Enid Inspired

Enid inspired underwear

2011-03-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Yep I did it alright, made my first bra and the best part is, it fits! Not the best fit but certainly comfortable and wearable.

Bra for young ladies from Ten to Teens and Casual Clothes

The bra is made from cotton and lined with a poly/cotton blend, all remnants. I also added strap adjusters and a bra fastner. Very 50's in style, shame I don't have the bust to give it the sweater girl look!

Whilst it was a challenge to make, it wasn't that difficult, you just need to pin and baste everything. I'm tempted to try another one in a cotton knit to see if it has a better fit. Actually I'm really surprised how well it came together, good one Enid!

Hope you have a great day

Cheers Lisa

I think I have winter nights sorted thanks to Enid

2011-03-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

You can't just buy good nighties any more, and nothing beats the flannel nightie for warmth and comfort. A pair of jammies however ,are more practical for the antics of little ones. I had some flannel a good net friend sent me, you can see it in the body of the light pink pyjamas and the others are from some I was saving for a quilt that may never be made. Well not now as it is pyjamas.

raglan sleeve pyjamas thanks to Kristie from Platinum Babies for the pink pussy cat flannel for the body of the pink jammies :)

A foundation nightie, you couldn't get that in the shops any more . I reckon the monkeys are very funky.

the pattern pictures just don't want to go right way up for some reason lol just turn your heads to the right angle :P they both came out of the "Sewing for your children" book. but they are also in the other night wear book too.

Another Sun Bonnet

2011-02-14T19:46:00.001-08:00

This little sun bonnet features ina few of the Enid books.

This is the first time I have made it.

I was inspired to have a go after seeing Tab's version

The drafting was easy.

The piecing was a little of a challenge, I've never been fond of sewing curves.

My tip with this one is PIN PIN PIN or hand baste the brim to the crown.

This has a lovely wide brim and a little flap at the back to cover the neck.

It opens out for easy ironing (if you iron!)

It adjusts as the back to fit for a long time.

And ties under the neck for those little ones who hate wearing hats.

Heather was happy to wear this bonnet for about 3 minutes.

She had to struggle a little to get it off.

But she was determined!

And finally managed to pull it off.

Sunbonnet for a Toddler

2011-02-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

A short introduction: I have 4 Enid books, all very well worn and slightly fragile. I stole 2 off mum who to my knowledge never used them [and she doesn't sew at all any more] so I felt justified. Of the other two, one was ebay and the other in an opshop. I would love more, particularly as my daughters grow, but for now what I've got is still a deep well of inspiration!

My oldest daughter is 17 months and has the right kind of pudgy cheeks for a sunbonnet. I knew I'd seen something cute in these books before, and I found it in Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book.

Sunbonnet

The Baby Book page 20

I drafted the pattern onto Wheet-bix box cardboard, but I haven't yet found a great way to keep all my drafted patterns in the one spot. Organisation isn't my forte, so I have lots of random envelopes full of pattern pieces floating around with no rhyme or reason.

The fabric is a gingham that I bought new [unusual for me] to make an Enid inspired dress for Addie [17 months]. The brim calls for stiffened cotton. I only had a lightweight fusible interfacing, so I fused that to a heavy cotton bedsheet [thrifted] and used it in place of stiffened cotton. The brim is soft but holds its own.

The bonnet in action.

I did some of the back a little differently to the pattern as my good machine is in for service and I couldn't be bothered doing button holes and eyelets by hand. I've put buttons on as embellishment, where they would usually go, but have attached the brim to the back with hand sewn press studs. They give the swivel movement needed and were much easier in this case. I used an upholstery needle and thin ribbon, separating rather than piercing the fibres in place of eyelets and the wider ribbon I'd rather have used.

Anyone know how to make a toddler
stand still for a picture?

The Sunbonnet is VERY cute! The most sunsmart of all hats too, with a little neck flap and generous brim, I'm very impressed. I kind of wonder if I could get away with one myself but I think I already know the answer to that!

Summer inspired Enid

2011-02-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

Suntops and tennis dresses

From Teenagers and Small Women

The fabric was purchased on sale for $5.00 a meter, the zip is recycled from one of my sister's old school uniforms and the buttons are from my Nana's button collection (of which I am the proud owner). I'll have to make the pattern smaller next time I make this one, as it's a bit on the roomy side.

New nighties - adapted from Ten to Teens

Practice piece - the fabric had been in my stash for about twenty years. It was a tad narrow, so I added panels to the sides and made pleats to allow for extra room. The cotton lace was some of my Mum' s and is older than the fabric.

I liked it so much I made another one!

