Harmony ~ I've heard about Kookla Fran & Ollie but did not see the shows. I remember Shari & Lamb Chop. And Beanie & Cecil the Seasick Sea Serpent. I am so impressed at how quickly you do your hand quilting.
Lynlee ~ Corsets & girdles & tight belts
no way would I want to go through that! I appreciate my comfy clothes. I'm just trying to figure out how to stop looking like such a frumpy drudge.
Harriet ~ I don't even try to use vintage patterns, I have given up on trying to find any in plus sizes. I collect them for inspiration, but I don't think it's worth the time to work directly from those patterns. For one thing, something as simple as the way an armhole fits has changed so much even since the 60s and 70s. It isn't just size, it's our modern expectation of comfort.
My dream for awhile has been to open a design studio to translate designs from 1880-1950 into plus sizes using today's fabrics.
When I look at this particular book of 1930s clothing, it appears to me that they are taking a basic shape for a blouse, skirt, or dress and adding a particular style of design that makes it say "1930s." My theory is that if I can figure out how to recreate that "style" I should be able to add that to either a pattern or purchased clothing that fits my very-plus-size body.
Of course, I'm sure this would be much easier if I'd ever had a real class in pattern drafting. I'm learning through trail & error.
But I have picked up a lot of fabrics at garage sales & the freebie table at my sewing group meetings. It's not going to cost a lot of $ to experiment, just a lot of time -- and I've reached a point where I'm looking forward to spending that time.
Other than that, I'll need to spend cash for new thread, because I've learned that thread does go bad with age. I have old thread on wooden spools but only use them for decoration. Any time I see a fabric store coupon for 40% or 50% off any item, if I'm in the area I'll stop in and buy a big spool of good thread in a basic color.