Camp Gertie – Charm Patterns

Dandridge Skirt Pattern

Gertie — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 02:00:25 +0000

Make the ’40s-style draped skirt of your dreams, inspired by the gorgeous Dorothy Dandridge! Sew it up with the included waistband for a fabulous separate or mix and match with the interchangeable designs from Lamour, Liz, Landis, or Mariner bodices to make a dress. This skirt is sized in women’s US 2–20 and 18–34. Make a casual knee-length version to wear to work or try the floor-length version for an elegant night out. Either way, you’re bound to turn heads. I hope you love it!

xoxo, Melisha

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on December 1, 2021.

Direct link to this pattern

Direct link to the accompanying video

Landis Bodice Pattern

Gertie — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:55:22 +0000

Meet the Landis Bodice, the ’50s-inspired bodice of your dreams! With an extra-curvy sweetheart neckline, princess seams, an optional basque waist, and two strap options, this design will have you feeling like a princess. Choose from the shoulder band or the strapless band (or you could even omit the bands entirely for a sleek look). And the best part? This bodice coordinates perfectly with the Charm Circle Skirt, Lamour and Liz skirts, and the Loretta shorts. Don’t forget to watch this month’s video to learn all the skills you need to make this boned, structured bodice—and maybe get a few embellishment ideas too!

xoxo, Gertie

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on November 1, 2021.

Direct link to this pattern

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Dagger Collar Pattern

Gertie — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:44:30 +0000

Just in time for Halloween, here’s the perfect collar to complete your Wednesday Addams look! Use these Dagger Collar expansion pieces in place of the collar and facings in the Stanwyck Bodice pattern (from October 2020 here on Patreon) to make a spooktacular version of a ladylike dress. For the dress, we used the Stanwyck Bodice and Charm Circle Skirt cut in stretch lace to sew a super quick and easy take on a classic (eliminate the zipper and skip hems by applying lace trim to the raw edges). You can also button this collar inside another garment of your choice, as long as the necklines are similar! I hope you love this creepy take on a classic shirt collar.

xoxo, Gertie

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on October 4, 2021.

Direct link to this pattern

Waspie Corset Belt Pattern

Gertie — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:37:48 +0000

This fabulous little corset belt is the perfect accessory for that cinched silhouette. Based on the waspie corsets of Dior’s New Look, this narrow corset is meant to be seen! It pairs beautifully with flared dresses and skirts (and is the perfect thing for lots of cosplay and costume projects — think Mary Poppins, Princess Aurora, and more!). This belt is made with real corsetmaking techniques, so it’s a great entrée into that world. Don’t forget to watch this month’s video to learn all about the supplies and techniques in this project!

xoxo, Gertie

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on October 1, 2021.

Direct link to this pattern

Direct link to the accompanying video

How to Make a Quilted Oven Mitt — Free Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

Gertie — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:11:44 +0000

Hi, everyone! We’ve created a bonus tutorial for those of you looking to complete your June Cleaver fantasy (or just complete your outfit!). Our free oven mitt pattern pairs great with the Cobbler Dress and Set (available on Patreon), and makes for great gifts, too. With no shortage of great novelty prints, you’ll find just the thing for your kitchenette. And the best part? It comes together so quickly! But don’t tell anyone, or they’ll be asking you for one, too. Happy sewing!

xoxo,

Melisha

Materials

Free oven mitt pdf pattern download
½ yard 100% cotton fabric for exterior
½ yard 100% cotton fabric for lining
½ yard Insul-Bright insulated batting
½ yard cotton batting
Basic sewing kit including fabric shears or rotary cutter and mat, straight pins, fabric marking tools, a ruler, and point turner or chopstick
Wonder Clips or safety pins
Fabric marking tool
Thread to match your fabric
Sewing machine and iron
Walking foot (optional)

NOTE: Please make sure to use 100% cotton fabric for your oven mitt project because synthetic fabrics will melt when handling very hot items.

