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Years before I started sewing lingerie, I walked into a local thrift shop and spotted a 1980s lingerie pattern from one of the Big 4 Pattern companies. It had already been cut and was missing a couple of pieces, but I was able to cobble together one of the teddies and a pair of underwear. It kind of sparked that lingerie-sewing love within me.
Since then, whenever I see an older lingerie sewing pattern, I pick it up. I had great luck a few months ago and found 3 at my local ValueVillage! I decided that for Valentine’s Day, I wanted to sew myself something special. I was wanting a new silk camisole (I love silk under knitted sweaters) and some matching bottoms to go with it. I wanted something comfortable, but still pretty and romantic feeling, even though at this season of my life, romance to me and my husband is watching an episode of the Last of Us and passing out on the couch… at least I can do that in something pretty!
I decided to document my process on my YouTube Channel in three parts. Part one goes through the patterns, tracing them off, and cutting my silk.
Parts two and three walk through the steps of sewing the top and bottoms. However, part of the way through this process I realized I was missing the instructions for one of the pieces, so there was a lot of trial and error involved.
I always find that the Big 4 (Vogue, Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls) always have a ridiculous amount of ease. So, unsurprisingly, both my pieces ended up much to big, even though I sized down. This is always such an annoyance to me. Nothing needs as much ease as what these patterns include! Anyway, I suppose that is part of the process! I’m spoiled by being able to just sew my own patterns!
In the end, I was 95% happy with the results. The cami was great and I’ve already worn it once. The bottoms aren’t my favourite fit, so I ended up making a pair of Jane Panties (shown on the mannequin below), which I LOVE and has inspired me to make more silk underwear.
If you are interested in trying out some vintage lingerie patterns, there are many available on Etsy as instant downloads (my friend Anna from Mrs Depew has lots of pre-1950’s patterns, or you can check out SewGirlPatterns for 1960s-1980s patterns), or you can get your hands on the original things. Many of these patterns are meant for woven fabrics, as knits weren’t as widely available even just 20-30 years ago (trust me, I remember this!). Here is a nice source for silks that I have purchased from before! Be warned though, once you wear silk lingerie, it’s hard to go back!
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