Wednesday, March 23, 2011

My 10 Piece Winter Travel Set!

About a year ago, I found a 10 piece travel set in a magazine from 1953. I loved it so much - all the pieces, as well as the idea of having 10 home sewn pieces that can be combined with each other - that I have decided to come up with my very own 2011 version.

Here is the one from 1953 (and yes, I did sew every single piece of it!):

Source: Vorbachs Neue Moden, Heft 5, 1953


And here are my 10 pieces:

Since the one from 1953 was for Spring/Summer/Fall I decided to make mine a Fall/Winter/Spring version. Especially since - of course! - the first time I could have used mine was in winter and definitely too cold for the summery pieces. Just as in the vintage version I decided that it had to include the outer wear - a coat in this case. I also want my set to be as versatile as the original. It has to include an outfit for a concert/theater, as well as something for more sportive days, or a visit at my grandmas, a party or a city shopping spree... The possibilities were endless, but tricky non the less. I didn't want to go with boring basics - not in shapes, nor in colors. When I decided I wanted to use my stash as much as possible it got a little easier, as the color scheme was getting more limited this way. I was thankful not to have to make ALL the decisions!
I will use some commercial patterns, some vintage, and I will make the rest myself - so I guess this is only partly "design", the rest I'd call "styling". The dress is the only piece I am not sure about yet. I really want a dress that is suitable for frosty winter days. I often go to the theater, and it is always a problem to find an elegant outfit when it's freezing.

Do I hear you ask whether I made a little paper doll that can wear all these clothes? Why, yes, of course! I was having a bit too much fun with it, too. I will color the pieces one by one, whenever I have them finished, and let my little croquis present them to you. :-)

Here is my vintage version, all stitched up:


You can find more pictures at my BurdaStyle studio:

Part 1: Blouse and Skirt

Part 2: Vest and Sweater

Part 3: Blazer and Top

Part 4: Sundress (Skirt and Top are separate)

Part 5: Romper and Corsage Jacket

A few pieces of my modern version are actually already sewn, so this will continue soon...