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Sunday, August 7, 2011

My Pièce de Résistance... and a giveaway!

This evening I finished something that has been in the works for a month now. I have barely left the sewing room for a couple of weeks, and though I have taken breaks and worked/ blogged about other projects, I have been keeping this one under wraps until it was done. It's done!

Today I released my greatest masterpiece! How did this come about? I had been collecting vintage lingerie for years and had a special fondness for 1930's and 1940's teddies in particular. In my collection, I also had a couple of incredibly rare sewing patterns from the same era. So I studied them, and studied them, and sewed muslins, and drafted, and sewed some more and now I have the perfect lingerie pattern.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Teddy - Combination Undergarment Pattern!





































Granted it's in my somewhat modest measurements but it's super easy to size up. Just a bit extra at the side seams and voila!

And of course to celebrate finishing such an undertaking, of course I'm giving one away to one lucky reader.
To enter the giveaway:
1. Become a follower of A Few Threads Loose... and leave a comment saying you did. If you already follow, you can leave a comment about that too. The more, the merrier!

2. For another entry, you can "like" A Few threads Loose on Facebook... and leave me a comment saying you did.

3. You can also mention A Few Threads Loose or the pattern on your blog for another entry.

4. And lastly, I would love to hear your thoughts on pdf patterns. Do you like them? Do they seem convenient or a hassle to you? Have you used them before? And of course, as usual, what would you like me to release as my next pattern?

I'll announce the lucky winner next Sunday, the 14th, and best of luck!

Here's a nice article on printing a pdf pattern from burda if anyone is interested.
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41 comments:

  1. DebiAugust 7, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Ooohh! So exciting! Definitely count me in! I'm already a follower!

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  2. DebiAugust 7, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    I also posted on Facebook :)

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  3. ElisalexAugust 7, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Yesss would love to make this!! And I'd love to see your finished piece too! Already a follower and fan on fb

    xxx

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  4. Social HistorianAugust 7, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    What a gorgeous pattern, I have a modest but growing collection of vintage lingerie and nightwear to wear and to study. I've read your blog often and thought I was a follower to just discover I am not, so have rectified that! Would love the opportunity to own this pattern.

    As for pdfs, I like them for small pattern pieces (children's wear, adult underwear etc) but not for very big garment pieces (e.g. dress or coat) - I would happily take those to a copyshop though to be printed on large paper. Its not just the hassle of taping together but also the huge amount of paper and ink used and the concern that if I don't tape accurately then the pattern may be mis-sized or distorted. But on the positive side, the ability to share a rare or vintage pattern, have it emailed within minutes and safely stored on media, etc is very worthwhile.

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  5. Social HistorianAugust 7, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    And now following you on FB. I'm really liking following blogs that way :)

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  6. AnonymousAugust 7, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    Already a follower and a fan on facebook.

    I think that pdf patterns are a brilliant way to get some instant gratification, so I'm definitely a fan. I just finished my first late 1930s slip and now obsessed with lingerie and eyeing your 1940s bra pattern for the leftovers/instant gratification. :)

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  7. sorbetsurpriseAugust 7, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    That pattern is so cute! I haven't used pdf patterns but it wouldn't put me off using them.

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  8. EvieAugust 7, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    This pattern is absolutely perfect! I'm following now, and would love to win this.

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  9. SarahAugust 7, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I'm already a follower :)

    It's a lovely pattern! I'd love to have a go at making some lingerie with vintage patterns sometime. As for pdfs, I don't have a problem with them. I've been on BurdaStyle for a few years now and have printed & taped many, many, many patterns!

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  10. KateAugust 7, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    I've never actually sewn from a pdf pattern before. But I'm always interested in trying new things :)
    And I'm already a follower

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  11. EszAugust 7, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Yay! I'm following :-) (under my Google account - KittyMeow)

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  12. KittyMeowAugust 7, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    AND - I already "like" on Facebook :-)
    Fingers crossed! would love to win this. Lingerie is something I haven't branched out into yet when it comes to sewing. I'm keen to make some slips as I need a half slip or two. And I have grand ideas for the perfect petticoat (I don't like those tiered ones at all).

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  13. SerenaAugust 8, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    I'm a follower. :) The pattern is lovely!

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  14. Under The RootAugust 8, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    Greetings Emma Depew,

    It is certainly such a pleasure to stumble across your workshop.
    1. I am now following this precious journal of yours, thank you so much for sharing the twists and turns of vintage lifestyle.
    2. Myself and Under The Root have 'Like' the Facebook page.
    3. Please consider it an honor to write a journal about the many splendid things of A Few Threads Loose.
    4. A pdf pattern is alright, although I have to agree with Molly a bit. I sometimes wish a pattern and all the pieces were directly teleported into the brain for virtual puzzle making as lasers to the paper for any size, length, and adjustment.. maybe someday. Designs are imagined and created like this, wishes for a less waste world.

    Congratulations on the task of this pattern development. I bet it is quite the gem and handling its pieces will be such a thrill.