Resources

Instructions

1. Cut your fabric and batting using the following dimensions:

Exterior fabric: cut one piece 18 in x 21-in
Lining fabric: cut one piece 18 in x 21 in and cut one piece 2½ in by 5 in for the loop
Insul-Bright insulated batting: cut one piece 18 in x 21 in
Cotton batting: cut two pieces 18 in x 21 in

2. Draw quilting lines on your exterior fabric: quilting your oven mitt helps keep everything together and is a great way to personalize and add some pizzazz to it. You can draw swirls, diagonal lines, traditional quilting squares or free-hand any design you like. I decided to draw diagonal lines on my exterior fabric using a ruler and fabric marking tool, keeping the lines one inch apart. I used my FriXion erasable pen with ink that disappears with heat.

3. Make a quilt sandwich: layer your exterior fabric and batting pieces together as follows:

Bottom layer: two pieces of cotton batting 18 in x 21 in
Middle layer: one piece of Insul-Bright 18 in x 21 in, shiny side up
Top layer: one piece of exterior fabric 18 in x 21, right side (RS) up

4. Sew your quilt sandwich: use Wonder Clips or safety pins all the way around the quilt sandwich to hold all the layers together. Start sewing, following the quilting lines from the middle of the sandwich and working your way out. Make sure everything is smooth and remove the clips or pins as you get to them.

Tip: Because this quilting sandwich is pretty thick and may still want to shift around, I find it very helpful to sew using a walking foot. The walking foot evenly feeds the layers of fabric and batting through the machine by gripping onto the top layer of fabric and helps move it under the needle at the same pace that the machine's feed dogs are moving the bottom layer of batting. This foot is optional but super helpful.

5. Cut out the oven mitt: place your oven mitt pattern RS up on top of the quilted sandwich and pin in place. Cut out the oven mitt shape using a rotary cutter and mat or scissors. Flip your pattern over so it is wrong side (WS) up and place it on the quilted sandwich again to cut out another oven mitt shape. You should have two oven mitts cut out reflecting each other. Trace the stitching line that indicates the pivot point for the thumb onto the WS of your oven mitt pieces.

6. Sew the oven mitt: place oven mitt pieces RS together and secure using Wonder Clips. Stitch around oven mitt using ⅝-in seam allowance, leaving bottom edge unsewn. Make sure to follow the stitching line that indicates the pivot point for the thumb.

7. Trim seam allowance down to ¼ in and clip to the stitching at the pivot point, making sure not to clip through the stitching. Trim away excess fabric between the thumb and finger areas. Turn the oven mitt RS out, poking out thumb and finger areas with a point turner or chopstick; press.

8. Cut out oven mitt lining: using oven mitt pattern, cut 2 pieces out of lining fabric. Transfer the stitching line pivot point onto the WS of one of the lining pieces.

9. Sew oven mitt lining: pin lining fabric RS together and sew using ⅝-in seam allowance and leaving bottom edge unsewn. Make sure to follow the stitching line that indicates the pivot point for the thumb. Leave a 4-in opening on one edge of lining so that you can turn oven mitt RS out. Trim seam allowance down to ¼ in, avoiding trimming the seam allowance at the opening. Notch around curves and clip to the stitching at the pivot point, making sure not to clip through the stitching. Trim away any excess fabric between the thumb and finger areas.

10-Make oven mitt loop: take the 2½ in x 5 in piece of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise, WS together, and press. Turn the long raw edges of the fabric to the WS so that they meet at the crease. Press. Fold loop in half lengthwise, bringing pressed edges together, and press. Finish by topstitching along both long edges.

11. Sew lining and loop to oven mitt: with quilted oven mitt turned RS out and mitt lining WS out, place the oven mitt on your hand and insert the lining over the oven mitt, RS together, matching bottom raw edges. Fold oven mitt loop in half and pin it in between the lining and the oven mitt, with raw edges meeting, aligning it at the bottom raw edge next to the seam opposite the thumb.