This one is made in light weight cotton, perfect for those hot summer nights we have here in Queensland.

Cheers Lisa

Truly Inspired by Enid

2011-02-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2011

Beauty and the Beast

What more could a little girl want more than a princess dress after a bit of thinking i had a look at what i had and I thought if I morphed 2 Enids together I would have the bodice for Belle's dress Even down to the pointy waist, because every princes had to have that feature in her dress.

This was the result

Belle and her beast. DH found Beast beside the railway track he had a bit of stuffing knocked outta him, so we tended his wounds. Now he lives here in our enchanted castle now LOL.

Well you see you cant take a dress like this off Its just not right.

Snow white scares the heck out of me now but Alice is next apparently. I already did Alice though..........

Smart Frock and a Pinafore Dress

2011-01-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

As this is my first post I thought it would be fun to share a photo of me with my sister in our Enid Inspired dresses. The photo would have been taken around 1967 or 68.

My sister is on the left wearing a smart frock from Little Coats and Dresses and my pinafore dress is from Play Clothes.

My Mum, her sister and my Nana all used Enid's patterns. I use to love looking through the books, dreaming of all the lovely dresses or dolls clothes Mum could make for me. Sadly the only original book I have is Fancy Dress. Most of my copies I acquired from op shops and a few from ebay.

With so many patterns to try I just don't know where to start!

Cheers Lisa

Jumpsuit and Frock

2011-01-24T03:31:00.000-08:00

I spent the day sewing.

I made three outfits today.

Another culottes for Lilly, a jumpsuit for Rose and a dress for Fern.

My back is sore, I forgot to get up and stretch.

Book: Ten to Teens

Pattern: Jumpsuit

Fabric: Poly cotton from the Oppie

Made For: Rose

Book: Dresses for Your Daughter

Simple Pattern with Variations.

I even added the flower pocket detail as Enid designed.

I added the winged sleeves, flared skirt and collar.

The fabric I found at the op shop.

.This dress came together beautifully.

Fern loves it.

A real vintage pattern and the fabric is probably as old.

There was an option to add a gathered skirt but I think the flared one looks nicer.

My little vintage girls

Culottes

2011-01-23T01:24:00.000-08:00

I spent the morning jamming plums, baking homemade sausage rolls and making trifle.

But I had that bored, restless feeling.

That can only be soothed with a good crafting project.

I spen a happy hour browsing my Enid collection.

Looking for something I've not made before.

I drafted up the pattern.

Then searched through the piles and piles and piles of fabrics,

looking for something just right.

Not too heavy, not too light.

Not too dull, not too bright.

Not too plain, not too fussy.

I'm not sure who gave me this fabric or which Op-shop I bought it from.

But it's perfect!

I made the culottes almost just as Enid said.

Next time I'll leave out the zip in the side,

as Lilly had no problem getting into the culottes with the zip fastened.

The perfect little outfit for my tomboyish little girls.

No showing your knickers when you jump on the trampoline,

climb the gate or over the fence.

The buttons came from the op-shop.

Baby's Sunsuit

2011-01-21T19:30:00.003-08:00

I've not made this one before.

After seeing THIS and THIS version by Vicki I had to give it a go.

To avoid forgetting to add seam allowance when cutting.

I find it easiest to draft the seam allowances onto the pattern before I cut it out.

A french curve and quilters ruler make drafting a lot eaiser.

I'm using a pillowcase to make Heather's Sunsuit.

I bought a pair for $1 at the op shop.

The other I made into a peasant Dress.

I made the dress too long so shortened it with a tuck.

Yep, it's crooked.

And here's the sunsuit all sewn up.

I followed Enid's instructions

I think she likes it.

It's a nice fit too

Pattern: Baby's Sunsuit

Book: Play Clothes

Size: 9 to 18 months

Fabric: Pillowcase

2011-01-21T01:19:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorites, I think I say that for most of the Enid's I've made.

Book: Play Clothes (Pink Cover)

Design: Overalls For Crawling.

I found this printed drill at the Op-shop in Pirie

There was just enough to cut the overalls out, I had to piece the facing.

Enid's pattern are all drafted for cloth nappies. so lots of room for clothie bums

I've lost count of the number of times I've made this one.

So simple so cute and so cool.

Book: Sewing is Simple

Design: Girl's top and Pantie set

Thsi little top has a lovely swing to it.

I added two snaps to the back instead of a single button.

Using snaps makes this little top reversible.

Enid was such a gifted designer.

I can spend hours just flicking through my collection.

Which I think is complete now!

