caftan pattern: 1950s sewing

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNWJlxUvurd3RvzMPkIgfcxyGfo4aWCKjXOl87xNFnRdUVVVnKZkkK8UbM1lzD0_nK6Rkv9aKCXHDhbNJ9XeWbm_lo2sUibj512-sjiAQmQ_0nNkdFdwRdu_Qarw4CJZ5z-d6RzVol47b/s1600/20130406_085214+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNWJlxUvurd3RvzMPkIgfcxyGfo4aWCKjXOl87xNFnRdUVVVnKZkkK8UbM1lzD0_nK6Rkv9aKCXHDhbNJ9XeWbm_lo2sUibj512-sjiAQmQ_0nNkdFdwRdu_Qarw4CJZ5z-d6RzVol47b/s640/20130406_085214+(2).jpg" /></a></div><br><br>Border patterns have been popular on skirts and dresses over the past decades. Using border prints is an easy-to-sew, quick way to add visual interest to a simple dress design.  With careful planning, a basic dress design can become interesting and unique.  This can be done by choosing a border design, then considering the placement of the fabric pattern on the dress. <br><br>The blue floral on white fabric in this sketch was cut with both the skirt hemline and upper bodice shoulders placed along the selvage edge.  Placing a dense border at the hem and shoulder creates the 'ombre' effect where the pattern is deeper at the top and bottom of the dress, while the middle area is open and less dense in pattern or color.  <br><br>To create this effect, look for a skirt pattern that is cut straight, like a very wide 'tube' that is then gathered or pleated.  Don't attempt an "A" line or flared skirt since the straight hem edge will be difficult to work with. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4no_9JZPFLeyrlc64SrPPSRd3J0B0V64DqI2piaxv0lMYETGwM5pvI9K6foWNf6VWEFY8SciZj2aPJsZmbZQ_DqLE4dO6Gcy-gEShR8GrQzVQnEeF9G4kHEP-9HDvUTqaHWAPmy_BTLXg/s1600/20130406_091620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4no_9JZPFLeyrlc64SrPPSRd3J0B0V64DqI2piaxv0lMYETGwM5pvI9K6foWNf6VWEFY8SciZj2aPJsZmbZQ_DqLE4dO6Gcy-gEShR8GrQzVQnEeF9G4kHEP-9HDvUTqaHWAPmy_BTLXg/s640/20130406_091620.jpg" /></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wktZz1zkf6KGkQNnR6FWYQufKK4fvu2W1EV-_4G9AYlZRrBsuHZ45x_-ljChHjjS0mkQqce33mmtvCxAMEIxRi9XCZ8GQRQiFJu1Ko0zi3G00CsFmoYtFKmmdWx_3xzDgeJw7h1wdhCl/s1600/20130406_091628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wktZz1zkf6KGkQNnR6FWYQufKK4fvu2W1EV-_4G9AYlZRrBsuHZ45x_-ljChHjjS0mkQqce33mmtvCxAMEIxRi9XCZ8GQRQiFJu1Ko0zi3G00CsFmoYtFKmmdWx_3xzDgeJw7h1wdhCl/s640/20130406_091628.jpg" /></a></div><br><br>The two dresses here show how great a simple bodice can become when the border pattern is placed running down the center front line.  This is especially successful with embroidered yardage such as eyelet on linen and cottons, but printed border prints are nice on the bodice too. <br><br>Sewing patterns for most retro style 1950's through 1970's dresses with fitted bodices will work well using the center front border technique.  Although these two tops have a center front closure (with cute covered buttons), it is possible to have the border design 'meet' down a front seam line instead. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqjeSK2gdtoSGEkMwUMy5jTgelNpYS4i7PctHRMcCxhs4tWjCcpJJMC_yBPJZf8N0S_pqOUExAyvY1vNquTLGyLIlRHT13zBAD2P5Cpdx5LZjf1lo7lM9IzTvtdY8JAoPgfvjMgmFDOIx/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqjeSK2gdtoSGEkMwUMy5jTgelNpYS4i7PctHRMcCxhs4tWjCcpJJMC_yBPJZf8N0S_pqOUExAyvY1vNquTLGyLIlRHT13zBAD2P5Cpdx5LZjf1lo7lM9IzTvtdY8JAoPgfvjMgmFDOIx/s640/IMG_1311.JPG" /></a></div><br><br>From the late 60's or early 70's, this tomato red shirt dress is a great example of how a simple border pattern can create an interesting look.  The border is repeated on the collar and cuffs to balance out the design.  Below are several examples from the 70's of border patterns used on both long and knee length dresses.  All of the fabrics below are jersey knits, available today through vintage sellers. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvX_drN65RKdh63osaln2FDcC6OPLUe2F4BqreL9RnBMtXzLKCRFHbuyHTT6dsYyQZ82w0dxMg8dhyYshioyVSL_L3MGHm5DqPb9flgQTFYXup-XAuktTYf33npp1pg_fQkh5aUZ5f3ZJ/s1600/IMG_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvX_drN65RKdh63osaln2FDcC6OPLUe2F4BqreL9RnBMtXzLKCRFHbuyHTT6dsYyQZ82w0dxMg8dhyYshioyVSL_L3MGHm5DqPb9flgQTFYXup-XAuktTYf33npp1pg_fQkh5aUZ5f3ZJ/s640/IMG_2100.JPG" /></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRbHsENLBKfUT2hQGqV7tB3_y78sMC22insNsuKGtsmTQif2MNkSI-0xv_F2tCf2b8fjTEQfYqGGiHaM7A1GU8f0D4p5UCvVz9o2RGbLBij09Ng4lHYpKrts8zVcf6sTt8DnBthyphenhyphen7ozIQ/s1600/IMG_4455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRbHsENLBKfUT2hQGqV7tB3_y78sMC22insNsuKGtsmTQif2MNkSI-0xv_F2tCf2b8fjTEQfYqGGiHaM7A1GU8f0D4p5UCvVz9o2RGbLBij09Ng4lHYpKrts8zVcf6sTt8DnBthyphenhyphen7ozIQ/s640/IMG_4455.JPG" /></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjqFVtT4Uf8SYtj0nB0ZD9ztHxeHMCrlVHdyqwHNWplJsmx8iWqLqcPQHmW4lIT5goCav97NX82GOBiIBS3C9_aH46izWMEcAjErye0cjdcenTrMlHGcLVgJHH0RkbO1lr9I70_KCpRLm/s1600/P7170123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjqFVtT4Uf8SYtj0nB0ZD9ztHxeHMCrlVHdyqwHNWplJsmx8iWqLqcPQHmW4lIT5goCav97NX82GOBiIBS3C9_aH46izWMEcAjErye0cjdcenTrMlHGcLVgJHH0RkbO1lr9I70_KCpRLm/s640/P7170123.JPG" /></a></div><br><br>Now when you look at vintage or modern fabrics, be sure to look for border designs, they have so much to offer! <br><br><br><br>

