Gretchen HirschGertie Sews Vintage Casual: A Modern Guide to Sportswear Styles of the 1940s and 1950s (Gertie's Sewing)

So a friend recommended this book to me said very easy. I am a novice-beginner sewer (placemats, coaster etc.) but she said try it out. I bought the book and made this first project today. It is the A Line skirt. Completed it in one afternoon... I love it. I found the instructions easy and the sizing on spot. I had no problem using the patterns and tracing them onto some tracing paper. I am very pleased with my purchase and, yes, I plan to wear my skirt tomorrow to work. Thank you Gertie!

I just adore Gertie's blog and just about squealed out loud when the mailbox contained her book! This book does a great, I mean, GREAT job of explaining vintage casual techniques for both knits and wovens. There is a ton of information on fitting pants, fitting knits, and flat pattern adjustment as well as patternmaking techniques such as changing necklines, waistlines, pockets, collars, darts, etc. This is not a beginning book for someone who has no idea how to sew---there are plenty of those already on the market, so if you don't sew at all, don't expect to learn how to use your sewing machine. I would suggest Tilly's "Love At First Stitch" if you're a complete beginner and want to learn how to sew cute clothes using a pattern.The wardrobe is10 included patterns on nice, thick paper---only part I dislike is they are printed on both sides so I have to trace. Hate that, but suck it up, self! Sizing starts at a 32" bust all the way up to 46" (hips 36--50) The 10 patterns are 40's style blouse, flared skirt, knit sweetheart top, cigarette pants, easy knit pencil skirt (looks like a breeze!), pin-up sweater, shift dress, wrap dress (looks a little frumpy on the model, don't know if I'll make this one!), zip-front dress, and halter top (fitted with bust cups and side ruching, which I'm really excited to try!) EVERY SINGLE PATTERN has at least one variation, some with multiple variations, so you get a total of 35 patterns. For example, the Cigarette Pants have variations using patternmaking skills so that you can make a 40's style wide-leg pant, pedal pushers, flared shorts, sailor shorts, and jeans (which look like Freddies of Pinewood jeans). The super cute halter top can be made as a romper if you attach the top to the previously mentioned shorts! (and, gracious, is it ever cute in the book!!!!) There are models of various sizes---nice to see real world people and, of course, lovely Gertie.I wish I could provide a review where I've made a few of the patterns, but I just got it today so that'll have to come. I just wanted to provide you with some additional information in case you were wondering whether you should get this book. I'm super excited to start sewing and make some sweet wardrobe basics, vintage-style!Okay, I HAVE MADE TWO THINGS! I made the sailor shorts which are awesome---in fact, I have made them about 5 times now since it's Texas here! I have also made the Halter Top with ruched sides, which is fantastic and I plan on making it again with better fabric. It was a bit big on me but I have a reallllly tiny top so I took it in on the sides about an inch. The bust cups I had to adjust as well since I'm an A cup, but I did a quick mock-up and it wasn't that difficult. Next time I will make sure I enclose the boning better since it pokes me in the sides!THREE THINGS NOW----the knit sweetheart top as well. Made it twice and it fits like a dream. Very cute and my first knit top.

First glance at the book. I didn’t really like the projects, after sitting with the book and applying vintage fashion knowledge I realized this book is decent. Below I focus on the pros and cons of the book.Pros: I like finding casual inspirations as I think its important to see extant garments to be able to reproduce the styles.The gallery of style section was also very good. I think this will help someone with vocabulary and some designs for those who are not well versed on the era’s clothing types. It’s also good for Pinterest or regular internet search with the specific name.I honestly have never thought much about rick rack and am glad this item was brought up.I liked the sweetheart top, boatneck and scoop neck variations.As well the pants and shorts section is okay.Wavy hems are a common knit garment problem and I’m glad Gertie included this mistake and fix.Cons: For sewing in general I prefer step by step photos along with written text. In an era with the technological advances that we have, I wish authors would leave illustration for instruction in the past and provide photos.Per usual if you struggle with fitting, you will not learn it here. The fitting section does not show examples of ill fit, you only get illustrations on correcting the pattern.On grain and off grain fabric takes some practice to be able to pinpoint unless the fabric is horrible. I do not know how well someone who has no experience recognizing grain will understand this section.The section on trueing could have been more in depth with supporting photos.The entire pleating section could use step by step instruction. If you don’t know how to create pleats-this is not a good first source.The 40’s style blouse was a miss for me but I thought how brilliant it was to take and make a bomber jacket variation from. Keep in mind more fitting and pattern drafting experience will be needed.The section dealing with bands would have been better with an additional illustration showing the finished product. Had I not already known how to produce a band. The illustrations would not be as clear.Conclusion:Is this a must have sewing vintage book? No. As I always state Gertie is not so much about historically accurate clothing and style as opposed to modern/vintage mix-Which as usual is okay but you may need other sources as some of the styling in the book did not fit the era in which it was intended for. Overall decent book that gives you some nice options for variations.So is this book worth it? Yes.Side Notes: As opposed to using the straight stitch and stretch the fabric a bit, the triple straight stitch is also good to use on knits. It’s a durable stitch.

I really love this book. It is what it is, making really authentic vintage casual clothing, with the exception of some armseye placement, not as far towards the back as in the fifties, but that is a good thing. The lapped zip information, the ideas, the pattern layouts that you trace in the back are all very clear. I know people do not like the hand drawings, but I find them to be no problem. The Knit Sweetheart Top, on page 150-153 are well done, even down to how far to place the pins a part. I have found changing up the patterns, so far, to be easy and grading my hip to waist ratio, very different sizes, easy and reasonable. As of today, I have traced and am tissue fitting a pattern for The 40's Style Wide Legged Pant. I can see the proper lines through the tracing paper with no problem at all.I really enjoy that her models are all sizes, and shapes. All in all this is my favorite Gertie book, for now. Next week it will be the dress book. I have all her books and enjoy them very much.

I'm slowly making my way through the patterns, enjoying the process. I had no issues with the fit of the patterns (I've seen others mentioning it - I make them in size 10). Great book, informative, practical.

Fabulous book full of well explained sewing instructions that have drawings showing visually how to sew difficult or fiddly sections of the garment.

I love vintage fashion and make a lot of clothes, including vintage, all featured on my blog So far. I have only looked at the book but have already got plenty of projects in mind. It is nice to see the garments photographed on normal size models too!you need a bit of experience in using patterns to be able to adapt the various styles, but honestly, it is not too difficult so do give it a go.I love this book.

This book has a bit of everything!!Fisrt of all, it gives you information both about woven and knit fabric and how to adjust techniques on both. It has a fitting chapter where it explains how to fix some fitting problems that might occur on that matter. Then it shows you how you can alterate patterns right before it starts presenting its own vintage patterns so that you are able to make any alterations you want on them! Every pattern has 3-4 variations and instructions to help you step by step. I recomend it to anyone who has a little bit of experience in sewing and wants to add a vintage touch on her wardrobe!

Great book with fantastic instructions on how to make up the included patterns. Bought this to make up a few things for my daughter but will probably make a few for myself. Easy enough for a beginner to have a go at some of the patterns