First things first, this isn't my first time at the beach pajama-recreation rodeo; you might remember last summer's "The Copycat's Pajamas." Well, over a year later and not completely satisfied with the results of my last attempt, I realized that it was time to revisit the idea of the 1930s sur la plage by completing a long-unfinished project.
I had long earmarked a floral-print, rayon-linen blend in the stash for some flowery beach pajamas; Using that fabric, I actually made the top in the midst of my Summer 2013 mania for Deco-era halter tops. Out of the same cheery, dogwood-printed material, I constructed the "'Fun in the Sun' Hat" for my most recent "Sew What?!" project. To complete the ensemble, all I had left to sew were the pants. With the previous pajamas, I simply made wide-legged pants. I wanted to tweak it a little by making a more period-appropriate flared trouser. I even toyed with the idea of including contrasting godets but couldn't find a coordinating material in a suitable weight/color.
The concept
Settling on as wide a flare as the fabric would allow, I came to a startling realization once the pants were completed - it was time to take photographs!! If I have a forte, sadly, photography is not it (but I'm working on it). Luckily, our pal Fabian and his trusty camera were available and ready for a seaside shoot. So, in the glow of the afternoon sun, we headed down to the shore.
As is the case when presented with so many great photographs, it is no small feat when tasked with choosing a favorite...so I didn't (I guess editing isn't my forte either). Get ready for a picture-heavy post!
Limited fabric means the pants aren't as wide and wonderful as I had hoped for.
Nevertheless, the circumference of each hem measures forty-eight inches!
"Greeting from sunny California!"
Picture postcard perfect
Girl-on-gull action
Modeling clothes can be such a bother...
Wanting a little something extra, I isolated the floral design with a satin stitch and made a 2D/3D (2 1/2D?) corsage.
Casual summer clothing is always a favorite to create and the heat
wave around here is only encouraging me. Darn you, global warming!
But even if the weather says otherwise, I suppose it is time to put summer sewing to bed.
Every time I thought Fabian had captured all the angles that he wanted, I directed Mary to "frolic."
Getting fairly restless each time the frolic was called off so we could try something
else, Mary was joyful when at last she was allowed to splash in the surf!
With the temperatures across Southern California reaching into the triple digits, we are still deep in the dog days of summer. When faced with the alternatives, we don't really mind it. We're having a heat wave! Do you like like summer or are you ready for it to be over (at least the Northern Hemisphereans among you)? Are you ready for sweaters and scarves? Pumpkins and pine cones? Coats and candy corn?
We'll feel fine when Fall finally rolls around; until then, however, we'll still be here, soaking up the sun!
I know what you're thinking, "MORE sun hats?!?!!! This fool has got to be kidding!!!" Well, as long as the sun shines in the great state of California, sun hats will always be a necessity. Furthermore, this post has nothing whatsoever to do with thePut A Lid On It Sun Hats by Mr. Tiny, currently available on Etsy (that doesn't mean that there isn't time for a shameless little p-p-puh-plug). Rather, this post has everything to do a with a vintage hat pattern that I unearthed from the bottom of a pattern avalanche that I received several years ago as a hand-me-down from my grandmother.
At first glance, the illustration led me to believe that the undated pattern might've been from the
late-'60s-'70s. After reviewing the printing and instructions, I figured that it was probably from the
1980's, likely a classic pattern that had been in print for a number of years by Muggins Original Stuff (a company from whom it appears an interested party might still potentially acquire a copy).
A one-sheet pattern, I nearly disposed of it, doubting seriously my ambition for creating sun hats (my, my, how times have changed). Recognizing that certain timeless styles remain perennially en vogue, I decided to retain it in the Mr. Tiny pattern archives, feeling deep within my hoarder's heart that it would eventually come in handy.
Hoping to invoke the spirit of Joan and Thelma, and evoke a style reminiscent of these other
floppy-hatted beachside beauties, I pulled the "Fun in the Sun" hat pattern from the vaults.
(Source A, B, C, D, E, F)
Also from the vaults came this sturdy rayon-linen blend printed with charming sprays of pink
dogwood blossoms. I've had this fabric so long that it has actually moved house with me twice!
I had the pattern, the inspiration, the fabric, and a free afternoon; nothing was to stop me from diving head first into this hat (please, do not pardon the pun; it only encourages me).
I decided to skip the frivolity of the scalloped brim (View 2) and the superfluous sunglass holder (View 3) in favor of the simplicity of View 1. That isn't to say that I followed the instructions word-for-word (definitely not my strong suit). I ignored the warning against fusible interfacing (for a reason known only to the high heavens, I used fusible AND non-fusible interfacing), I extended the depth of the brim by 2" all around, and opted to assemble the hat in a way that suited my dubious understanding of garment/hat construction as opposed to the pattern-maker's expert instruction.