Border Patterns: Fabric Designs with Style

Border patterns have been popular on skirts and dresses over the past decades. Using border prints is an easy-to-sew, quick way to add visua...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt8Y_N796rmRfBo_N6YJ-CC5ZFY3j8e6E5HPlAqI7gamIiAkpHVmJfWwLj4aDvxhfyXB9WRBnhf3R-yht8wGUfDpKvqbeiQAAquvHeK262BnsKK-gbenWpi_pnlcxhqlKBVoGaKbp1smR/s1600/IMG_6402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt8Y_N796rmRfBo_N6YJ-CC5ZFY3j8e6E5HPlAqI7gamIiAkpHVmJfWwLj4aDvxhfyXB9WRBnhf3R-yht8wGUfDpKvqbeiQAAquvHeK262BnsKK-gbenWpi_pnlcxhqlKBVoGaKbp1smR/s640/IMG_6402.JPG" /></a></div><br><br>Mothers and daughters dressing alike?  During the 1950s and 1960s, matching outfits were almost a national style.  Sometimes these matching sets were purchased, but more often they were home sewn. <br><br>At a time when mothers at home could sew their own fashions, it was very common to see tiny versions worn by their daughters.  The same goes for fathers and sons, but in a lesser way.  For them, matching sport shirts crafted by mom were worn. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW2HoFy3XEWdrdLyP4fI1cyQKp6xxLWlgyqp_iEeEfHqyatqIHqOhqQY9Bim37VEe9lk_N_0DE7AOFU_osDbN-tD7ezP2UDQ4mUyCgwRPhmtb1-8n3OvWXlaKUVN_Bwpxnjn8vHmAkLkj/s1600/20130406_092954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW2HoFy3XEWdrdLyP4fI1cyQKp6xxLWlgyqp_iEeEfHqyatqIHqOhqQY9Bim37VEe9lk_N_0DE7AOFU_osDbN-tD7ezP2UDQ4mUyCgwRPhmtb1-8n3OvWXlaKUVN_Bwpxnjn8vHmAkLkj/s640/20130406_092954.jpg" /></a></div><br><br>When looking for vintage, it's very rare today to find a matching set from this era for a child and their parent.  What we are left with are family photos and advertisements, capturing the charm of dressing alike.  This nautical themed set is from an advertisement for "Everglaze" fabric.  The dresses shown are by "Yolanda" in Springmaid cottons. <br><br>

Mother-Daughter: Dressing Alike in the 50's

Mothers and daughters dressing alike? During the 1950s and 1960s, matching outfits were almost a national style. Sometimes these matching ...

caftan pattern

Border Patterns: Fabric Designs with Style

Mother-Daughter: Dressing Alike in the 50's

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