Category: 1940s

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, cricut, cricut air explore 2, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, knitting, knitting community, sewing, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Me Made May Final Week!

Lizzie Violet

Hello all! Me Made May has come to a close. Well… at least for me. I decided to close out my own May adventure with week four!

Here is the final short that I made for YouTube.


I’m currently working on more long-form videos. Those will be coming soon!

I have also started a Patreon. I will have additional blogs, vlogs, and information for projects there. Here is the link if you want to join. https://www.patreon.com/killerkitschdesigns

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, cricut, cricut air explore 2, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, knitting, knitting community, sewing, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Me Made May Week 3!

Lizzie Violet

Hello all! I made it through week three of Me Made May. One more week to go!

I am starting to film for long-form videos. Those should be coming soon. Stay tuned and in the meantime here is the link to the video.

I have also started a Patreon. I will have additional blogs, vlogs, and information for projects there. Here is the link if you want to join. https://www.patreon.com/killerkitschdesigns

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, cricut, cricut air explore 2, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, knitting, knitting community, sewing, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Week 2 of Me Made May

Lizzie Violet

Hello all!

I’ve made it through two weeks of Me Made May. I think I might make it throughout the entire month! Taking the time each morning helps.

I’m starting to film full-length videos this week. It’s a learning curve. Thankfully, my husband knows how to edit videos and can help me if I get stuck.

Here is my YouTube short for this past weeks outfits.

I have also started a Patreon. I will have additional blogs, vlogs, and information for projects there. Here is the link if you want to join. https://www.patreon.com/killerkitschdesigns

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, cricut, cricut air explore 2, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, knitting, knitting community, sewing, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Me Made May 2023

Lizzie Violet

Hello all!

I hope everyone is doing fantastic!

This year I am attempting Me Made May again. So far I’m going strong. Life is super busy right now, so I hope to keep it up until the end of the month. You can see my daily outfits over on my Instagram account, as well, I will be posting a weekly round-up video short on YouTube. (video below)

What is Me Made May? For the entire month of May, makers will post the garments they’ve created. They can be sewn, knit, or crocheted. This was started by Zoe Edwards of @sozoblog over on Instagram.

Are you participating in Me Made May?

I have also started a Patreon. I will have additional blogs, vlogs, and information for projects there. Here is the link if you want to join. https://www.patreon.com/killerkitschdesigns

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, cricut, cricut air explore 2, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, knitting, knitting community, sewing, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Sun-Glo Aloha Jumper

Lizzie Violet

Well… that took me a bit longer than it should have. A weird way to start a post? Let me explain.

Several months ago, I started a KAL for the Aloha Jumper. (click HERE if you want to join) For myself, it should have been a fairly quick knit, however, several things happened between when I started and when I finished. (I was part of a test knit, I knit a cardigan for my friend’s toddler and there was a death in our family) So… ya, some delays. Anyhoooooo… I recently got back on track and the beauty is now finished.

A few things to mention if you are interested in knitting the Aloha Jumper. Be prepared for a lot of ribbing. The entire jumper is 2 x 2 rib. The yoke can be a bit tricky, even for this experienced knitter, it took me a few minutes to figure out how to best attach it. Otherwise, it is a very quick knit, especially if you opt for DK over the suggested fingering weight yarn.

Speaking of DK, why did I choose it? A few reasons. The main one, I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We now seem to have two seasons, Winter and Summer. I tend to use slightly heavier yarns, so the garment is wearable — longer. Using DK also helps the jumper knit up faster and less faffing around with sizing up.

Initially, when we started the KAL, I was off to a good start. I was able to knit the back piece and the bottom front. Then it was put in a project back and set aside until recently.

In the last two weeks, I finished the yoke, sleeves, and shoulder pads and sewed up the jumper.

To say I am pleased with how it turned out is an understatement. Also, the fit is perfection!

Construction Notes:

DK = Double Knit
KAL = Knit-a-long

The original pattern for the jumper is called Aloha, Design 2636 from Sun-Glo. It is a pattern from the mid-1940s. The pattern can be found over at the Subversive Femme website. Here is the link: https://subversivefemme.com/patterns/aloha-design-2636-from-sun-glo/

Bex (store owner) also wrote a really helpful blog post about it. https://subversivefemme.com/fo-aloha-a-1940s-knitted-jumper/

As I mentioned above, I used DK yarn (and I tried to choose a red that was close to the illustration). This will not only make the jumper warmer, it also saved me from grading up too much. The original pattern is for a 34 bust and depending on the ease of the pattern, I can be a 40/42 bust. This pattern has a lot of ease in it from the 2 x 2 ribbing. Please keep that in mind when you make this pattern. I did a swatch to see how much stretch there was.

I’m also considering designing a cardigan to go with this jumper, including adding the yoke detail on the front panels. Stay tuned for that.

One of these days I will get Zoltan to take photos of me wearing it. I will update the photos on the blog when that happens.