Instead of attaching ready-made ribbons to the finished hat, as per pattern instructions,
I made my own ties out of the fashion fabric and sewed them into the seam for a more finished look.
I might not have fully committed myself to the instructions but I did love the editorial commentary peppered
liberally throughout: "Everything cut out? Machine threaded? Radio turned to your favorite station?
How about a can of pop and a couple of cookies? O.K....Everything in place, so let's get sewin'."
Radio? Cookies? Pop?!?!! If this was my grandma's house in the '70s-'80s, it would've
been Donahue on the TV, a handful of Excedrin, and an ice-cold chaser ofTab!
The hat went together quickly and easily but I, of course, failed to take any progress pictures - I wasn't about to disrupt my hat making rhythm!
Because our house model is out of town, I had to employ our far more
reliable, exceedingly more cooperative standby, "Hat-tie McDaniel."
Just imagine what it would like like with a little bit of hair!
The last departure I made from the original hat pattern was electing to eliminate the multiple rows of topstitching on the brim; I like the way it looks without but I think the topstitching would provide a bit more body and stability. I might change my mind by the time our live mannequin returns ready to model the complete look (yep, I can't help myself from making matchy-matchy hat ensembles). What a cliffhanger!!! Will Mr. Tiny take to the topstitch or will the broad brim remain bare? Stay tuned!!!
Have you sewn a hat before? Is it possible that Ms. Crawford would deign to don our "Fun in the Sun Hat?" What do you think, is floppy too sloppy, or would you wear a floppy, floral, flapper-inspired beach hat?
I guess when one is sewing with a vintage aesthetic in mind, there may not be a truly original idea left under the heavens. Having said that, there are a few staples that every well-stocked vintage wardrobe ought to have and are therefore common amongst the old-timey set - including beach pajamas. I have always been smitten with women's beach pajamas and having seen the awesome, spacey, satin set Betty Grable wears in the "Let's K-nock K-nees" number in The Gay Divorcee, I attempted to make Mary a set very loosely based on the same (although my version was neither spacey nor satin).
That was a few years ago. Having sufficiently scratched the itch, I left the idea of "beach pajamas" alone for a while (mostly because I wasn't sure if the two-piece ensemble I made even counted as beach pajamas). Well apparently enough summers had passed and the inspiration to sew a new set struck in the form of a reproduction, feedsack-style print that I found in the flat fold, discount section of our local fabric store.
It's funny, up close the pattern is very meandering but from far
away it is easy to see the stripes created by the pattern's repeat.
I used a reproduction feedsack-style print in primary colors and a
vintage trim that was inherited from my great-grandmother's stash
(two rows of the trim is used at the hem of the wide-legged pants).
After sewing up the whole thing I realized that this outfit seemed distractingly familiar; familiar not only because it was inspired by looks of a bygone era but because I so obviously, if subconsciously, appropriated it from our pal Lauren at Wearing History (see this one but more specifically this one). THE COPY CAT'S PAJAMAS!!!! I accept that they are similar but not exactly the same; she of course, she did it much better and more historically accurate than I. If I had only put in some thought I would have simply used one of her beautiful patterns for vintage beach clothing instead of making up my own revisionist ensemble.
Mary ended up wearing the purloined pajamas to our friends' Memorial Day party and received enough compliments to boost my confidence. So, I am setting into make another set in a floral-printed, rayon-linen blend that has been languishing at the bottom of fabric mountain for too long. If you get a hankering to make a set of your very own beach pajamas, then do things the smart way and get a Wearing History pattern.
I'm already halfway there!
How do you feel about beach pajamas? Are you sewing anything special for summer?
I always find it slightly amusing when bloggers apologize to their readers for an extended absence from the "blogosphere." I wonder if readers are actually disappointed when a blog that they follow has not offered a new post in timely manner. Don't get me wrong, I am surprised and delighted that anyone would take time to read about the mostly-ridiculous things that I find interesting. I truly appreciate all 34 of you loyal denizens of wacky tacky-ness. I can just imagine you with sunken eyes and tear-stained cheeks sitting for hours - nay, days - in a dark room lit only by the radiant glow of your computer monitor, the onset of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome imminent and finger tips raw from the incessant clicking of the refresh button just praying that another episode of wacky tacky splendor will suddenly appear. Wait no longer dear friends. Splash some water on your face and rejoice! Oh, who am I kidding? Be honest, you didn't even know I was gone. I wish I could explain away the absence with the fact that Blogger went haywire for a time, but truth be told, I barely noticed. I was just busy, busy, busy.