Pre-School Pinnies

2010-12-15T03:43:00.000-08:00

Pattern : Pre-School Pinnies
Book: Enid Gilchrist's Play Clothes
Fabric: Clear plastic, quilting cotton
Size: Three to Four years

Another very quick and easy smock to make for the preschool kidlets. This is a great number for the children to use as they can easily slip it on and off themselves. I've used 4" of elastic at the sides caught in whilst sewing on the bias trim. I followed this pattern to the letter and it worked beautifully and made up quickly. As for size, this fits my tall 4 year old daughter well and I feel it would work nicely on children aged from three to five.

Enid - Wrap around skirt

2010-08-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Wow it's been a long time between posts!

I think I've finally collected every Enid published.

Still like to trawl the op-shops, Ebay and Oztion looking just in case I have missed one.

Today I got a little sewing time in and drafted a skirt for Lilly.

It's a little old fashioned and still kind of cute.

Enid designed her patterns with measurements to use for drafting.

It was her own unique drafting system.

Very easy to do with a little practice.

Most designs start with a central vertical line off which you mark the vertical measurements and lines off. There are guide lines to help you draw the curves.

Enid's earlier books used woven fabrics as stretch fabrics weren't available.

I used some corduroy to make this skirt and lined it with chambray.

It's actually the skirt on the front of this magazine, but not as short and the straps are longer.

I really like the way it fastens at the back and it's so easy to make.

I think when I make this again I'll get rid of the straps.

I've cross posted this on my Mad Quilter Blog

Apologies

2010-08-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Sorry I haven't been around for a while.

I had a couple of emails from people wanting to join the blog. I've misplaced them I'm sorry. I sort of ignored them and then they got deleted from my inbox.

If you still would like to join us here, leave a comment on the blog with details of how I can contact you with an invite.

Thanks for your understanding.

Little Smock for Busy Girl of Three

2010-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Pattern : Little Smock for Our Busy Girl of Three
Book: Enid Gilchrist Three to Six - Clothes for Boys and Girls
Fabric: Clear plastic, cotton broadcloth, quilting cotton
Size: Three to Four years

A very easy smock to whip up which is nice and long to protect the children's clothes. I made this for a customer who needed a long sleeved smock but with a easy-to-wipe plastic front. I left out the gorgeous detailing that is supposed to be on this smock due to the plastic being there. I also left off the collar and bound both neck and hem with bias.

Shift, 2-5 years

2010-03-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

I made this shift for the 2 year old daughter of a friend. It looks huge now but should last her a long time! It looks better in real life - not a very good photo.

The buttons are from my grandmother's collection - they are old old old.

Pattern: Shift

Book: Play Clothes, page 17

Size: 2-5 yrs

Fabric: Cotton print

Baby Sunsuit 2

2010-03-23T01:47:00.001-07:00

I did make a second one. This one fits perfectly with room on the strap to move the button next summer. I remembered to put the seam allowance in this time. No chance to take an action shot sorry!

Pattern: Baby's Sunsuit

Book: Play Clothes

Size: 9-18 mths

Fabric: Poly/cotton animal print

Baby's Sunsuit

2010-02-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

Hi. My name is Vicki and I live in Perth. My boy has grown out of the mountains of tiny baby stuff we were given, so I finally have the opportunity to use my Enid pattern books!

This is my third Enid pattern, but the only one I've got around to photographing. I chose this pattern as my 8 month old has worked out how to take his cloth nappies off, so just wearing a nappy on super hot days isn't an option. It was so quick to make - took me one evening to draft and mostly finish.

I messed up by not

adding seam and hem allowances. The previous two pattern I've made were virtually seamless and had bound hems so I didn't need to. It fits fine now, but there's not much room for growth. I'm not too bothered though, being so quick to make I can easily run up another!

Pattern: Baby's Sunsuit

Book: Play Clothes

Size: 9-18 mths

Fabric: Blue gingham and a quilting fat quarter

My first Enid ...

2009-11-01T02:26:00.001-08:00

I thought it about time I introduced myself. My name is Carol and I live near Byron Bay. I joined this blog some months ago with the intention of showing my Enid Gilchrist handiwork. I made this dress in August and am only just now getting around to posting it.

The dress came from this book, which I bought at an op shop in Mullumbimby for 20c last year. I've also drafted a jacket, a long coat and two dresses from the same book, which I will make in the coming weeks.

I'm so thrilled with this book and I hope to find more. This must have been a godsend to women in the 60's. There is almost every style of garment a girl could want in this book. Thanks for allowing me to join in.

