caftan pattern: vintage sewing patterns

Showing posts with label vintage sewing patterns. Show all posts

Vintage Sewing: Patterns, New to the Shop

<h2 style=" font-size:16px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjUwMzA5M3wyNzIwOTg5OTYx" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" color:#333333; text-decoration: none; "> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" color:#333333; text-decoration: none; "> </a> </h2> <h2 style=" font-size:16px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "> </h2> <table style=" border-spacing: 8px; width:auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height:19px; "> <tbody><tr> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="170px" width="170px"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114498680" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/006/0/5410990/il_170x135.393473286_r2q3.jpg" style=" border:none; padding:0px; " width="170px"> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114498680" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Wrap Top Dress, 38Bust, Vin... </a> <div style=" font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; "> pintucksew </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $7.50 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="170px" width="170px"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114496017" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <img src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/006/0/5410990/il_170x135.393458023_5yq9.jpg" style=" border:none; padding:0px; " width="170px"> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114496017" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Basic Dress, 39 Bust, Vint... </a> <div style=" font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; "> pintucksew </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $7.50 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="170px" width="170px"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114495245" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/001/0/5410990/il_170x135.393453985_4r47.jpg" style=" border:none; padding:0px; " width="170px"> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114495245" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Shirt Dress, 40 Bust, Vinta... </a> <div style=" font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; "> pintucksew </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $7.50 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="170px" width="170px"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114494128" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <img src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/008/0/5410990/il_170x135.393455302_qn9k.jpg" style=" border:none; padding:0px; " width="170px"> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114494128" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Coat / Dress, 37 Bust, Easy ... </a> <div style=" font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; "> pintucksew </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $7.50 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="170px" width="170px"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114493068" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/0/5410990/il_170x135.393447237_tueu.jpg" style=" border:none; padding:0px; " width="170px"> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114493068" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Shift Dress, 36 Bust, Easy t... </a> <div style=" font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; "> pintucksew </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $7.50 </div> </td> <td style=" border:1px solid #ECECEC; padding: 6px; text-align:left; " height="170px" width="170px"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114497144" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/0/5410990/il_170x135.393464133_j0xh.jpg" style=" border:none; padding:0px; " width="170px"> </a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114497144" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; "> <span style=" color:#666666; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; "> Shorts, Skirt, Blouse,41 Bus... </a> <div style=" font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style=" text-decoration: none; color:#B2B2B2; "> pintucksew </a> </div> <div style=" color:#78C042; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; float:right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> $7.50 </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p style=" color:#B2B2B2; font-size:10px; font-family:sans-serif; margin-left: 10px; "> <a href="http://redrowstudio.com/tools/treasury.php"> Treasury tool </a> supported by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thedoghouse">the dog house</a> I listed a few more cute vintage patterns to sew up for holiday outfits. I am especially happy to have found larger sizes for the rest of us who look so hard through vintage patterns to find our measurements! The ones I show here are just a few. More are listed in the shop, with more to come. I am also going to list some 'recent' patterns at huge discounts. They come from the lingering stock from my brick and morter sewing boutique, and are 'like new'!