    ...off to post a journal entry about your adventures.

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  15. AuntieAugust 8, 2011 at 3:10 AM

    I just 'liked' you on FB! Also I'm a follower. I've never used a PDF pattern, so I don't have an opinion - Yet. LOVE, Love, love 1930's clothing, both for the ladies and the gentlemen.

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  16. UnknownAugust 8, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Of course I'm already following this wonderful blog. Fabulous give-a-way. I really do want to start sewing underthings for myself in the near future.

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  17. UnknownAugust 8, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    I do "like" you on FB as well. (just double checked to make sure.) :D

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  18. UnknownAugust 8, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    I'm a big fan of PDF patterns. They are easy to organize. I can print a pattern as I need it. For patterns I know I'll be using multiple times I create a hard copy folder with printed instructions, pattern pieces assembled, and tissue/tracing paper copies of the pattern pieces for easy access. The organization of it all is the best part.

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  19. House of PinheiroAugust 8, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    I love pdf patterns as they are easy to print...

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  20. SamAugust 8, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    This is such a gorgeous pattern! I have been a follower for a while now and would love to enter this giveaway! Sam xox

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  21. HollyAugust 8, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Am now a follower. Plus I liked A Few Loose Threads on FB.

    Also, I'm okay with PDF patterns. I've used about 4-5 on Burda. The only problem is sometimes the size is off even with the printer up to 100%. The 4x4 inch square is really more like 3.8x3.8. I've used multiple printers but I always use the same computer so perhaps it is my PDF program.

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  22. LLADYBIRDAugust 8, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    i am now following!

    i don't really care for pdf patterns, but they don't put me off from sewing them - if i had the choice, i'd rather have a tissue pattern, tho. mostly i never know how to store them when i am finished - they are difficult to fold up & cram in an envelope, plus the envelope doesn't have the pretty pictureeee. ah, first world problems :)

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  23. motorharpAugust 8, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    I am already an avid follower!

    I have just started the Bombshell Dress course with Gertie, and that will be my first time using a pdf pattern. I have to say, so far, it's great instant gratification shopping and was pretty easy to tape together. I'm sure it will be easy to use, as well.

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  24. Under The RootAugust 8, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    oh dear, I called you Emma when your name is Anna..@Under The Root

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  25. BootzeyAugust 8, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    I'm one of your "likers" at FB and I NEEEEEED this pattern. Do a public service and make this Monday stop sucking for me!!!!

    PLEEEEEEZE......


    slspearth@gmail.com

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  26. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    I have just followed this blog, although I have been reading it for a while. Please enter me in this contest

    Nadine

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  27. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    I'm now following, after lurking for a while... I love the teddy combo! What a fab idea!

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  28. AnnabelleAugust 8, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    I love, love, love this! It looks like some of my patterns from some 1930s German magazines that I have. Of course I don't speak a lick of German and the sizing is off, so I fear they are more trouble than they are worth. But, this lovely is much more accommodating to my modest bust size - so I would love to win it. (Of course you know that I am a faithful follower).

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  29. ArienAugust 9, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    I just became a follower (and found your blog)! Cute pattern. . .I really like pdf patterns, btw, because I can keep printing pages out if they accidently tear or are cut incorrectly.

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  30. FionaAugust 9, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    This looks like a real comfy to wear and a potential beautiful piece made with extra special fabric used! I just followed your blog with my google reader. :)

    I'd used pdf patterns before. i like that i could get it "instantly" which means alot to me for where i am, i usually have to wait for a month or so to have a purchased vintage paper pattern in my mailbox. I'll love to try making an inner-wear for the first time!

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  31. BeccaAugust 9, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    I am already a follower. I would really like to make this. I have never used a pdf pattern but I am willing to try. Thanks for including me in the giveaway.

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  32. tiaAugust 9, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    I am following now. I have to admit that pdf patterns seem a bit scary. All that cutting and taping but this one seems simple. I'd love to give it a go.

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  33. TTC AGAIN IUIAugust 9, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Very cute ! I'm following :0

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  34. EAugust 10, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    I follow your blog!!! I like the pdfs, I can have them out on more solid paper than tissue to hold up longer.

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  35. EAugust 10, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    I also like you on FB! Thank you for the chance to win this! I've been wanting to try making undergarments!

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  36. Brittany_Va-VoomVintageAugust 10, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    new follower here. Enter my name, please!
    x
    Brittany

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  37. Brittany_Va-VoomVintageAugust 10, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Like you on facebook too! :)

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  38. CherryAugust 10, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Oh my, count me in!! I'm a follower...

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  39. Miss EmmiAugust 11, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    I have never used a PDF pattern before; however being an international buyer it is a good idea as it saves on shipping and arrives much faster!

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  40. midevaAugust 12, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    love the pattern,wish there were more PDFs of vintage pattern(bathing suits),like you on face book

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  41. blackberryAugust 13, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    What a great idea. My lone problem with pdf patterns has been a lack of detailed instructions. This has happened often for me, a knitter.

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