Review on 🧵 Gertie's Sewing: A Contemporary Guide to Vintage Sportswear Styles of the 1940s and 1950s - Gertie Sews Vintage Casual by Heather Shaw

I absolutely love Gertie's blog and almost shrieked when her book arrived in my mailbox! This book does a great, I mean EXCELLENT job explaining everyday everyday knitting and fabric techniques. There is a wealth of information on pant fit, jersey fit, and flat lay fit, as well as sewing techniques such as altering necklines, waists, pockets, collars, darts, etc. This book is not for the beginner for those who have no idea how to sew - there are already many of these on the market, so if you don't sew at all don't expect to learn how to use a sewing machine. I would recommend Tilly "Love at First Stitch" if you are a beginner and want to learn how to sew cute clothes with a pattern. The wardrobe consists of 10 patterns on nice thick paper --- the only part I don't like is that they are printed on both sides so I have to trace. I hate it, but deal with it, me! Sizes range from chest 32" to 46" (hips 36-50). 10 styles: 40's style blouse, flared skirt, sweetheart knit top, cigarette pants, light knit pencil skirt (looks easy!), pin up sweater, A-line dress, wrap dress (looks a bit sloppy on the model , don't know if I can make it!), a dress with a zip front and a halter top (with cups on the chest and ruffles on the sides, which I'm dying to try!) EACH INDIVIDUAL PATTERN has at least at least one variation, some with multiple variations, giving you a total of 35 patterns. Cigarette pants, for example, have variations with cutting skills, so you can make wide-leg pants, shorts, flared shorts, sailor shorts, and 40's-style jeans (which look like Freddies of Pinewood jeans). A very cute halter top can be transformed into a jumpsuit by attaching the top to the aforementioned shorts! (and oh my god it's always cute in a book!) There are models of different sizes --- it's nice to see real world people and of course the beautiful Gertie. I'd love to give an overview of where I've created some templates, but I only received them today so this should come. I just wanted to give you some additional information in case you are wondering if you should buy this book. I am so excited to start sewing and making some cute vintage style wardrobe basics! OK, I did two things! I've made amazing sailor shorts - in fact, I've made them about five times since I've been here in Texas! I also made a halter top with ruffles on the sides and I plan to make it again with a better quality fabric. It was a little big for me but I have a really tiny top so I pulled it down about an inch on the sides. I also had to adjust the cups for the bust as I have an A cup but I did a quick layout and it wasn't that difficult. Next time I'll be careful to attach the bones better as they fit my sides! THREE THINGS NOW - Heart shaped knit top. Made it twice and it fits like a dream. Very cute and my first knit top.