Vintage Sewing: Patterns, New to the Shop

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11:08 AM

1960 Dress Style: How to Get That Look

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBUJNKUALeDfZL_t25GIAx__sb6XIf0AvV0PBHnoiOFvy_NeFEeUpzpSbfZW1MbvhUNoZ-LlwuQxeptje3jt9B_mSz6EH8UNHxFts-u1u2l9yCyjF5KSCydWnRR-9rp-1AEKNRews-WW2/s1600/1960+jcpenney+dress+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBUJNKUALeDfZL_t25GIAx__sb6XIf0AvV0PBHnoiOFvy_NeFEeUpzpSbfZW1MbvhUNoZ-LlwuQxeptje3jt9B_mSz6EH8UNHxFts-u1u2l9yCyjF5KSCydWnRR-9rp-1AEKNRews-WW2/s400/1960+jcpenney+dress+ad.jpg" width="311" /></a></div> Aren't these classic dresses from 1960 cute? They are from a Penney's department store advertisement. The dresses are cotton and use a black and white gingham check. What makes each one special are the details: pockets, borders and banding trims. When you plan to sew a dress like this, designing the details are half the fun. This ad has very simple dresses when you look at the cut and style, yet the details make each one seem interesting and stylish. All of these elements would be easy to copy using a pattern that has the basic fit. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhD4UHnd2nNK9fk9_srL8yapaq5rHDJ6u09gZim85s0nCn9xh1F3I_OTKF5jcnzeIGnoFfH328EfRywEXQvxb9S4Av1zct8__RU6MpnVLos0mksetIz3i0rpXyHVeTZb8jDrem7vWlZBH/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhD4UHnd2nNK9fk9_srL8yapaq5rHDJ6u09gZim85s0nCn9xh1F3I_OTKF5jcnzeIGnoFfH328EfRywEXQvxb9S4Av1zct8__RU6MpnVLos0mksetIz3i0rpXyHVeTZb8jDrem7vWlZBH/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> 1960 Dresses: I found some current fashion patterns that could be used to sew up your own dress in this early 1960's style. What I looked for were fitted bodices with either simple darts or princess seam lines. For a curvy figure, those princess seams are best, since a clean fit can be shaped down the bodice dart in front. More slender figures can use the simple darted bodices. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS3N1wxcjUtc1syDB6r8Y-l425yomhMwkOe7X-E0LoCu2bejY7S-CpnNDBymS133CC1ybKw-WQddvF6tsvFeQQGMgHvyMWL5vBzOde0X0DWupYSpbhOWH8ixiHpOlvFZYoMJ6UDpkMnq4/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS3N1wxcjUtc1syDB6r8Y-l425yomhMwkOe7X-E0LoCu2bejY7S-CpnNDBymS133CC1ybKw-WQddvF6tsvFeQQGMgHvyMWL5vBzOde0X0DWupYSpbhOWH8ixiHpOlvFZYoMJ6UDpkMnq4/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> It isn't easy to find a current dress pattern with a fitted bodice and gathered skirt. You may want to make your own full skirt. Many of the best full skirts are about 3 yards around, or 108". This was probably due to the fact that their cottons were sold in 36" widths. They would cut 3 panels that were the full fabric width and sew them together down the selvage edges for each skirt. Some skirts are gathered, others are "knife pleated". These are the small pleats you see in dresses that tend to 'flatten' the skirt around the waistline. For many, this results in a more slender look at the waistline. Yardage: How much fabric do we need for a full skirt? 1. Measure your length from waistline to hem. 2. We want about 108"(36" x 3)around for this skirt. If we use current 42" wide fabric, we need 3 panels. Two would be the full fabric width, but the third panel is going to be only 24" wide. If your fabric print is large, you may need to make adjustments to plan for the motif. 3. For each panel, add 2" for the hem and 1/2" for the seam allowance around the waistline. This means that yardage for a skirt with three panels would require: 3X length + 7.5". Next we will look at how to get our details and trims to have the same cute look!

1960 Dress Style: How to Get That Look

Aren't these classic dresses from 1960 cute? They are from a Penney's department store advertisement. The dresses are cotton and u...

10:52 AM

New Look Era : Dress Pattern, McCall's 7719

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2Xq985ATulB3iHKUnagaYAE9EmfXYrEs_6cB4bokSX0mkEl0IKK9oeqRHHHqUkxLC8UfH5r331ZNYYX52zZE6T_DfCAlfvQFgn2vK-0btGFrc8eXLA92LKlB3P2qK0qMR94shax0OOC7/s1600/IMG_6013.JPG"><img alt="McCalls 7719" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712383150900128306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2Xq985ATulB3iHKUnagaYAE9EmfXYrEs_6cB4bokSX0mkEl0IKK9oeqRHHHqUkxLC8UfH5r331ZNYYX52zZE6T_DfCAlfvQFgn2vK-0btGFrc8eXLA92LKlB3P2qK0qMR94shax0OOC7/s400/IMG_6013.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a>This is the cover art from vintage sewing pattern: McCall's 7719. It's probably from the late 1940's or early 1950's, judging by the skirt silhouette and length. The dress has a stylish back fullness, yet the front view is slender, and that's so typical of the era. The bodice front detail seam lines and stitching are sexy yet oddly tailored looking. It's like the designer super-imposed a ball gown bodice onto a dress front. The shoulders do seem a big structured, a hold out from the previous silhouette? My personal checklist for the "New Look" post WWII era: --turned up collar --turned back cuffs --hip flange pockets --pointed corners: winged collar, pockets and cuffs --back fullness --skirt length to mid-calf --new short hairstyle and small earrings --new small hat --moderate heeled pumps

