Inspired By Enid

Sun Bonnet for toddler

2011-02-14T19:50:00.001-08:00

This little sun bonnet features ina few of the Enid books.

This is the first time I have made it.

I was inspired to have a go after seeing Tab's version

The drafting was easy.

The piecing was a little of a challenge, I've never been fond of sewing curves.

My tip with this one is PIN PIN PIN or hand baste the brim to the crown.

This has a lovely wide brim and a little flap at the back to cover the neck.

It opens out for easy ironing (if you iron!)

It adjusts as the back to fit for a long time.

And ties under the neck for those little ones who hate wearing hats.

Heather was happy to wear this bonnet for about 3 minutes.

She had to struggle a little to get it off.

But she was determined!

And finally managed to pull it off.

Jumpsuit and Frock

2011-01-24T03:30:00.000-08:00

I spent the day sewing.

I made three outfits today.

Another culottes for Lilly, a jumpsuit for Rose and a dress for Fern.

My back is sore, I forgot to get up and stretch.

Book: Ten to Teens

Pattern: Jumpsuit

Fabric: Poly cotton from the Oppie

Made For: Rose

Book: Dresses for Your Daughter

Simple Pattern with Variations.

I even added the flower pocket detail as Enid designed.

I added the winged sleeves, flared skirt and collar.

The fabric I found at the op shop.

.This dress came together beautifully.

Fern loves it.

A real vintage pattern and the fabric is probably as old.

There was an option to add a gathered skirt but I think the flared one looks nicer.

My little vintage girls

2011-01-23T01:25:00.001-08:00

I spent the morning jamming plums, baking homemade sausage rolls and making trifle.

But I had that bored, restless feeling.

That can only be soothed with a good crafting project.

I spen a happy hour browsing my Enid collection.

Looking for something I've not made before.

I drafted up the pattern.

Then searched through the piles and piles and piles of fabrics,

looking for something just right.

Not too heavy, not too light.

Not too dull, not too bright.

Not too plain, not too fussy.

I'm not sure who gave me this fabric or which Op-shop I bought it from.

But it's perfect!

I made the culottes almost just as Enid said.

Next time I'll leave out the zip in the side,

as Lilly had no problem getting into the culottes with the zip fastened.

The perfect little outfit for my tomboyish little girls.

No showing your knickers when you jump on the trampoline,

climb the gate or over the fence.

The buttons came from the op-shop.

Baby's Sunsuit

2011-01-21T19:31:00.001-08:00

I've not made this one before.

After seeing THIS and THIS version by Vicki I had to give it a go.

To avoid forgetting to add seam allowance when cutting.

I find it easiest to draft the seam allowances onto the pattern before I cut it out.

A french curve and quilters ruler make drafting a lot eaiser.

I'm using a pillowcase to make Heather's Sunsuit.

I bought a pair for $1 at the op shop.

The other I made into a peasant Dress.

I made the dress too long so shortened it with a tuck.

Yep, it's crooked.

And here's the sunsuit all sewn up.

I followed Enid's instructions

I think she likes it.

It's a nice fit too

Pattern: Baby's Sunsuit

Book: Play Clothes

Size: 9 to 18 months

Fabric: Pillowcase

Overalls and angel top

2011-01-21T01:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorites, I think I say that for most of the Enid's I've made.

Book: Play Clothes (Pink Cover)

Design: Overalls For Crawling.

I found this printed drill at the Op-shop in Pirie

There was just enough to cut the overalls out, I had to piece the facing.

Enid's pattern are all drafted for cloth nappies. so lots of room for clothie bums

I've lost count of the number of times I've made this one.

So simple so cute and so cool.

Book: Sewing is Simple

Design: Girl's top and Pantie set

Thsi little top has a lovely swing to it.

I added two snaps to the back instead of a single button.

Using snaps makes this little top reversible.

Enid was such a gifted designer.

I can spend hours just flicking through my collection.

Which I think is complete now!

Enid - Wrap around skirt

2010-05-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

Wow it's been a long time between posts!

I think I've finally collected every Enid published.

Still like to trawl the op-shops, Ebay and Oztion looking just in case I have missed one.

Today I got a little sewing time in and drafted a skirt for Lilly.

It's a little old fashioned and still kind of cute.

Enid designed her patterns with measurements to use for drafting.

It was her own unique drafting system.

Very easy to do with a little practice.

Most designs start with a central vertical line off which you mark the vertical measurements and lines off. There are guide lines to help you draw the curves.

Enid's earlier books used woven fabrics as stretch fabrics weren't available.

I used some corduroy to make this skirt and lined it with chambray.

It's actually the skirt on the front of this magazine, but not as short and the straps are longer.

I really like the way it fastens at the back and it's so easy to make.

I think when I make this again I'll get rid of the straps.

I've cross posted this on my Mad Quilter Blog

Baby Raglan Gown

2009-07-06T05:09:00.001-07:00

Pattern : Raglan Baby Gown
Book: Baby Book
Fabric: Cot sheet bought from Op-shop

The sheet is well washed and beautifully soft.

Construction Details:

French Seams
Binding at neck.
1/4 Elastic sewn to sleeve.
Lace insert at center tie
Placket at back.
Pleat at back.
Snaps to fasten

baby's first gown

2009-07-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Baby's first Gown
Book: Baby Book
Fabric: Fine poplin.
Embellishment: Embroidered Lazy Daisies.

