Patterns of Note: Modern Edition

Today, I've got two modern patterns.  These are still in print so they should be easy to find, which means they are perfect for putting in Christmas lists.

Pattern Number One:  Butterick 5813

Butterick 5813

This one is from Butterick's Retro line, so the vintage styling is built right in.  The pattern envelope shows both the wiggle version (with and without a bow at the empire waist) and a full skirted version.  I think I'm really partial to both actually.

It seems to be fairly fitted through the waist with princess seams.  However, all of the shaping in the bust appears to be gathers, which would make it super simple to adjust, should it be required (and it's always required).

Pattern Number Two:  McCall 6834

McCall 6834

This one isn't from a specifically retro line, but it seems very classic to me.  I love how the pleats of the dress seem to flow out of the princess and center seams of the bodice.  I feel like I'm going to have trouble making that line up properly.

And there we have it, a sneak peak into my Christmas List, and hopefully a view of projects I'll be working on soon!

Another Girdle Experiment

The other day, I was reading over at Fuller Figure, Fuller Bust, a trick for stockings.  For her photo shoot she used nylons that had been cut off so only the legs remained.  This means that the stockings don't have that elastic ridge around the top, like stay-ups do.  And, without the elastic the stockings don't cut into he tops of your thighs.

So, early yesterday morning I cut the tops of my uncomfortable Dollarstore Nylons and slipped (or, rather pulled, squirmed and hiked) into my girdle and wiggled my way to work.  The girdle was just as comfy as last time.  I didn't have any issue with it cutting into my waist this time.  I'm not sure if I wore it at a slightly different height, or what, but it worked.

I did have one issue.  I think because the stockings were a little too long, the garter tabs weren't being pulled tight at the back.  This led to some pretty sharp pains where the garters were digging in.  But, I undid the back tabs and didn't have a problem.  The front and side tabs were able to keep the stockings up, and the back tabs didn't bother me at all hanging loose.

So, another successful girdle experiment!