New Look Era : Dress Pattern, McCall's 7719

This is the cover art from vintage sewing pattern: McCall's 7719. It's probably from the late 1940's or early 1950's, judgi...

5:22 AM

Blue Calico Prints: C. 1930's

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQlDa75xPwQwVXzOjF62oes1tsE84uKffOjQRO-PeB-r9y66G1wenZEGbQWn8M6U1EDOJSvoeYd7qODO_rUAjxkJmWhhlsnRX3AmENFKU3Y9rEi5c4plfHSepfviEy0_vhX1rq8WZZ0xv/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704226093162793602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQlDa75xPwQwVXzOjF62oes1tsE84uKffOjQRO-PeB-r9y66G1wenZEGbQWn8M6U1EDOJSvoeYd7qODO_rUAjxkJmWhhlsnRX3AmENFKU3Y9rEi5c4plfHSepfviEy0_vhX1rq8WZZ0xv/s400/IMG_1658.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UNIT3BMp45lrPWAGxLYxfOY-VE0tcfLTNGeV5ZLeDst_X0Ja9XuDQj6jv3ngBUyA1I30oMKik15QQ9pHJ2NjpK8cNWV2qJ-aJ0pi_1ZMvcqrFGhgcUD62wngn3Et62EDxgjRlrmkLym1/s1600/IMG_1656.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704226085939502194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UNIT3BMp45lrPWAGxLYxfOY-VE0tcfLTNGeV5ZLeDst_X0Ja9XuDQj6jv3ngBUyA1I30oMKik15QQ9pHJ2NjpK8cNWV2qJ-aJ0pi_1ZMvcqrFGhgcUD62wngn3Et62EDxgjRlrmkLym1/s400/IMG_1656.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLzOBhc2ga4T8flvz_Kp_yFV3C_Ftwn_Z4larE6Q601tkX68N6ExupSdsCmeMYpB9fvi2q5ITAVKgm_DZ7BTQV9EL2QKM4GtQU2yHVBjLazvg32bpUdP8OL9LtmUzCJJVRcku8FsVDcvW/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704226099371086610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLzOBhc2ga4T8flvz_Kp_yFV3C_Ftwn_Z4larE6Q601tkX68N6ExupSdsCmeMYpB9fvi2q5ITAVKgm_DZ7BTQV9EL2QKM4GtQU2yHVBjLazvg32bpUdP8OL9LtmUzCJJVRcku8FsVDcvW/s400/IMG_1670.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vjmqZNAVrr4-YniNaya5wGz655j1R76fTRPZmwFk-LRKQX9JHrCve4kDa56GLnRLP-MQ0mhRe4WKOMarGDHrSuIdd4EaecLiM4cn-t_2hNSgnD7GiRIN3_9y0VC2vjFQSFHPKgCqgndd/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704225623721095426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vjmqZNAVrr4-YniNaya5wGz655j1R76fTRPZmwFk-LRKQX9JHrCve4kDa56GLnRLP-MQ0mhRe4WKOMarGDHrSuIdd4EaecLiM4cn-t_2hNSgnD7GiRIN3_9y0VC2vjFQSFHPKgCqgndd/s400/IMG_1639.