Cool Dress

2009-10-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

Here is my second Enid Gilchrist creation - the "Cool Dress" from the 'Play Clothes' (pink cover) publication. I'm a little surprised that so much time has past since my first go at drafting and sewing one of Enid's fine designs. As with my first Enid, a Matinee Jacket, the actual sewing of the garment was relatively easy. I have however not followed Enid's pattern exactly. This garment was my first ever attempt at doing gathering. When I spotted the material that I liked for the bottom of the dress I didn't know exactly how much material I needed so I guessed - thinking that I had overestimated. When I drafted the pattern I kept thinking that I had done something wrong - the size of the skirting looked like it was almost big enough for me to wear. When it came to cutting the material I realised that I didn't have enough material so I reduced the width of the skirt - there was so much material there already how could it be a problem? So, this little frock isn't as full as it should be and sits perhaps a little bit "puffier" as a result.

The yoke, made from vintage material, is lined with the same. The pattern calls for bias under the arm pits. It took a few cups of tea umming and arrhing to decide if I should make the bias in the contrasting vintage material or not. In the end I thought the contrast would make a sweet effect - what do you think?

Pattern: Cool Dress
Book: Play Clothes (p16)
Size: 9-18months
Fabrics: cottons

Matinee Jacket

2009-07-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is my first ever Enid creation - the Matinee Jacket from Clothes For Your Children (p20).

The size is described as "infant". Perhaps I was too generous with my seam allowances but this jacket would certainly be too large for the average newborn - it fits my seven & half month daughter beautifully.

Pattern: Matinee Jacket

Book: Clothes for your Children (p20)

Size: infant

Fabric: tracksuit fleece

Baby Raglan Gown

2009-07-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Pattern : Raglan Baby Gown
Book: Baby Book
Fabric: Cot sheet bought from Op-shop

The sheet is well washed and beautifully soft.

Construction Details:

French Seams
Binding at neck.
1/4 Elastic sewn to sleeve.
Lace insert at center tie
Placket at back.
Pleat at back.
Snaps to fasten

Babies first gown

2009-07-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Baby's first Gown
Book: Baby Book
Fabric: Fine poplin.
Embellishment: Embroidered Lazy Daisies.

Construction Details:

French seams.
Bodice is gathered to a yoke.
Raglan sleeves
Binding at neck.
Hand hemmed.
Shirred at wrists.
Grown on facings which I interfaced with iron on interfacing.
Snaps at Center back.

This design is in many of the baby books.

More Enid Pinis

2009-06-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

Both of these are made from vintage tablecloths. The green one is a buttery soft linen. The cloth was circular so I managed to fussy cut it with the lace edging. I have enough of the cloth left for maybe a skirt, but that's all.

The second is the regular sized pini in the same fabric as the one shown earlier but with green commercial binding. I love them both. I hope to downsize the pattern to fit my nearly 2yo. I have a little of the yellow rose fabric left.

2009-06-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

An Enid Gilchrist Pretty Pini from Play Clothes. This is my favourite I have made of these so far. I used a vintage tablecloth which I have been hoarding for absolutely ages, waiting for the perfect project. I really love how it turned out with the print placement. This is a size 5-7 I sized up and I have another waiting binding in size 2-4.

Now I will be scrounging for more tablecloths. I have another different one on the cutting table now.

2009-06-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

This bib is from Enids baby book ,it should keep Susannahs clothes nice and clean when she starts eating solids

Blouse with Shirred sleeves sz2-3 (giveaway)

2009-06-21T02:53:00.000-07:00

I finally finished one of the Enids. This is the shirred blouse from a Play Clothes edition. I'm not sure which one as it had no cover.
It is made from a light spotted blue floral voile with poly cotton poplin collar, resin snaps.
It has some issues but I just wanted it finished. It wasn't difficult, I just had to get a new machine half way through, and have been busy and not well.
The shirring was a lot easier than I thought but I am not sure how to adjust the tension of the bobbin in the new machine, then forgot to leave adjustment so it ended up being a bit tight for my DD across the front.
I used snaps at the back of course being a buttonholephobe lol. There is a small square of interfacing between the layers to reinforce the snap area. Being all muddle headed with a cold I put the snaps on before putting on the collar ribbon facing so it is not perfect above the snaps, but not disastrous, and just stitched the ribbon down without turning under. A soft binding would have been better but I was working with what I had. I shirred across the front instead of just using gathered stitches as I was worried they would break after I did it. I carefully unpicked it from the light voile before shirring 2 rows in the same position.
I will make this again however, I think I will make it a bit longer and maybe also use the basic pattern to do a simple peasant top without the collar and back opening. The collar is sweet though. It is sz2-3 but I think it is a little on the short/small side.
Excuse Pearl (23months old), she was grabbed straight from the trampoline for modelling. Lucky she loves having her photo taken.