Construction Details:

French seams.
Bodice is gathered to a yoke.
Raglan sleeves
Binding at neck.
Hand hemmed.
Shirred at wrists.
Grown on facings which I interfaced with iron on interfacing.
Snaps at Center back.

This design is in many of the baby books.

Groovy Dress

2009-06-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

Drill fabric with a contrast cotton collar and pocket.
Drafted in size 4/5 from the basic dress pattern.

Dress, Sunfrock or Pinnafore Version 3

2009-06-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

I tried mix matching fabric on this one.
The bodice is denim and the skirt and ruffle a vintage cotton sheet.
Snaps fasten the gown at the back.
I prefer the skirt gathered.

Pettis, Popovers and Jackets - No.2

2009-06-06T05:11:00.001-07:00

I altered the pattern.
I adjusted the neckline up to on the back and added overlap on the front.
I made this one with knit fabric.
I turn the edges and finished them with a honeycomb stitch.
The snaps are reinforced with cotton tape.

Our baby is due on New Years Day, so a summer baby.
I can see him or her wearing a lot of these little outfits.

Pettis, Popovers and Jackets

2009-06-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

I drafted this one up for my baby on the way.
I'm starting to feel a little more confident with the pregnancy now we've reached 10 weeks.

Vintage sheet, very soft, perfect for a newborn.
I used commercial bias to finish the edges.
The gown fastens with snaps at one shoulder.
I want to make this one again as a little jacket.

Shirts and tops 6 -18 months

2009-06-06T01:53:00.001-07:00

Baby Book

Poly cotton fabric I found at the op-shop.
I used interfacing in the collar and on the facings
The button holes were worked using the automatic buttonhole stitch on my Bernina 153.
I was reading a post from Sara, who was telling us how her Bernina was no loner sewing Automatic Buttonholes, my machine too had stopped sewing them. She was told to clean the sensors on her machine and it works. I now have perfect buttonholes again!

My very handsome model.
The collar is so sweet and old fashioned.
Michael is 18 months old and I think he still has a little room for growth in this shirt.

Anyone else found it hard to find nice boy's shirts in the stores?

Thank you

2009-06-02T02:58:00.000-07:00

I got a lovely surprise when I opened my mail.
Mazdaz had sent me a surprise gift, a Mary Smith magazine.
Thank you Mary for your generous gift.
I felt very special receiving it, the thought that you though enough about me to send it makes me feel wonderful.

Dress, Sunfrock or Pinnafore Version 2

2009-05-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

I quickly got the kids into bed and disappeared to the shed tonight to have a second attempt.
It took me an hour and fifteen minutes to sew this little dress.

I'm happier with my second attempt at this little frock.
I gathered the skirt this time.
The fabric for this came from an Op-shop in Port Pirie, it's probably a synthetic.
I haven't done a burn test to confirm this, but it feels like one.

More snaps at the back.

I really like this simple design. I'd like to play with mix matching the fabrics next.

Dress, Sunfrock or Pinnafore

2009-05-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

I had a go at making the pleated version.
I didn't measure the width of my fabric and it wasn't 36" as a result the pleating is not right.
I made a few mistakes on this one. Mostly due to not reading the instructions!
I didn't attach the back of the straps to the lining before I hand stitched it.
The pleats don't meet as they should and there are not as many as there should be.

At least I got the ruffle right.

Snaps at the back because I'm too lazy to do buttons and buttons holes.

Come and Play?

2009-05-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

I've set up a new Blog

http://enidinspired.blogspot.com/

It will be a group blog for lovers of Enid to discuss and showcase their Enid Inspired creations!
Please come and join the fun!

To gain access as a blog poster.

email
tracy at desertrosedesigns dot com dot au

Another Overall

2009-05-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

Made from Corduroy and cotton.

I lined the back instead of applying bias to the neck and arm.

Front

Back

A little big on Michael who is 17 months.

They may even fit next winter.

He does like them.

I love brown corduroy, reminds me of teddy bears.

Adding to the collection

2009-05-21T15:43:00.001-07:00

All three are Argus publications. I'm on the search now for Clothes For Your Baby published by Argus. Anyone have an extra copy they would like to swap? I have a spare copy of sixes and sevens and Preschool clothes both Argus publications.

Another Mary Smith

2009-05-17T20:43:00.001-07:00

Added to the collection!

Another EBAY find.
I was so excited to find it and no one bid against me so I got is CHEAP!

Baby Gown

2009-05-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at making this gown.
I made a mistake.
I add a seam allowance to the edges, as I was binding I should not of done this.
I turned the bias all the way to the front rather than just over the edge, to compensate.
The fabric is a very old flannel that has started to yellow with age.
I plan on dying this one.

I'm happier with my second attempt.
I made the longer version of this top/gown
I finished the edges with bias and caught ric rac into the bias as I sewed it down.
I used woven tape behind the snaps to reinforce them.

Starting a New collection

2009-05-04T22:28:00.001-07:00

There is an Enid connection here.
Mary Smith is Enid Gilchirst's sister-in-law.
Mary was married to Enid's brother.
Mary was also a very talented designer.
She published a few magazines through Paragon and two that I know of through South Down press.
So now I'm on the search for Mary Smith publications.

