New Old Patterns

Sewing up so many patterns last month didn't stop me from buying new ones...well, new to me, anyhow. I took a little road trip to a nearby town this week, and hit 4 thrift shops and 2 used book stores... lucky for me, my husband is also an avid 2nd hand shopper, more focused on books though ;)

We had a great time, and I found some great books, as well as a few decor items and a cache of sewing patterns. I brought home a nice variety, along with a couple of sewing books -- even if I'm not actually sewing, I'm thinking about it!

Here's the haul --

The pattern I'm most interested in trying first is the Simplicity in the middle, with the yellow trim. It's Simplicity 5583, marked "Esprit". It has a jumper view but also a dress view. It really reminds me of something I owned in the early 90's but hopefully I can update it sufficiently!

The books are fun to look through -- though dated, there are some neat ideas -- I've already got some new tips from the Claire Schaeffer "High Fashion Secrets" book. Think my sewing vacation is over now; I've had a break but am ready to start something new again. 

How long do you usually go between projects?

80s Fashion in Stranger Things

I've been off work this week, and while I didn't get as much sewing done as I'd planned, I had a great week. And I spent some of it watching Stranger Things Season 3. 

I have been surprised by how much I liked this series, and Season 3 was just on fire. I loved it. And one of the reasons I love the show so much is the fantastic 80s setting. I'm an 80s girl myself so I love watching for all the 80s memorabilia in the background, and catching all the references to 80s pop culture. And of course, the fashion is fabulous!

They really have the 80s aesthetic down. Though even my favourite fashionable character, Nancy Wheeler, doesn't have hair that quite matches my own enormous 80s do!

1988, fall of Grade 12

Nancy has the greatest outfits this season -- she's interning at the local paper so wearing things a little more summery and dressy than previously. This means lots of shirt dresses, matching tops and skirts and the cutest 80s pumps.

According to the wardrobe designer, many of Nancy's outfits were original 80s wear found on Etsy and places like that. Jealous! But you know, as sewists we can make what we like, and I have made some 80s inspired pieces recently. 

From my Style 4037 to my New Look 6344, I have a number of 80s era patterns I've made. And I own a ton more patterns copyrighted in the 80s that I have not yet made! Here are a few that I think might suit Nancy Wheeler if made in an appropriately 80s fabric choice. 

It's funny how many of these are brand names. I know I have an Esprit romper in my stash somewhere as well, and that's definitely one of the brands referenced in Stranger Things! I also liked the blouse that Robin was wearing in the last episode, but can't find any images of it -- just a black blouse with white accents -- I can see a hacked Stretch & Sew 345 to copy it (incidentally also another 80s pattern!) 

What about you? Are you inspired by the 80s? By Stranger Things? By your own favourite summer viewing?