12. Stitch around the bottom opening of the mitt from the lining side. Trim seam allowance to ⅛ in. Turn the oven mitt RS out through the 4-in opening in the lining.

13. Topstitch the 4-in opening closed, making sure not to catch the outer fabric in the stitches. Push the lining all the way inside the oven mitt, making sure to match the finger and thumb areas. At the bottom of the oven mitt, roll the lining to the inside and pin in place. Topstitch ¼ in around the bottom of the oven mitt from the lining side to secure.

Enjoy your cute new quilted oven mitt!

Cobbler Dress and Set Pattern

Gertie — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 01:00:33 +0000

We’re so excited to bring you the Cobbler Dress and Set! This design is based on ’50s cobbler aprons: tunic-style garments with big pockets that were cinched at the waist with a tie. Usually made in cheerful cottons and worn for housework and other domestic activities, the cobbler apron looked fabulous while being comfortable and functional. You know we love to bring you versatility, so we gave this pattern so many options it’s practically a wardrobe on its own! The dress version is surprisingly chic while being incredibly comfy and flattering (if you’re a Popover Dress fan, then this is a must-make). Don’t forget to add the ruffle to the front princess seams for a touch of ’40s fab! Or make the top-length version and pair it with the included capri pants. These pants have a flat front and back elastic waistband so they look polished enough to wear on their own, but are comfy enough to lounge or work in. Choose from an adorable tie leg or just a simple slit at the hem. Either way, this set will have you feeling like a domestic goddess. Add a matching oven mitt (from our free pattern on the Charm site) to complete the look! Our skill of the month is bias binding, so make sure to watch the video to learn how to sew this simple and polished edge finish.

xoxo, Gertie

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on September 1, 2021.

Direct link to this pattern

Direct link to the accompanying video

Mariner Top Pattern

Gertie — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:07:43 +0000

Ahoy, sailor! We’ve created a vintage-inspired nautical blouse that we know you will love to sew. Inspired by middy blouses, mariner scout uniforms, and ’50s fitted sailor dresses, this pattern is the perfect blend of sweet and sassy. We know you’ll love the shoulder princess seams, nipped waist, and your choice of a simple tied knot accent or the aptly named Gigantic Bow (inspired directly by a wonderful ’50s photo I found). And the Mariner is perfectly versatile too! Leave off the collar, and you’ve got a simple but lovely v-neck blouse. You can also make it sleeveless, and even make it into a dress bodice by cutting the pattern on the indicated line! The shortened bodice interchanges with the Liz and Lamour skirts so you can make a dress with a draped skirt, three-quarter circle skirt, or flared gathered skirts. So many possibilities!

xoxo, Gertie

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on August 1, 2021.

Direct link to this pattern

Direct link to the accompanying video

BONUS VIDEO: Melisha's Bow Tutorial

Scout Dress Pattern

Gertie — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 05:24:26 +0000

From a garden party to a rustic getaway, our Scout Dress is an essential wardrobe staple for the fashionable camper and sewist. This darling design features storybook sleeves with a charming keyhole detail, a smart collar and lapel, a buttoned front closure for ease of dressing, and a full sweeping skirt with large side-seam pockets for carrying all your necessities! Aptly named for both our beloved Charm Scout community and everyone’s favorite protagonist from To Kill a Mockingbird, the Scout Dress will have you feeling like the heroine of your own story. This month’s special skill is buttons and buttonholes, so tune in to our video to learn all the essential techniques!

xoxo, Gertie

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on July 1, 2021.

Direct link to this pattern

Direct link to the accompanying video

BONUS PATTERN: Charm Scout Sash

Introducing Camp Gertie Spoonflower Fabric Designs

Gertie — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:04:35 +0000

Exciting news! Our very first Spoonflower fabric line is here! We're so excited to be presenting a collection of fabrics inspired by our Patreon community, and all of the fun we've had with the Camp Gertie theme this year! We had this lovely art designed by the incredibly talented Sue Cadzow (@50s_vintage_dame on instagram!)

