Making the 1961 Suit

This is the very first vintage pattern I digitized and the only one I didn't make myself. I initially digitized the pattern for the 60th Anniversary of the Haute Couture Club of Chicago., a wonderful sewing community (hautecoutureclubchicago.com). It was a learning experience to determine the best way to digitize the pattern. I ended up mapping the outer seamline and then adding the seam allowance inside the lines. I also decided to create separate pattern pieces for the lining and each view. I drafted a left and right skirt back to make it easier to create the back pleat. The original pattern I shared with the club members has since been tweaked quite a bit to improve the instructions and make the actual pattern cleaner. 

Seven club members created versions of the pattern and showed them at the club's annual fashion show. There was an entire segment devoted to the suit! The looks ranged from a totally vintage look to a trendy suit to a causal jacket to pair with pants. I was impressed with how each member adapted the pattern to fit their needs and their body,

I am so grateful to the club members who participated. It was thrilling to see how this pattern was adapted yet still stayed true to the original design. This is why I want to share my vintage patterns with others - the opportunity to add a modern twist to a traditional look and allow the pattern to delight a whole new generation of sewists.