I have also started a Patreon and a YouTube channel. I will have additional blogs, vlogs, and information for projects there. Here is the link if you want to join. https://www.patreon.com/killerkitschdesigns and/or YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@killerkitschvintagelizzie

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, cricut, cricut air explore 2, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, knitting, knitting community, sewing, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Killer Kitsch YouTube: Current content!

Lizzie Violet

Hello all!

As I work on more long-form videos, I’ve continued to add shorts. I was going to add the long-form videos once I had all of the Haslam content ready, however, I decided, I’m going to start posting vlogs in the meantime (it’s going to take a bit of time to get all of the Haslam videos filmed/edited, etc.). I’m going to start filming the vlogs next week.

The types of vlogs I plan on making are going to be about projects I’m working on, my pants/trousers journey, some storytime/get to know me and who knows what else.

In the meantime, here are some of my latest shorts. Please also subscribe to my channel. It helps get it seen!

Sewing Room Reality!

Elsa Culottes Part 1 and 2

I have also started a Patreon. I will have additional blogs, vlogs, and information for projects there. Here is the link if you want to join. https://www.patreon.com/killerkitschdesigns

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, cricut, cricut air explore 2, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, knitting, knitting community, sewing, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Killer Kitsch YouTube Channel

Lizzie Violet

Hello all! It’s been a hot minute! I’m finally getting back to blogging/vlogging AND have created a YouTube channel.

The main intention of the channel is to have a space to show how to use the Haslam Draft At Home System. I’m also going to be creating videos about other types of sewing, knitting, and creative journeys such as finally making trousers!!! We all know how long I’ve been avoiding that!

Currently, I have a few shorts on the channel and will continue to upload that type of video until I have my other content ready.

Here is the most recent short. Please also check out the other videos.

I have also started a Patreon. I will have additional blogs, vlogs, and information for projects there. Here is the link if you want to join. https://www.patreon.com/killerkitschdesigns

1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s

Knit-a-longs!

Lizzie Violet

I know… it’s been a while. A really, really long while. After getting KAL/SAL burn-out, I decided to give it another go, however, doing it all differently this time around. There will be no set schedule. KALs/SALs will be random and there might be chunks of time in between. That all said, I’m back at it!

A few months ago, we started a Lavenda Rainbow Jumper SAL. It’s ongoing so if you would like to join in all of the info is on my Instagram Page or over in our Discord Group.

I might fit in one more KAL before late Spring. I will check in at a later date to see who might be interested. I will take a break from them for the Summer months (it gets waaaay too hot to knit here in the summer). Instead, I will set up a could sew-a-longs instead for the hotter months!

A hint about what the first SAL will be… it will be pants, trousers, slacks… which ever name you call them. 

Onto the KALs.

As with the Lavenda Rainbow Jumper KAL, there is no hard-set beginning or ending date. Start when you can and take as long as you need. When I am able to, I will find free patterns and when I cannot, I will link to resources for you to buy a pattern. 

Vest KAL – February 1, 2023

This is a bring-your-own vest pattern KAL. It can be a women’s, men’s, or children’s pattern, all we require is that it be a vintage knitting pattern. Generally… anything pre-1990s.

The vest I’m knitting is from the 1970s, but it would pass for a vest from the 1930s.


We run our KALs and SALs over on Discord. We would love it if you joined us there, but… if you don’t want to set up another social media thingy, you can join us here on Instagram! If you want to join our Discord group, here is the link. https://discord.gg/yPeZRJpWpk 

Aloha, Design 2636 from Sun-Glo – March 1, 2023

I have been IN LOVE with this pattern for years. I made one several years ago and gave it away to someone who really loved it. Over the years, I have been wanting to make another one and I finally decided it was time!

I bought my pattern from @Bexthefemme store. If you need to purchase the pattern, I highly recommend purchasing it from her. Bex’s patterns are always topnotch! Below are the links.

Webstore: https://subversivefemme.com/patterns/aloha-design-2636-from-sun-glo/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/156412444/aloha-1940s-pin-up-ribbed-jumper-vintage?click_key=b16a97fd46a518dc3aff1c26997287ead0fc82c4%3A156412444&click_sum=3d622ba3&ref=shop_home_active_2&sts=1

I hope you are able to join us for one or both of these KALs. Please let me know if you are!

1940s, 1945, cricut, cricut explore air 2, pants, sewing, slacks, trousers, vintage, Vintage Community, vintage life, vintage pattern, vintage reproduction, vintage sewing, vintage style

Cricut and Vintage Reproduction

Lizzie Violet

I’ve been dreaming of owning a Cricut machine for many, many moons! I’ve been very intrigued by all of the magical things it can do. Guess what my husband bought me for my birthday? If you guessed a Cricut Explore Air 2 {not sponsored — I wish}, you’d be correct!!! {I have some bday money from my parents and will be buying an Easy Press}

If you are unfamiliar with what a Cricut is, it’s the ultimate crafters machine. It has many functions, such as: cutting all sorts of designs from materials like fabric, felt, paper, vinyl, card stock, and iron-on transfers (these are just a few). You can also use it for drawing, etching and scoring. I’ve even seen some use it for cutting out sewing patterns (depending on the size of paper/materials), creating embroidery/cross stitch patterns and for garment making. At first I thought I would mostly be using it for garment making/embellishing, but I’m now dreaming up plans for so much more!