One really important thing to note is that different fabrics will have different widths, which will impact how much yardage you need to buy. Here's a run down on the fabric designs, and our suggestions for how to use them!

Border Prints

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Our spin on '50s border prints with a beautiful Camp Gertie scene! These are inspired by vintage paint by numbers; the more you look, the more details you find! We worked a lot on the scale of the artwork — we wanted a sweeping skyline and beautiful trees. If you look closely, you’ll spot a vintage pink Shasta and woodland animals frolicking through the woods! We’ve given you your choice of two beautiful colorways: one is sunset inspired and the other is a sunny sky blue.

Gertie used 6 yards of Cotton Sateen in the blue colorway.

Want more instruction for using border prints? Check out this tutorial for using border print fabrics in the Scout Dress pattern available on Patreon.

You can also easily use border prints in our free Picnic Skirt pattern.

Allover Yardage

We took direct inspiration from some rare vintage Girl Scout fabric! We’ve included all of your favorite Charm Scouts and some of our favorite camping scenes. Plus, you can show off the badges you’ve earned so far! Opt for our vintage white layout or a more modern colorway!

Note that we provided options running both lengthwise and widthwise to give you flexibility for different garments and patterns. Here’s some recommendations for each type.

Widthwise Designs

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Coming soon!

These designs are oriented in the widthwise direction, meaning that the prints are perpendicular to the selvage. These are the best choice for smaller projects since you can only cut a piece as wide as the width of the fabric from selvage from selvage. If you want to cut long pieces (ie. for a gathered full skirt) without piecing, choose the separate listings with the Lengthwise Direction.

Lengthwise Designs

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These are printed in the lengthwise direction, meaning that the prints are parallel to the selvage. These are the best choice for garments with large pattern pieces (ie. for a gathered full skirt) since you will be able to cut a continuous length along the selvage without piecing. If you would prefer your print to be oriented in the widthwise direction (perpendicular to the selvage, great for smaller pieces), choose the separate listings with the Widthwise Direction.

Our free Picnic Skirt pattern also works well with lengthwise fabric designs.

For Melisha's sleeveless Scout Dress (shown above), we used 8 yards of Petal Cotton in the Vintage Charm Scout Allover Print - Lengthwise Direction.

Hair scarves + fun extras

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Coming soon!

Because bandanas and scarves were so widely used in vintage scouting looks, we wanted to create our own! These are designed to be cut out and hemmed around the edges, so one yard will get you a 36 inch scarf to cover your curlers or make a sassy neckerchief. You’ll also get our Charm Scouts along the side — perfect for appliqué projects!

Hanky Prints

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This design is a smaller, 21 x 21 inch block that when cut out by itself, could be hemmed to make a child-size bandana or dog-size neckerchief (Hattie approved!). And because it alternates in pink and green lengthwise on fabric, this design would also work perfectly as a full gathered skirt.

Ruched Swimsuit Bottom Pattern for the Esther Swimsuit

Gertie — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 03:35:48 +0000

Meet Esther! This fabulous swimsuit pattern is new from Charm Patterns, and to celebrate we’re making this month at Camp Gertie all about sewing swimwear. We’ve designed an exclusive pattern expansion for you: a ruched design that captures everything I love about vintage bathing suit designs—a full coverage silhoutte and seamlines to flatter your curves. And don’t forget that you’ll be earning your merit badge in swimwear techniques with this month’s video. Learn to sew the entire Esther Swimsuit from start to finish with all my favorite tips and tricks. We hope you’ll love diving into sewing your own swimwear!

xoxo, Gertie

This pattern was originally published on Patreon on June 1, 2021.

Direct link to the Esther Swimsuit Video Tutorial (Bodice, Straps, Bra, and Finishing)

Direct link to the Esther Swimsuit Video Tutorial (Bottoms)

Direct link to the Ruched Swimsuit Bottom pattern