use a separate collar), and the 1930s suit. I love beach pajamas, so I’m certainly looking forward to see how you get on with this project. I must admit that the pattern from the Austrian magazine looks properly mind-boggling to non-sewing me! xxx

    • Oh, I never get bored, I’m always doing something! The pattern sheet is pretty easy, as long as you take it slow and follow the correctly styled line. Each line has its own combination of dashes, dots and wavy lines, so you know which one to follow. xx

  5. Hi Cate, I think you really don’t need to knit those ribbed cuffs and waistbands. You can crochet them in ‘Back Loop Only’ Double Crochet and they will look just as good.

    • Oh I could hug you right now!! Thank you so much for that tip, my mum will be very pleased that she doesn’t have to keep knitting rib stitch for me. Genius! xx

  6. There are so many fabulous things here! I love the Liberty fabric – it will look fabulous made up in that pattern. The peach cardigan is lovely, but it must be a bear to do. And of course, I can’t wait to see your take on the houndstooth suit! xx

    • Thank you Elaine! I’m really looking forward to making that Liberty print dress, it’s such a gorgeous print and, of course, the sewing pattern is just my sort of style. I will finish that peach cardigan if it kills me. I just hope it turns out as lovely as the photo. xx

  7. What a great list of projects! I look forward to seeing them throughout the year 🙂

    • Thanks Nicole! I will definitely be posting them on here as I go along. My first crochet project is already completed, so I need to get on and take some photos! xx

  8. This is an impressive list and I look forward to seeing your makes during the year. I can’t wait to see the beret in navy velvet! I love velvet and navy and it just sounds dreamy to me.

    Also, I don’t know why I’ve never thought of making tops from dress patterns, but you’ve planted that fascinating idea in my head now! I don’t wear a lot of dresses so that is something I might try!

    • The beret is now all completed, I just need to take some photos to show everyone. It looks soooo early 1920s when it’s on!

      Hahaha! I use dress patterns for skirts and tops, it saves on buying lots of patterns. I also swap the skirt part and the top part on different patterns to create a completely different dress pattern. It only takes a small amount of rejigging to get them to fit together. You need to try it! xx

      • Oh yay! How exciting!

        I will definitely try to play around with patterns more. Now I just need some time to sew!

  9. I enjoyed reading this post so much! That peach cardigan looks like such a labour of love. Talk about slow fashion eh?

    I have also been planning to crochet a pair of sandals for myself! Where is your pattern from?

  10. I’m impressed with your planning for the whole year! I usually only plan a couple months in advance. I absolutely love the prints on the fabrics you have for your dresses! I also love the summer tops you are thinking of. I need to make some cool weather tops since I live in a warmer climate now but I haven’t narrowed down my ideas yet. I have been using just the top of dress patterns a lot since I’m breastfeeding and can’t wear dresses unless they button down the front (I guess that’s why I only have one dress right now!). I think burgundy and white or ivory would be lovely for a crocheted suit.

    • I like to plan for the year ahead, then I have some sort of goal to work towards. I do tend to deviate from it a bit though, especially when gorgeous patterns suddenly pop up and feed my imagination. I was possibly thinking of a dark old rose and ivory for the crocheted suit, although I’m not 100% convinced. I think burgundy would look nice but as I want to make the Bonnie Parker burgundy and sand suit, I don’t want to end up with two burgundy crochet skirts. I’m sure I’ll get inspired at some point and make a firm decision on colours. xx

  11. What fantastic plans! I feel very inspired after reading this. I’m really looking forward to seeing everything that you make. Your wardrobe is going to be even more amazing!

    • Thanks Kate-Em! I’m soaring through the checked jumper now and have made a start on my first dress, so I’m hoping to get a good lot of it done by the time the summer comes. Then I can focus on my holiday wardrobe! xx

  12. thanks for the lovely post! you are an inspiration! because of you I have had my hair cut into a bob! had my ears pierced so that I can wear long dangly vintage earrings! and made a dress!! please keep sewing! and say thanks to your mum too for the lovely photos! xx Beverley

    • Oh wow! I’m truly humbled Beverley. Bob’s and dangly earrings are the best, aren’t they? I hardly ever wear stud earrings anymore. I will definitely keep sewing, although it’s proving very difficult to find time at the moment. I’m sure I’ll get back to it though. Thank you for you lovely comments xx

  13. OMG the Beach Pajamas are going to be amazing! It’s on my dream vintage wardrobre list to own a pair myself. I cannot WAIT to see how yours turns out (and all the other lovely items you have on your list).

    Happy Creating!

    • I keep dreaming of beach pyjamas too! seriously, what could be more perfect for the hot weather. I’m looking forward to getting on with them. xx

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