Toddlers Smock top/dress

2009-05-04T22:08:00.001-07:00

The square yoke for this dress came from Toddler Clothes
The skirt was my own adaption.
The yoke is lined.
The fabrics are recycled.
The dress fastens at the shoulder with snaps
The snaps are hidden under a yo-yo flower.

Yo-yo flowers with ric rac stems and a crochet butterfly.

A photo for Michael's 21st?
He does make a pretty girl!

Michael is a size 0 or 1
So I'd say this dress would fit 12months to 18 months.
The hem was hand finished.
There is a four inch hem on this dress which can be let down to lengthen the skirt.

FOR SALE
$25
Plus Postage

SOLD

My Enid Gilchrist Collection - I'm bragging!

2009-04-29T04:43:00.001-07:00

All of them together.
55 different Magazines ..and I don't have them all!
I have 122 magazines all together.

My Doll Clothes and Fancy Dress titles

Girls' gear - two different magazines.

Maternity Magazines.
There is another with a green cover which I don't have.

Sleepwear and Undies

Women's Magazines.

Under 5 Fashion - two titles.

Play Clothes - three different versions.

3 to 6 - Two different versions

The baby book - six versions of this one.

Toddlers - three versions

Boys and Girls - four different versions

These are both very old Argus Publications.

These are also Argus publications

A 'modern' Enid

This is my ultimate Enid book.
It's tiny about the size of a paperback.
But it's the oldest and the first. I bought this off Ebay for $50
After speaking to Neil Gilchrist, Enid's son. I have discovered that this was self published by Enid and there were only limited copies printed.
It's very different in style to the other magazines. The drafting directions are very different.

I hope some of you find this very useful in your own collecting of Enid Gilchrist's magazine.
I'd love to hear of any magazine I don't have.
I'd be very happy to swap or buy any I don't have , if you can bear to part with them.

Crossover Dress 3-4 years

2009-04-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

This is one of the later Enid books, post 1966 due to the price being 50 cents.
Although the currency is decimal the measurements are still in imperial inches.

I haven't made this one before so had to start by drafting the pattern.
There were five pieces to draft.

I made this one from offcuts given to me.
The lining is a synthetic it looks like a fabric you'd make a ladies blouse from very slippery to work with.
The blue is suiting and the floral another synthetic.
The design is fully lined and the gathered sleeves are set in.
The dress was a bit fiddly to make, more to do with the fabrics I chose than the design.
As the dress is lined I only pinked the seams
The bonus of lining the garment is that it hides the dodgy seams!
The dress fastens with snaps at the waist.

Lilly is modeling the fit.
Lilly normally wears a size four.
The pattern is in the book to make a size 5- 6 dress.

For Sale
$35
Plus Postage

I'm building up a stock of items to sell on Etsy. I plan on opening a store "Inspired By Enid" soon.

One Piece Pinny 3-4 years

2009-04-26T07:18:00.001-07:00

This is one of the older New Idea magazines.
The price of 4' makes it a very early book.
My copy is a little tattered and loved.
Not all the Play Clothes books have the same patterns.
This pinny does not appear in a later Play Clothes.
The pocket does get repeat in a few outfits.

The binding was applied first to the wrong side.
Then stitched to the front, catching the RicRac trim.
I didn't add the ricrac to the arms and neckline.

The little puppet pocket is such a pretty detail.

The back of the pinny fastens with a single snap.
The pinny would look very sweet teamed with a nice warm skivvy and a pair of jeans.

The pocket opening isn't very big but I'm sure a little hand could put plenty of treasures in it.

The main fabric is a vintage drill like cotton, printed with Sunbonnet Sues.
The puppets dress and bias are a vintage cotton sheet.

This took me a few hours to make.
The hand embroidery and the ric rac in the binding taking the most time.

Enid says it's for 3-4 years.
I can provided measurement if you are interested.

Sun Frock

2009-04-25T23:05:00.001-07:00

The pattern for this little dress comes from Play Clothes - six months to 6 years.
This design appeared in the Baby Book too.
It must of been a popular design as it was reprinted again in a later New Idea Publication.

I made this one from off-cuts given to me.
The floral is a poly cotton.
The pin striped fabric is a cotton or poly-cotton plisse.
I didn't have enough of the stripe to do the full width of the skirt as Enid designed.
I modified the skirt to use the fabric I had.

I embellish the bodice with ricrac caught into the seam.
The bodice is lined.
The lining catches in the gathering of the skirt enclosing it for a neat finish.
The underarms are finished bias binding.
The side seams are sewn together with french seams.
I top stitched around the bodice to make ironing easier.
I used snaps at the shoulder for easy dressing.

In the different magazines the pocket varies in design.
In the older Play Clothes the pocket is not lined and the shaping at the top is made by catching RicRac across the top of the pocket.
In the later magazines the pocket is shaped and lined.
This is the way I did this one.
I trimmed the pocket with ricrac.

I used ric rac at the hem stitching line.

Sizing in the magazine is 9 months to 18 months
I find Enid runs a little big, if you remember to add the seam allowances.

I'm happy to email you the exact measurements of this frock if you require them.