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pGylx91-IRTPoxHJqvlNP6QUKmRBw3KuHjlub6W1flZgdoZDxZVSVKHmzJiw_m9dnCzS9rTWX5Jh92t4VuD1R49YAxWboy69hOZmKXEMhz5nliFnikbnDRcox2S0Tt_V1Ip-YZWv85j6/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704225614665714194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pGylx91-IRTPoxHJqvlNP6QUKmRBw3KuHjlub6W1flZgdoZDxZVSVKHmzJiw_m9dnCzS9rTWX5Jh92t4VuD1R49YAxWboy69hOZmKXEMhz5nliFnikbnDRcox2S0Tt_V1Ip-YZWv85j6/s400/IMG_1638.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBWWhkvGMK-XeLNcmDAZZdAD-u_rixBnDJeqFaoRZeBcT5ncjaTgp-dzg8UNxmE4EzhR_lqV1e-wpC3sVxKUKyJsbQEbxyBtC4OxT7kVZ5ymwifT9fvcEwXYvgSEmbDZUJb7hcSS1hDWb/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704225609776713298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBWWhkvGMK-XeLNcmDAZZdAD-u_rixBnDJeqFaoRZeBcT5ncjaTgp-dzg8UNxmE4EzhR_lqV1e-wpC3sVxKUKyJsbQEbxyBtC4OxT7kVZ5ymwifT9fvcEwXYvgSEmbDZUJb7hcSS1hDWb/s400/IMG_1637.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwvUJBVRRCwNxrKcfA9_ZtXOzfRFDOkXo7C20OE9Ml6Zv3ZqCxk9X8BeSaaC0YWzpr2QOdxnGJfTxyt5fYBX-hHNR0mk_2E5PJBF_XA3Q5iIzgT-rqn7REdTd3DEbnUn46jy2dtZNWAvw/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704225608512779682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwvUJBVRRCwNxrKcfA9_ZtXOzfRFDOkXo7C20OE9Ml6Zv3ZqCxk9X8BeSaaC0YWzpr2QOdxnGJfTxyt5fYBX-hHNR0mk_2E5PJBF_XA3Q5iIzgT-rqn7REdTd3DEbnUn46jy2dtZNWAvw/s400/IMG_1635.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e36yiqtNPPg_aAzQPLEC_AZxiaqtME75KEX4AWhGkh5KgSAgPk14MdMJirsFhS-jgiUmSuzvW8CMBatyw7i5RVRwJAEob0t7DzCHDtqtv1PXWA2iWo4uJK43i7yteTIAaQotPBjCjZu4/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704225628025294770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e36yiqtNPPg_aAzQPLEC_AZxiaqtME75KEX4AWhGkh5KgSAgPk14MdMJirsFhS-jgiUmSuzvW8CMBatyw7i5RVRwJAEob0t7DzCHDtqtv1PXWA2iWo4uJK43i7yteTIAaQotPBjCjZu4/s400/IMG_1651.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a> The little blue cotton calicos shown here are part of an unfinished quilt that probably was started in the 1930's. The textiles are fresh and unfaded, as you can see. This makes them perfect for inspiration or research into 1930's graphic styles, fashion textiles and home crafts. If you plan to sew a 1920's through WWII era house dress, apron or blouse, these are the prints you will be looking for. These tiny florals would pair up nicely with contrast bias trim, ric-rack or eyelet edging, wouldn't they!