{If you want to go down a deep rabbit hole, there are millions of vintage clipart SVG files out there — especially on Etsy}

Another thing I’ve come to consider, is I can use the Cricut for branding. I can create clothing labels, tags, business cards, stickers, greeting cards and other business related projects. I’m going to be upping my game with this dream machine.

The projects I am currently planning with my Cricut are some vintage Halloween goodies, t-shirt transfers and POODLE SKIRTS! Yes. Poodle skirts with a Killer Kitsch Twist! I’ve included a slide show below of some inspirations!

If you want to learn more about the machine, I will be listing a bunch of social media/blogs/YouTube I am currently following/watching.

Instagram/Blogs/YouTube to follow {this list is no where complete and I will update it as I find more accounts}:

Instagram:

Kara – The Dressed Aesthetic
A Vintage Crafternoon
Sewcial Dee (who is also inspiring me to get back to resin crafts)

Blogs

The Dressed Aesthetic
Lucy Bergstrom
Vintage Halloween Treat Box
Sewcial Dee

YouTube

Lucy Bergstrom (using Cricut to put art on vintage mirrors)
How to make jewelry with your Cricut
Cutting Fabric with your Cricut

YouTube Cutting Felt (there are a few videos)

Uploading Sewing Patterns to a Cricut (a few videos for this as well)

Clothing Tags:

1940s, 1945, haslam, haslam drafting system, haslam system of dresscutting, pants, sewing, slacks, trousers, vintage, Vintage Community, vintage life, vintage pattern, vintage reproduction, vintage sewing, vintage style

Haslam System of Dresscutting: Part 2b – Drafting a Sloper Front Piece

Lizzie Violet

Welcome to Part 2b of our adventure. In this part we will draft the sloper front piece. Now that you have had practice with just the bodice sloper for the back piece, this will be a lot easier to understand!

Ok? Ready? Yeah! Let’s get to making that dress sloper!

The Steps:

Front of Foundation

Place the Chart on the paper with the long straight edge toward you, and the right-hand edge on the edge of the paper.

For these dots, you won’t be moving the template around, please try your best to keep it in the same spot. In the images, I have the pencil pointing at the dot you should be making.

Now make the following dots (steps below in photos):

Dot 1 (neck measurement)
Arrow B or C (see note on bust measurements)
Dot A arrow
Dot 2 (shoulder measurement)
Dot 3 (bust measurement)

Make sure to note, which dot is which. Knowing where they are, will be important and help you out when you make the pattern pieces! Once you have created the above dots, you will now be moving the template around to make the rest of the lines and curves.

Neck measurement (Dot 1)

Arrow B (edge of chart. For Bust measurement up to 42″ – for bust measurements over 43″ make a dot at C arrow)

Dot A arrow

Shoulder measurement (Dot 2)

Bust measurement (Dot 3)

Draw a dotted line from Dot 1 to Dot B (or C – if Dot C the line must be continued for 1 1/2″ longer). Then draw a straight line to the required length. This is the Front Centre Line.

Draw a dotted Shoulder line from Dot A to Dot 2. (bust 40″+ make a dot 1/2″ to the left of Dot 2 to allow for Dart (as shown in Diagram (Foundation Draftings with Instructions)))

Draw Neck Curve. Place arrow F on Dot 1 and make a dotted line round the curve to A.

Draw Armhole Curve.

(Bust 24″-42″) turn the Chart over to the back with the long straight edge to your left, and place it to Dot 3, the Armhole arrow corresponding to the bust measurement required. Draw a line from Dot 3 to Dot 2.

(Bust 43″+) place 43″ to 48″ arrow to Dot 3, the Blue Curve touching Dot 2. Draw curve from Dot 2 to Broad Arrow, then turn chart over to the front side and place Broad Arrow to the end of the line already drawn. Complete drawing the curve to Dot 3.


Don’t move the ruler/guide! For all sizes measure 3/8″ in front of Broad Arrow and make a dot. Place Broad Arrow to this dot and draw curve to end at shoulder line. Then turn the Chart over, place Broad Arrow to the end of line already made and curve to Dot 3. This is now your Armhole Curve.

Draw the Underarm. Draw a dotted line from Dot 3 to Dot 4 (the original dot, to the left of Dot 5). Then measure inwards 1″ and mark as Dot 5. Draw a straight line from Dot 3 to Dot 5. Continue the underarm to the required length.

Shoulder dart, follow the measurements on the Diagram. (Foundation Draftings with Instructions). Do the same for the final neck measurement.

Now you have your back and front bodice slopers!

In Part 2c, we will use the bodice sloper to create a dress bodice pattern pieces!