FOR SALE
$15
Plus Postage.
SOLD

A few more Enids

2009-04-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

Little shift top.
Size 4
Vintage sheet and doily.
Lace and ribbon finish the hem.
$15 SOLD

Shift Top
Size 4
Vintage Sheet and Doily
$15

Shift Top
Fastens with snaps at back.
Vintage fabric, found at the op-shop as an uncut piece
Neck and armhole bound with commercial bias.
$10

Shift Dress
Size 7 years
Vintage Japanese fabric found at the opshop as an uncut piece.
Vintage doilies

Bound at neckline with self bias.
Ruffle at hem.
Vintage buttons.

$35

Lilly, modeling the tops. wears a Size 4.
The tops suit wearing over the top of a plain skivy.

Rose is modelling the dress over pants and a skivy.
Rose wears a size 7

Postage is extra.

Underpants in Jersey

2009-04-10T17:22:00.001-07:00

From Undies and Sleepwear
These are drafted as one piece. So there is no double layer on the crotch.

The mismatched seams don't help the look.
The bands are not stretch at all, like in modern unides.

These are swimming on Rose who is 8 years old.
Did they wear their knickers baggy in the 60's?
I think the kids prefer the undies I made yesterday!

Sun Frock

2009-04-06T04:10:00.001-07:00

Clothes for Your children.
Is a thick spiral bound book.
Mine is in a well used condition.
The Sun frock design comes from this book

Sun Frock

Size 4 to 6
The gathered bodice adjusts with a tie.
The straps have an extra 2 inches added to them. They can be unpicked and adjusted as the child grows.

Made from a Vintage sheet.

Design features a shaped waistband.

The bodice and skirt are gathered to the waistband.
I lined the waist band to enclose all the raw edges.
The sides seams are french seams.
The top of the bodice back is finished with binding.

The pocket is gathered and sewn with the edge folded over to create a frill and decorated with a bow.

The dress ties with a sash at the back.
A side placket, for ease of dressing, is closed once the sash is tied.

PJ's and matinee Jacket

2009-04-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

Practical Pyjama pants from Enid Gilchirst Baby book
I've made these a few times now.
I like the way they are drafted with extra height in the back.
Making more room for the cloth nappy Michael wears.

The fabric is a flannelette another gift from Judith (Wendy's Mum)
I love this fabric and it suits us perfect since our dog is named Scruffy!

Baby Kimono - FREE pattern from Habitual

Simple Baby Jacket
Another of my favorites, (but they all are!)
Made from stretch fleece given to me by Wendy's Mum Judith
Edges bound in commercial bias.

School Trousers

2009-03-14T18:37:00.001-07:00

Fully lined with a button fly. ( I added snaps)

These have belt keepers but they really need suspenders. There is no elastic in the waistband.

I found the lining a bit tricky to do and had to unpick a few times to get it right. The finish at the fly was also a little tricky but by the time I'd done four pairs I was getting good.

James thinks they make him look dorky! He was a good sport and modeled them anyway.
These are swimming on James. I may end up having to take them in.

The costumes are almost complete.
One more blouse and some headbands and I should be done.

Caps

2009-03-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

Still costume making.
These caps are simple to make and I made four this morning.
As these are only needed for a couple of performances I've only turned and stitched them not used the tape as the instructions tell you to.

I used a few layers of interfacing in the peaks to make them stiff.

Raglan Blouse

2009-03-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

The blouse is part of Fern's dance costume for the Bundaleer Weekend.
Fern is performing in 'We Learn'

I've so far made five of these blouses (one to go!), six box pleat tunics, four pairs of school boy pants (also Enid's) and some dickie bows. I did a pretty rough job on these, I hope no one looks too close. I was totally lazy and used my snap machine instead of buttons. I didn't bind the collar and I just overlocked the hem. I also used the overlocker to join the pieces together. The collar has been edged with lace. For the blouse Fern is wearing I did do the the tucks on the side of the button band but for the other four I made I didn't, as they won't be seen under the tunic.
This blouse is too big on Fern as you can see on the sleeve band which is huge on her skinny arms. This shouldn't be a problem as she needs to be able to dance in the costume.

Nightgown

2009-03-01T04:36:00.000-08:00

Michael is a restless sleeper and he doesn't like blankets.
I made him this nightgown to keep him warm as the nights will start getting cooler soon.

I made this from a polar fleece blanket, it was cheaper than buying the polar fleece!
I used snaps instead of buttons.
The fleece is a stretch fabric and the neckline became stretched as I stitched it, I added some elastic to gather it back.

Shirred Blouse

2009-02-21T19:52:00.001-08:00

I think this book would be late 70's or early eighties.
The measurements are in cm's.
I use quilting rulers to draft so had to keep my tape measure handy to convert.

The fabric is a polished cotton. I found it in an op-shop.
There were 3 meters of it and I paid $2.50.

I made the top to go with the skirt I made Fern. ( blogged on Madquilter)

School Tunic

2009-02-18T00:53:00.000-08:00

Fern is dancing in a performance in March.
I'm making the costumes. And I get to use my Enids.

I altered the yoke construction. Instead of binding the yoke. I finished the armholes by sewing them using the same method you use to sew the crotch in knickers.
The bloomers are also from this book.

