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I am late replying to this thread, but a contemporary pattern with a Jackie O. feel is New Look Kids 6018 — a zip-back jumper with matching coat.
For a pillbox hat, the Bucket Hat from the O+S free patterns, without the brim, is perfect (for an 8 year old, try the 6 month size for it to sit on top of the head.) I made 22 of them for costumes…[Read more]

As for fabric, do choose something slippery. I have a winter style/weight everyday skirt and it needs a slippery lining to stop it catching on tights.
Bemberg rayon or acetate or silk… I’d avoid a cotton like batiste or voile. Perfect for summer and bare legs but no good with stockings.

I haven’t done it but it could be done if you’re friendly with your seam ripper. 🙂
I’d cut an identical skirt without pockets or waistband out of lining and about 1/2″ shorter. Then detach the waistband and reattach it over both skirt and lining. If you’re happy to have topstitching effect then the reattaching could be a one sew step by putting…[Read more]

I made the Garden Party with longer sleeves just by extending the pattern piece in a straight line… it turns out less puffy because it lays closer to the arm. It’s in the Flickr photo pool but far back as it was last year’s Easter dress.

You are not alone. I also have this problem. I am interested in the answeres too. I would think as a lining a thin voile would be great, but I am no expert. I am playing with the idea of making a simple slip myself and use it underneath.

Wow!! Thank you Sarvi and Sarah… those tips are really great. I will definitely look everything up online. I am missing the names of the Fabrics in French… I will research. I know that in Montmartre there should be a big nice store Reine. And someone told me about a store in the area you are talking about, I forgot the name. I´ll check that…[Read more]

Last time we were in Paris we stayed in an apartment on the Rue de Mulhouse near Rue Montorgueil. There were fabric houses up and down our street. Although I think most wee only open to wholesales, it might be possible to find a few to sell to an individual. I was drooling at the windows. There are many other fabric art boutiques in the…[Read more]

And congratulations on the trip! Paris is such a wonderful city, and it’s great to take some time for yourself. It’s very renewing. Have fun!

Unfortunately the last time I was in Paris it was before I did much sewing, but I can recommend that if you visit the Jardin des Plantes, head out through the back exit and have a cup of hot, sweet mint tea under the fig trees in the back patio of the Paris Mosque.…[Read more]

you’re reading it right! The gathering stitches are at 3/8 and 5/8 and then you sew in between them at your normal 1/2 seam allowance and then remove the visible gathering stitches after sewing the seam. Doing it this way gives you nice even gathers. Good luck with the rest 🙂

Thank you Lightning. This is very good information. I am brave 🙂 I ride on my bike through the city (Berlin, Germany) the whole time… but I have no idea how it is in Paris. I am really excited.

I don’t know anything about fabric shopping, but as a fellow cyclist, if you’re brave enough to do the rond-point at the top of the Champs Elysee then go for it! If that sounds horrifying then I’d check out the velo-libre system and whether they still close the road along the Seine on Sundays. That’s a great scenic route.
Or, head out to the Bois…[Read more]

The croquet dress sleeves fit perfectly but it wasn’t the look I was quite going for, so I am going back to the original ones!

If you don’t want to go the vintage route (sizing issues, etc.) I second the comment about the School Photo Dress. People often call that the Jackie O. dress. A few easy modifications will get you exactly what you want.

How perfect! I’m here picking up a Pinwheel dress pattern and thought I’d visit! Nicole, I LOVE the Jiffy pattern in pink! I have a vague memory of having that outfit in the 60s! The Jackie outfit will be marvelous, of course. Can hardly wait to see the piccies of final results! xo, Nancy

And by the way…yes, I bought them ALL. Who could resist?!?

You ladies are awesome! Just look at what I found…vintage patterns, perfect size for her…I can’t wait to get started! They are EXACTLY what I had in mind. She’s going to be so excited. Problem solved. 🙂 Thank you all so very much!!!

Definitely vintage sewing patterns on eBay
I may speak from experience …..