As this is a bit small for my big bellied girl, if someone has a little skinny minny 1-2yo and would like this blouse, please leave a comment and contact me and it is yours. Australia only, unless you want to pay postage.

Jacket Number Two

2009-06-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

Nice and snuggly for those wooly winter days I really love this pattern - and I got the collar down pat this time.

Pattern: Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book
Garment: Jacket for Those Cooler Days pge 46
Size : 9-18 mo
Fabric: Kaufman Cord - Strawberries Black with Faux Fur Trim.

2009-06-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

This jacket is for Susannah my Gd , its from the baby book

The Duffle coat is for GD Isabel ,she is 4.1/2 , it should keep her nice and warm at Preschool in Albury

and this pinny is from baby book as well

Monika

2009-06-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

here are some pictures of my new Enid creations

the duffle coat is fromKindergarten set . I changed the hood , Its for my grand daughter Isabel she is 4,1/2, they live in Albury .the Pinny and Jacket are the same pattern as my last creations , out of Baby Book made for my youngest grand daughter Susannah ,

sorry for the quality of the pictures .

Monika

Enid Sew a long Creations.

2009-06-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

Dress

Book: Toddlers Clothes

Size: 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years

Fabric: Velour

Back-Wrap Dress
Book: Toddlers Clothes
Size: 2-3 years
Fabric: Cotton fabric from Craftymamas.

Monika's Enid Sew along creations

2009-06-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

Pettis, Popovers and Jackets

2009-06-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Book : Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book
Garment: Pettis, Popovers and Jackets
Size : Infant to 9 months
Fabric: Vintage sheet, stretch knit

Vintage sheet, very soft, perfect for a newborn.
I used commercial bias to finish the edges.
The gown fastens with snaps at one shoulder.

The fit on a doll approximately 6 months in size.

I altered the pattern as directed in the book to make the jacket.

I adjusted the neckline up to on the back and added overlap on the front.
I made this one with knit fabric.
I turn the edges and finished them with a honeycomb stitch.
The snaps are reinforced with cotton tape.

Something For The Cooler Weather...

2009-06-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

I have made this little garment as my piece in the Enid sew-a-long over at Crafty Mamas. I chose it because this winter I am mad about coats and jackets for the kids and thought this a lovely little sweet number for Lainey.

Book : Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book
Garment: Jacket for Those Cooler Days pge 46
Size : 9-18 mo
Fabric: Pink baby cord and Maroon cord.

I liked the sizing on this and did not have to take any of it in. I found the collar a challenge but only because this is the second one I have ever done! I used a snap instead of a button (thank goodness for snap presses!) and I used satin ribbon instead of bias binding because I didn't have the right size!

Overall I liked this pattern and thought it can come out very smart or very casual and cozy. I would definitely make it again, this time maybe in a more casual fabric like flannelet.

My First Enid!

2009-05-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally made my first item from an Enid book...only took me about 12 months! I just love Enid's work and after seeing Tracy and some other clever mamas making theirs I thought I needed to jump on in.

Book : Undies, Beach and Sleepwear
Garment: Nightgown for Tiny Tots
Size : 1-2 years
Fabric: Flannelet cot sheet from Op Shop 50c.

I chose this as my first attempt because the pattern is all one piece. It was easy enough to draft although I had some issue with the neck. But after fiddling with it it came right. I had to take quite a bit in on the sides and shorten the sleeves. Lainey is 20 months and I think a little on the shorter side of average so some patterns do need adjusting. The garment still sits a little big on her but I could not take any more off as it would distort the final garment. But it is a comfortable fit and to me, that's what you need at bed time.

The pattern calls for lace around the neck and sleeve ends but I omitted that because I think that would irritate me so I left it off for Lainey too.

The final product looks great on her and I made sure it was full length to keep her legs warm. I think its so girly and its so nice to see my daughter in something so feminine.

Posting guidelines

2009-05-26T01:50:00.000-07:00

When you post:

In the labels list the book you are working from. Just to keep the posts about each book all together. Clearly identify which pattern you are making or have made.

If it's a:
help post, put help.
hints post, put hints.
General chit chat, put chit chat

Just to keep it all neat and easy to search through.

I hope we build a resource for ourselves and others.

Welcome!

2009-05-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is a group blog for admirers of Enid Gilchrist pattern books to post and share their Enid Inspired Creations, to discuss drafting and construction techniques, general information on sewing and collecting Enid'smagazines.

We hope to inspire others to create beautiful clothing for themselves and their children.

To become a poster on this blog please email: tracy at desertrosedesigns dot com dot au

We'd love to see your creations here!