Round Yoked Top

2009-01-23T05:11:00.001-08:00

I used the 9-10 years measurements and the instructions from the 12-14 years in how to cut the yoke so that it did not need an opening.

The two magazines.

I cut the top 7 inches shorter than the pattern to make a top rather than a dress.
I think that may of been a mistake as it is pretty full and will billow out a bit.
I'm planning on giving it to Fern and it may be too young for her?

Sun Dress

2009-01-08T17:55:00.001-08:00

Another of Enids Simple designs.
This dress is cut in one piece. There is only one seam.

It doesn't look much pinned to my design wall.
I don't think you'd ever see this dress in a store, as you'd not see it's cuteness hanging on a hanger.
The only tricky part is turning the rouleau, made of the binding strips, through.
I use a large eye needle and a piece of crochet cotton.
Make a secure stitch at the end of the rouleau and drop the needle down the center of the rouleau to be turned then pull the crochet cotton while guiding the turn with my fingers.

On Lilly it is stunning. I love the way the straps wrap the back.
I was worried it would be too short, but it's a perfect length for my little Lilly.

Another beautiful Enid design.

Swirl Skirt

2008-12-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

I had an email from Jennifer this morning. Jennifer is another Enid fan and gave me a link to her blog so I could admire her Enid creations.
I fell in love with the skirt she had made and had to make it for myself.
The girls on Crafty mamas have been making similar skirts so it seemed serendipidus.

Here are the skirt panels cut out ready to go.
I learnt a lessonswhile making this skirt.
READ the instructions carefully!
I cut the panels in reverse by error. Lucky for me, the skirt is very long. I could re-cut the pieces the correct way and still have a long skirt.

The fabric was a vintage sheet and some suiting which was a present from my friend Sue.
Piecing the panels together was easy with the overlocker.
I used a rolled hem to finish the hem

A maxi length skirt. I need to make myself a nice top to wear with the skirt.

Flip Skirt

2008-12-18T18:20:00.001-08:00

This little design is an 8 gored skirt with detachable bib.

With and without bib attached. Made from old pillowcases.
I used the overlocker to sew these skirts.

Rose's skirt

Rose with the bib attached. Rose is wearing the same size as Lilly.

I prefer these skirts without the bib attached.
The girls like the bibs.

Woman with Three Girls in Front of Ford 'Prefect', Glen Iris, 1961

2008-11-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Woman with Three Girls in Front of Ford 'Prefect', Glen Iris, 1961

Have a peek at the photo on this site. It was taken in 1961 and the clothes are Enid designs!

Toddler Feeder revisited again

2008-11-12T03:11:00.000-08:00

Version 3
This time I cut 2 feeders, with the tab extensions and a seam allowance.
Sewed the two right side together and turned it through.
Top stitched around.
Folded the sleeves down and top stitched the under arm seam together.
Finished with a snap.

Making the feeder this way uses more fabric but makes a thicker, thirstier feeder. It also finishes all the edges making it nice and neat.

Toddler Feeder

2008-11-11T15:59:00.001-08:00

Michael testing the new feeder.

I changed the pattern to include tabs that extend off the neckline.

I blanket stitched around the edges to add stability.

I reinforced the tabs with a little felt.

And applied a snap to fasten the bib.

Toddler Feeder

2008-11-11T04:37:00.001-08:00

Pinnies N Things To make for fetes and gifts.

As this book was published to have items made from it sold at fetes. There is implied copyright permission for you do to this. One day I may even get around to making a few of these designs and stocking them in my store.

The drafted pattern. The feeder is cut on the fold and is just one piece.

Made in polar fleece.

I'm going to have a bit more of a play with this design. I'd like to add tabs to the back, getting rid of the neck tie and replacing it with a snap. Polar fleece doesn't fray so there really is no need to bind. A hand blanket stitch around the edges would look nice and give stability.

Frock and stiff underslip

2008-10-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

Rose loves her new frock. I made a stiff underslip to give the skirt a lift.

The Stiff underslip made of calico and lace. I put elastic in the waistband.
There is 3m of claico gathered into that waistband.

A dress for Rose

2008-10-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

I was fascinated with how the back is drafted to wrap the front to form the shoulders of this dress. The skirt is very full on this design, I made it fuller by cutting the width of fabric (42 inches) for both front and back. I like using the selvedges as it saves me finishing the skirt side seams.

This fabric was also an op-shop find. I used some navy drill for the pocket and front facings.
I really like how Enid instructs on construction. All seams are finished, were possible with french or welt seams they look so professional and makes for garments which will survive the harsh treatment children dish out.

Pinny

2008-10-23T23:16:00.001-07:00

I'm still searching for a perfect bib for Michael The Grot

I could cut two from a width of fabric.
The first one I bound the armholes and overlocked the edges.
I threaded ribbon at the neckline,

The second one I finished the armholes with a satin stitch.
Overlocked the edges and ran elastic in the casing and used a snap as the closure.

Now time for the ultimate test! Grot Boy's dinner time.

Sun dress or Pinnafore and shift top

2008-10-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Shift Top finished with Bias binding at neck, armhole and hem.
Pattern from Under 5 fashion

Sundress for Rebeka
Pattern from Kindergarten Set

Fabric is quilter's cotton. I bought it on specail for $18 p/m It's so pretty, it shimmers. These were made for Lilly's friend Rebeka. I put my labels on them a bit of advertising :)

Adapting a pattern to make a peasant dress

2008-10-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is the pattern for a shirred or smocked dress for a 2 or 3 year old.

