Victory Knickers- for Land, Sea and Air!

 

Hurrah, Sew for Victory project: part one is done!

 

Who knew that a lot of work, angst, and a few tears here and there could produce such a silly pair of knickers, eh?

Oh and what troubles they have caused. Since the first moment these knickers have been called the 'disaster knickers'- everything to do with them seemed to be against me...I didn’t care much for the resizing (I had to lose 3 ½ inches in the waist) and I didn’t care much for the buttonholes either, but I must say that everything in between went swimmingly!  

I should warn you that there are rather a lot of photos to follow- 'tis the result of not keeping the blog up to date with my progress… sorry!

(I'll keep my witterings to the minimum to make up for the onslaught of snaps!)

 

♥♥♥

 

 

^ The Pattern....

 

 

 

Part of the design traced onto the fabric.- I took the images from period books and a couple came from original embroidery transfers too.  Then I had a jiggle around with the images on the knicker leg until I was happy with the design …

 

 

^ The first completed embroidered leg showing the whole design....

 

 

^ The finished set. Unfortunately I didn't have a dashing pilot to hand for the photos...

 

 

On Land! Little tanks make surprisingly cute trim for undies!

 

On Sea! Some battleships of the Senior Service....

And its in the Air!

It just wouldn't be complete without a Bomber and a chunky Hurricane!

 

 

I used a really simple (like me!) back stitch for the embroidery.

 

 

And I decided to hem each leg with vintage bias from the stash, and then hemmed by hand....

 

 

^ the faced waistband- I thought it was rather an odd way of doing the waistband, but hey, it turned out ok!

 

 

Don't mention the war... I mean, buttonholes!

They were such a pain in the posterior. The last thing I had to do and I only went and slipped with the scissors whilst unpicking the the top buttonhole. Yes, I now have an unwanted hole in my knickers! :(

 

 

The Brassiere....

 

^

Yes I'm rather pleased with my top stitching- quite enjoyed doing the bias bit!

 

 

And finally the fastening- My sewing machine didn't like sewing over all those layers and elastic, so don't look too closely! Also, I have just noticed something wrong and its going to niggle me now. Why didn't I notice the different directions of the folds in the elastic before, eh?

 

So there you are. I doubt very much that Bombers and Tanks are to everyone's taste for underwear decoration, but then again, they only have to appeal to me and I just loves 'em ;)

Actually, while I'm still on the subject of undies, last week or so (can't remember- the last few weeks seem like a blur!) I picked up some more parachute silk... perhaps more undies are in the pipeline?

 

 

Anyroad, I shall love you and leave you with a sneaky snap of my Sew for Victory dress!
I'll post a blog about that tomorrow...

TTFN,
Tickety x

 

 

Wings for Victory!

Hello ducks, tis me again…I know, I’m like a bus this week!

I’m back with another outfit post, but this time it’s a R.A.F. Special- fancy, eh!

 

A while back, can’t remember when, I had the ‘good’ idea of making a R.A.F. themed blouse. I wasn’t particularly sure on how I was going to go about creating this wondrous creation, all I knew was that I wanted it to be covered with raf bits ‘n bobs… well who wouldn’t want a blouse with filled with RAF bits eh?

 

First, I thought about drawing wing shapes and crests onto fabric using fabric pens or paint, and then I decided that embroidery was the way to go, even though it’s a right royal pain in the posterior. Honesty, I don’t know why I put myself through such trials!

Anyway, I had the perfect pattern in mind (see picture above) and the perfect material stashed away, so I had no excuse to not start….

 

As the blouse was of the yoked variety, I first drew around the yoke pattern so I could then play around with designs. Seeing as I'm on an embroidery kick at the moment (no idea why as I'm not keen on it!), I raided my transfers I had ready for my patchwork bedspread and chose a simple pair of wings. I scanned it in and jiggled the transfer around a bit- enlarging and decreasing the size so I had a bit of variety....

 

 

I then rearranged my bits (ha!) until I was happy with the design, and then stuck them down....