A 40's-era picture of the world-famous Avalon Ballroom in the Casino on Catalina Island.
Thankfully, the ballroom has changed very little since its opening in the late 1920's.
Every year we attend The Avalon Ball, a 1930's-themed event held in the breathtakingly-beautiful Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island. It is an event for which I wait with proverbial, bated breath all year. It is kind of the art deco answer to Viva Las Vegas - a trekkie convention for the "vintage" set. It is also an event for which I make a regular goal of creating a whole "weekend wardrobe" for Mary. This year I did it by the skin of my teeth and that is the real reason I have not been blogging. Not only have I been sewing non-stop, but I have been sewing NON-STOP!!!!, leaving precious little time for blog-worthy adventures. Maybe one day, I will make some friends my own age, but until then, Mary will have to suffice.
Shorts, peasant blouse, basket purse and daisy topper handmade by Mr. Tiny.
Bangles - vintage
Sunglasses, belt, espadrilles - new
30's-style, two-piece, cotton beach pyjamas with peplum and self sash handmade by Mr. Tiny.
Sunglasses and bangle - vintage
Beret and espadrilles - new
30's style evening gown in green, moire taffeta with self belt handmade by Mr. Tiny
Rhinestone belt buckle, Persian Lamb capelet - vintage
Rhinestone jewelry - vintage/new
3-piece cotton playsuit consisting of top, skirt and shorts handmade by Mr. Tiny
Straw sun hat, sunglasses, bangles - vintage
Platform shoes - reproduction
My Great-Aunt Billie was a renaissance woman of the highest order. Growing up in the 20's and 30's she took an interest in nature, fashion, photography, cooking, athletics, sewing, animals, fishing, dancing and every other endeavor that tickled her fancy. Until the time of her death, she continued to win gold medals for swimming at the Senior Olympics - in nearly every single event she entered. Everyone in my family feels a personal connection to her because she invested her time in creating a relationship with each of us. Unlike some seniors, she didn't constantly rattle off recollections of her youth because she was still so actively engaged in the present. When asked, however, she would share stories of her great adventures. My favorites, of course, were the ones that included her treks to Catalina Island. She remembered driving from San Bernardino to the shore and catching the barge that would carry huge numbers of people over to the island for dances at the Casino Ballroom. For the two-to-three-hour voyage they would dance. Once docked in Avalon Harbor, they would dance to the ballroom. After dancing all night to the likes of Bob Crosby and Benny Goodman, they would dance on the barge all the way back home.
Billie by the shore in the early 1940's
I love Avalon! I love it because for the most part it is stuck in time. Many of the hotels date from the early 20th Century. The town is small and wherever you find yourself, you are really just a ten-minute walk from everywhere else. There is little to do so I end up doing very little. It is a wonderful place to unwind. Our activities are limited to lolling around, attending the silent film at the amazing, art deco gem The Avalon Theatre, going to the dance and enjoying the weather.
The iconic Casino building - home of the theater and the ballroom
This is one of our favorite places in Southern California
The entry to the theater is lined with exquisite tile murals of marine life
and beautiful hanging chandeliers.
A deco Venus watches over the interior of this incredible movie palace.
Stunning murals surround theater goers as gold-leafed stars
twinkle in the domed ceiling.
We attended a screening of The Sea Hawk (1924) as part of The Catalina Island Museum's annual Silent Film Benefit.
The film was accompanied by renowned theater organist Bob Salisbury, who let Mary play the original Page theater organ.
At the ball we saw many friends and ended up meeting some great new friends too. We always make a point of sneaking around the Casino building and we ended up finding some crazy areas that we had never seen before. We found the projection room for the theater, hidden stairways, storage areas, and spooky switchback hallways.
Kazumi, Nicole and Mary
Kazumi, Charlotte, John and Mary
Would I trade Mary for that rattan sofa we found in the dressing room? YES!
Who knew that pointing at oversized birds was such a problem in Avalon?
Mary always makes time for an anatomy lesson.
The following day we enjoyed a beach party at The Descanso Beach Club and the management turned on music for our dancing pleasure. What a blast!
Mr. Muscles Damian and Mary by the sea
Dancing in paradise
photo by Chantal Filson
Ukulele Lady
Last but not least, a film of Catalina in the 30's. This video is a long one but totally worth the buffering!
It was a great weekend that flew by much too quickly. Long story short, if you have the opportunity to go to Catalina Island, go!