Carolyn was asking me about a peasant dress pattern. I couldn't find one in Enid's collection.
A peasant dress is a raglan dress with a flared neckline, so this little pattern suited the purpose. I did not grade it up a size as there is already a lot of chest room.

I lengthened the design to 24 1/2 inches at the front and widened the hem to 28 inches , but when I went to cut the dress I found the back and front if made this wide could not be cut side by side. I then decreased the width at the hem to 23 inches at the front and 22 inches on the back, enabling the pattern pieces to fit economically on the fabric.

The fabric I used was another op-shop find. A light weight, vintage synthetic; probably a fire hazard! As this is a very summery design I doubt she'll get too close to a fire.

I used bias strips 1 and a half inches wide to bind and create casings at the neck and sleeve edges. This gives a nice neat finish. I used 1/4 inch elastic at the sleeve and neck. The seams are all french seams again.

Lilly put the dress on for the photos and then insisted on wearing the cross over dress again.

Cross Over Dress

2008-10-21T20:49:00.001-07:00

Another pretty easy design. The bodice is cut in one piece.
The facing is finished onto the front of the dress, making a nice feature, enclosing the seams and making for a beautiful finish.

I'm not sure why it would make washing easy as I find ironing all those gathers a chore.

All seams are french seams and the skirt is gathered and and sewn to a waistband which is lined. The finish on this is beautiful if I do say so myself :) I'm getting rather addicted to french seams.

The fabrics came from the local quilt shop. The patterned one was $22 p/m and the purple was a backing fabric so not as expensive.

I finished this dress at 1 am last night and it was hanging in the lounge when Lilly got up this morning. Peter had a hard time not giving in to Lilly wanting to wear it. She had to wait for mummy to get up so I could get photos before she grotted it up. Lilly likes pretty dresses but likes to wear them while sitting in the dirt and bouncing on the trampoline. In the second shot she's wearing the hat she made at pre-school yesterday. She loves pre-school.

This is the sort of dress that would look so much better with a stiff, full petticoat underneath, not really the fashion now but it was when Enid drafted this beauty.

Another tent smock

2008-10-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tent smock from Mix 'n Match
I find Enid sizing to be generous. This was made with the 6 year old pattern and Fern is a very petite 11 years.

The fabric for this outfit came from a friend who was clearing out her stash.
The fabric has been sitting in my stash for a few years now, there was not enough of the patterned fabric to make the top so I used the plain for the sleeves and made a matching pair of pants. The pants were drafted by me, a basic PJ pant without side seams, two leg pieces sewed at the crotch and inside leg seam.

This outfit cost me a little thread and some elastic.

Pinafore or sundress

2008-10-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

This is such a cute design!

front

Back - I used a small placket instead of a zip for the back opening

Quilters cotton, I bought from the local quilt shop in the 25% off sale, it was originally over $20 a meter.

Buttons and embroidery embellish the pocket, it was looking a little plain.

This design came from Kindergarten Set.

Lilly loves it!

Pretty Pinny

2008-10-11T03:45:00.001-07:00

Bound at neck and armholes with self bias binding.

Tunic Suit 9 - 18 months

2008-10-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

Made from quilter's cotton.
I used snaps again for the closure.
I used french seams.

Michael wearing his new suit

Playsuit

2008-10-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

Very simple to sew and very user friendly. This little suit makes changing baby quick and easy.

He's so cute!

Overalls for crawling

2008-09-30T21:21:00.001-07:00

All drafted out.

Minus the pocket. Finished with snaps, not buttons.

My beautiful boy.

SunShift

2008-09-29T20:09:00.001-07:00

Another Enid creation. I lengthened the dress by 4 inches.

The fabric came from the op-shop.

Sundress

2008-09-28T20:06:00.001-07:00

Simple shift dress. Neckline and arm holes finished with bias strips

Capris and shift top

2008-09-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Lilly was so exicted when she woke up and saw her new outfit. She wasn't going to wait for preschool to wear it!

Shift top - Cupcakes

2008-09-27T04:02:00.001-07:00

Capris

2008-09-27T03:58:00.001-07:00

A new pair of Capris for Miss Lilly. Made from an old pillowcase.

Very plain and simple

Oh My! Mrs Gilchrist you are inspired...

2008-09-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

One of my older magazines.
This time I followed Enid's instructions to the letter.
No short cuts were taken in the making of this dress.

I drafted my patterns.
I bought the fabric yesterday morning from the local quilt shop.
Lilly picked the pink and I found the contrast.

The binding was hand finished. The side seams are french. The gathering at the waist is bound.

My little flower child.
There's plenty of room for growth.
I got Lilly to put the dress on for photos and she's refusing to take it off!

Self Feeder

2008-08-31T01:23:00.001-07:00

From: Baby Book

Michael wants to feed himself. Always grabbing at the spoon as I feed him and making a huge mess. Another Enid Design to the rescue. I used polar fleece for the bib and poly cotton for the sleeves. I didn't bind the edge as Polar fleece doesn't fray. I did bind the neckline with Bias binding using a long piece to make the ties at the same time.