 

 

...but before I committed the design to the material, I made sure I was happy with embroidering the wings. Mind you, I wasn't that pleased with the first attempt. I had used two strands and thought it was too lumpy, so used only one strand on the real deal. Oh, and I used carbon paper and a steady-ish hand to transfer the design to the fabric!

 

 

I didn't go to town with the stitches as I wanted to keep it simple and quick!

 

 

Wings everywhere!

 

 

The finished panel.

The original pattern called for a ruffle... well, I made it, then decided I didn't want the hassle of putting it on! Next time I make this blouse I WILL put the ruffles on. I promise!.

 

 

 

The back fastens with little rouleau loops... now they were fun to make and sew... not! :(

 

 

... I decided to trim the cuff with ric- rac, and chose a colour to match the wings. I am now officially in love with the stuff!

 

 

 

 

I even felt stupid taking photo's on my own, hence the book on head snap! So goodness only knows what it would be like if someone was behind the camera!

 

 

 

I must apologise for the unsightly bulges! The skirt is also a new addition to my wardrobe, but because it took me so long to make, I may have put on some weight between the now and the start! The skirt may not have liked being worn over a slip, vest (I have no idea why I put one on) and suspenders either!

 

 

As I took the first snap a plane actually flew over... well timed or what!

Nothing interesting though :(

 

 

 

I must admit I'm rather pleased and proud of my efforts. But don't worry; I can still get my head through the opening!!! ;)

 

 

 

Mr Gnome gets in on the action too... he is on the left by the way, 'cause old monkey arms is on the right!

 

 (So sorry for the large amount of 'me' snaps!)

 

Have a wonderful bank holiday and/or weekend all!

 

Till the next time,

 

Tupps x

 

 

 

 

***

RAF Fridays so far...

Reflection of a Sweetheart.

A Flying Visit!
A Lucky Strike

Two Airmen and a Camel.

The Real Deal

The Apprentice and the Sweetheart.
R.A.F. Friday Christmas Special

R.A.F War Pictures

Nothing but Patches

It's a Piece of Cake

Mrs Pickup's

Knitting for the R.A.F

Love Is In The Air

Double Trouble

One Mans Photo's

The Rings

Here Comes The Bride...

The Other Box

The Box

Mayday! Mayday! She has bought more wings...

 

 

 

The “Mr Dior, you can keep your 'New Look'- yards cost coupons” Dress.

 

 

 

I say, remember me? It’s been another long blog vacation for me. My enthusiasm has been wavering and scoring very little on the “can’t be bothered- o - meter” (patent pending), and to be honest, I’ve struggled to think of anything to write about. I’m just one big bore!

Thankfully, Mammy dearest has helped out old grumpy knickers here L, by finishing off one of my ‘projects’ for me. So at least now I have something to show off… want to see? Obviously you have no choice in the matter as I’m going to show whether you shout “yes please” or “no ta”!
 

 

So what do you think? Okay, it’s not the most amazingly wonderful dress in the world, but personally I rather like the simplicity of it.

The pattern dates from 1947 and has been on my wish list to make for an absolute age. In fact, ever since I found it in a bundle of vintage patterns that once belonged to my grannie and great aunts. Unfortunately, the original pattern was too big for me, but when I came across it in a Tupney size (in other words, stick size) I positively pounced upon it!

The fabric was one I had stashed away- no idea where or when I bought it. I had originally saved it for my Birthday ‘dress’ suit (haha), though, I soon had second thoughts on the matter and chose this dress instead. Mammy cut out the pieces for me as I certainly can’t be trusted with matching up anything. Having said that, I did sew it together… just look at those beautiful chevrons!!!

 

 

  All teeth...

 

Oh fiddles, perhaps I didn't match them up very well after all... ah well, as my gran keeps on saying to me.."a blind man on a galloping horse would be glad to see it" or of similar phrasing. I think she said it was something her mother used to say... well, whatever is it was, it makes me chuckle! Anyway, this was a snap of the back. I'm glad to say that the front chevrons ARE perfect!

 

 

So a big "Ta Very much" goes to my mammy. For without her help I'd be near naked in these photos ... EEK, what a horrendous thought!

And on that rather worrying note I shall bid you goodbye

(my apologies for leaving you with such an image)

 

TTFN,

 

Tupps x