I turned the back edges of the sleeves over 1/4 of an inch and sewed them down with a zig zag stitch rather than double folding a hem.

Red Riding hood Cape

2008-08-21T23:05:00.001-07:00

Cape dratfed from Fancy Dress 150 ideas.

Little Red Riding hood - Cape

2008-08-19T18:44:00.001-07:00

Fancy Dress 150 Ideas in patterns and designs

Book Week Parade is on Friday and the kids need to dress up as a character. The boys are easy. Liam batman and James a Pirate. The girls are going to require some costume making.

Rose settled on Red Riding Hood. Fern on Alice In wonderland.

I drafted and made this cape from the instructions in 'Fancy Dress'

Tips on drafting Enid patterns

2008-08-19T18:21:00.001-07:00

Tools that make drafting Enid a breeze.

To make drafting Enid easy I use:

Quilting Rulers - they are in inches so I don't have to convert measurements. They are long so I can get the larger designs drawn with ease.

Pencil - a soft 2B. I need to rub out errors sometimes.

Butchers Paper - for the larger designs. I have end of Roll Newsprint a friend gave me.

Non woven, non iron interfacing is also very handy for drafting Enid designs

Baking paper - I also use this to draft patterns on to. It's easy to see through and for the larger designs I tape pieces together.

French curve ruler - helps in drawing smooth curves.

Cardboard Cutting table top - It has a grid on it which makes drawing the construction lines straight easier. Ensures the perpendicular lines are correct too.

For adding seam allowance I sometimes use a little gadget called a seam tracer. It makes adding a 5/8 seam easy. But after drafting so many patterns I tend to do it by eye these days.

The commonest mistake I make with Enid's is forgetting to add the seam allowance.

When drafting your lines, mark off the measurements you need, before you move the ruler. Saves going back and marking later.

Pinny

2008-07-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Design from Enid Gilchrist Play Clothes.
French seams at side and shoulder.
Self Bias Binding at neck and Arm holes

Enid designed this for a larger child. I redrafted the pattern using a basic block for a size 2. The back was drafted to allow an overlap for the snaps to fasten. The fabric came from my friend Wendy's mother. These sheets are so beautiful, thick cotton not like modern polyester sheets that wear so quickly. I have two single bed sheets in this pattern and they are in like new condition. I'm debating if I'll leave the pocket as is or add a little something to it?

Peasant top 3-6yo

2008-07-20T02:13:00.001-07:00

A clever little design.
The top is one piece of fabric, joined with underarm-side seams.

Enid says to use hat elastic to gather the sleeves and neck, creating a ruffle. I used 6mm elastic so didn't get a ruffle on the sleeves. I finished the neck with a 1.5 inch bias strip. Creating a casing for the elastic to gather the neckline. The underarm-body seams are french seams. Drafting the pattern took more time than making the top. I think I will have to make a few of these simple darlings.

Enid really was a genius at making economic use of fabrics. She was producing her designs after WWII when fabric was scarce and making the most of it important. Children's clothes were often cut from Adult clothing and the instructions to some of Enid's designs reflect this thriftiness.

I need to sort through all my drafted Enid patterns and store them for easy access. I've redrafted a couple because I can't find where I put the first drafted pattern. I now have 48 Enid Magazines in my collection and there are still more I haven't got!

What happens in blogland stays in blogland...

2008-07-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Dolls Knitting is a New Idea not an Enid, but I liked it anyway so added it to my Enids. I'm sure my mum had the Teen Doll Magazine and made us clothes for our dolls from it

The two on the bottom are amongst the oldest I have. The clue is the price 3/6 which is less than the 4' and they are published by Argus. I got these cheap, they had been listed in Ebay but under vintage sewing book rather than Enid's name. So I think the other collectors hadn't seen them. Pays to look wider than a specific search.

I've bought a few doubles now, due to buying multiple lots of books. I'll choose the best one and pass the copies onto friends.

1947 Clothes for Your Baby

2008-06-23T21:22:00.001-07:00

The cover is delicate and old but the pages almost like new!

Could you imagine wearing a garment like that after having a baby! Did women back then breathe at all?

Another Ebay find. I probably paid way too much for it. I'm hiding it here on this blog rather than posting it on the Mad Quilter blog. Pete has no idea I have this blog too.

Three new additions

2008-06-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

Three 'new' Enid Gilchrist magazines to add to the collection.

From: Baby Book

The ads make me smile.

Hidden treasures of patterns drafted long ago.

Shift - Play clothes One to seven years

2008-05-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

I used the remaining cord, from Michael's overalls, to make Lilly a simple shift. I lengthened it by a couple of inches. I made the facings, pocket and Yoyo flower in a contrast fabric.

Shoeless again!

Matinee Jacket

2008-05-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

I've made a few of these now. Another one of Enid's simple designs. So simple, so easy. The instructions suggest making this from an adult's woolen jumper.

This one in printed polar fleece. The edge is finished with a hand blanket stitch and the button holes are also done by hand.

This one is a knit lined with microfleece. Lining it means I don't have to finish the edges, just sew it up and turn it through. Nice and warm. I still need to add the closure.

And this is the one I made from an old sweatshirt. To make this one I placed a cutting line along the shoulder and sleeve. The edges are turned and hemmed and a couple of appliques to jazz it up.

Once you get the pattern drafted these little jackets are so quick to make! You can really go to town embellishing them too. Wouldn't it be great if Enid was re-published with modern fabrics and style! Maybe someone needs to ask New Idea if they could please update and reprint these classic designs...

Dresses from Pillowcases

2008-05-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to find two pillowcases in our local Op-shop yesterday. Both only 50c each in great condition.

I drafted another of Enid's designs to make a shift top for Lilly.

I had just enough fabric to make a top. I had to tweak it to fit a little ;)

I cheated and used the snap machine to add snaps at the back. My machine doesn't like doing buttonholes at present, it needs a service. I bound the neckline and arms rather than facing them. Fiddling getting a facing to sit right is a pain. I find it easier to bind with a 1 inch bias strip, enclosing the seams making a nice finish.

The other pillowcase I made into a Play Dress. I had to make it a little shorter than the last one I made but it's still longer than the original pattern.

Play dress .. too nice for the sandpit

2008-05-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

I've made a few little items from this book. I found this one on Ebay.

The pattern drafting is pretty simple. I added a little length as the fashion for children was much shorter when the book was first published.

The fabric was sourced from an op-shop. I have another 2 yards of it. The pocket was made from a vintage napkin. The little bird and flowers on the pocket are cross stitched. When in op-shops I always check out the linen selection looking for little treasures to embellish with.

I hand hemmed and added a vintage button.

Tank Smock

2008-05-15T01:48:00.000-07:00

The Crafty Mamas challenge this month is to create something from vintage materials.
I used a vintage pattern book to create my entry.

This is the pattern i drafted to make a Tent Smock for Rose. Drafting the pattern takes a little time but it isn't hard.

And here is the result.

The fabrics came from the op-shops in Port Pirie. The wavy one is a knit and the blue something nasty in synthetic. Rose loves her new smock. I think it looks trendy.

My Collection

2008-03-06T02:40:00.001-08:00

Boys and Girls 5 - 9 years

2008-03-06T01:46:00.000-08:00

While flicking through my magazines I found the perfect project for that very groovy terry toweling I picked up at the op-shop a while back.

When the original was published over lockers weren't in homes. I changed the sewing instructions and used the Overlocker. I finished the neckline with a drawstring which I found in my stash of bits and pieces.

So here's the result a toweling poncho.

Pretty pinafore 4 to 5 years

2008-03-06T00:47:00.000-08:00

Page 24
The description reads:

Shoulders which extend into cap sleeves are a feature of this brief pinafore style. The sample has been made in cotton, but the pattern would also be good for quilting. If it needs lining, simply make an identical lining from lawn, place it inside the garment, then bind the raw edges together.

The pattern drafted ready to make the pinafore. I altered the pattern by extending the back to allow an overlap for the pinafore to be buttoned up. I added a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

I lined the pinafore.
I cut the lining and pinafore out together.
Sewed both at the shoulder seams then placed them right sides together.
I sewed around the neck edge, back opening and armholes.
Clipped the seams on the curves.
Turned the garment through the shoulder.
I sewed the side seams of the pinafore and lining with right sides together, matching the seams at the underarms.
I then placed right sides of the lining and pinafore hems together and stitched along the hem leaving an opening to turn the pinafore through.
Once I had turned the pinafore through the hem I hand stitched the opening closed.
I hand basted around the pinafore before pressing, you could also topstitch around the pinafore.
I used a snap press and added snaps at the back opening.

This is the pinafore I made from the original pattern. I then re-drafted the pattern to make it smaller for Lilly who is 3 years old.

Redrafting it smaller for Lilly was easy. I left the width the same I narrowed and lifted the neckline, adjusted the depth of the armholes, and shortened the shoulder length.

The fabrics came from an Op-shop in Port Pirie. The two pinafores cost about $6 to make with the op-shop fabrics, thread and snaps.

Sewing is Simple with Enid Gilchrist 29 great designs for children

2008-03-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

ISBN 86860 328 7

Printed by W. J. Morgans, Errol Street, Prahran, for the publishers and distributors, Southdown Press, of 32 Walsh Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001

From page 1

About the author
Enid GILCHRIST is one of the best-known and most-loved names in Australia. Through the years her patterns have made life easier and simpler for millions of mothers.

She began her training at Melbourne Technical College, where she studied dress design. During the years of World War II she worked as a designer for a pattern firm, and also collaborated with the Infant Welfare Department and the Kindergarten Union to put out patterns for babies and young children.

Her designs were chosen to give special attention to comfort, health, allowance for growth, simple sewing and easy laundering - the features which remain distinctive marks of her patterns today. During that time she also taught dress design part-time at the Emily McPherson College and Footscray Technical College. She married Ray GILCHRIST in 1945; they have one son Neil.

When she was designing a layette for her son, she realised that thousands of women must be in need of simple patterns such as she was making - and so she evolved a pattern-drafting method suitable for publication in magazines. She began working with the Argus, then in 1957 she joined New Idea; publishing a weekly article and continuing writing her popular sewing books.

Millions of copies of the Enid Gilchrist pattern books have sold through out Australia and overseas - and the demand for them is as strong as ever.

Today, Enid GILCHRIST and her husband have retired to Peregian Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where she continues to meet mothers and young people who know her name as a household word."