Blue Calico Prints: C. 1930's

The little blue cotton calicos shown here are part of an unfinished quilt that probably was started in the 1930's. The textiles are fre...

5:45 AM

1972: Prom and Party Styles

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59dvX76WPb2yS7J1P3MZrpYMLcirDnof_THCKbotGBpHR9xEKecrFhTrxorSQzIR00ns3pZEW0EgWlGY6RO6DhGCCE_X3_-K54SAfMDESknZ_BJ_DLXrFXuSQJdyT_DC_hs2uB8N3e9L3/s1600/IMG_9825.JPG"><img alt="Simplicity 9725, 1972" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703169611128087298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59dvX76WPb2yS7J1P3MZrpYMLcirDnof_THCKbotGBpHR9xEKecrFhTrxorSQzIR00ns3pZEW0EgWlGY6RO6DhGCCE_X3_-K54SAfMDESknZ_BJ_DLXrFXuSQJdyT_DC_hs2uB8N3e9L3/s400/IMG_9825.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XBogX0RYmAbhM9GgJcs5cwxqtyMbN057BdpPVw3aNWeNxI13sGtMKSCS1kHIFNgX2U2Hnu4nGsFycJNAV75WO8DYghsfk6Nas4b42iVYPCEupUiF9dbkTjL5FE9njjkrRvuyhmM-vc94/s1600/IMG_9810.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703173512690242018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XBogX0RYmAbhM9GgJcs5cwxqtyMbN057BdpPVw3aNWeNxI13sGtMKSCS1kHIFNgX2U2Hnu4nGsFycJNAV75WO8DYghsfk6Nas4b42iVYPCEupUiF9dbkTjL5FE9njjkrRvuyhmM-vc94/s400/IMG_9810.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nQLVp8sAaCae30rM9B90_NizaS_YXZdHVd_L1DOicdBSESGqY_NHo3AiCxjThbUvBhzmSVM8D4jybvow2XO6Zh7rfwT7rbn4dkBu5doIFhxmc2_v_KySegEYUfABvSbSTm-XoydYZPOR/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG"><img alt="Simplicity 9709, 1972" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703169863759529746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nQLVp8sAaCae30rM9B90_NizaS_YXZdHVd_L1DOicdBSESGqY_NHo3AiCxjThbUvBhzmSVM8D4jybvow2XO6Zh7rfwT7rbn4dkBu5doIFhxmc2_v_KySegEYUfABvSbSTm-XoydYZPOR/s400/IMG_9826.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGoyjaM1DrIJFVoXLjMO3xIk2sdAD1PNMx4CbFBwy0jqmjIk5uaKiFGiLuJ3LCBhbbRXmHfYxfKJRctqy3ezBRkQT8dG3kl5Fra9FL9rk_FV3ElGpihWvhbz4plAHzcdjzWrYjgg9QaRg/s1600/IMG_9809.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703170088929340610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGoyjaM1DrIJFVoXLjMO3xIk2sdAD1PNMx4CbFBwy0jqmjIk5uaKiFGiLuJ3LCBhbbRXmHfYxfKJRctqy3ezBRkQT8dG3kl5Fra9FL9rk_FV3ElGpihWvhbz4plAHzcdjzWrYjgg9QaRg/s400/IMG_9809.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> The two Simplicity patterns shown here date from Spring, 1972 and include textile swatches suggested for each pattern style. Simplicity 9725 was part of a young looking group called "Young Contemporary Fashion". It included styles that seemed to be currently selling in the market for juniors. Fabric suggestions include 50% polyester/50% rayon blend wovens in a sheer leno stripe weave. The midriff waistline with flutter sleeves was influenced by the vintage 1930's styles popular at that time. Simplicity 9709 is a bit more mature, from the "Designer Fashion" collection (no name mentioned in this promotional group). It was suggested for patio parties and proms. The black bodice shows up often during this era, worn over bright abstract or floral patterns. The fabrics shown here are 75% acetate/25% nylon in a textured 'terry cloth' texture on a velour knit. Bright solids are paired with very graphic prints inspired by Pucci and patchwork quilts.

1972: Prom and Party Styles

The two Simplicity patterns shown here date from Spring, 1972 and include textile swatches suggested for each pattern style. Simplicity 9725...

5:30 AM

1970's Vintage Sewing Patterns & California Fashion Designers

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLFbGFUR1483pDXDwSydvPp8pvFWKBnI8B4ToE8bja0CbijEUKcKyko7dgffsurAZiaZQUIlNd-bd8VdCdzcI4lxhmwsXRZ4WblihEkmGbBrS6j-bYdqxWhKAdwI5IIiOHz22XNjoKRzg/s1600/GunneSax+pattern%252C+1979.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672051661813617682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLFbGFUR1483pDXDwSydvPp8pvFWKBnI8B4ToE8bja0CbijEUKcKyko7dgffsurAZiaZQUIlNd-bd8VdCdzcI4lxhmwsXRZ4WblihEkmGbBrS6j-bYdqxWhKAdwI5IIiOHz22XNjoKRzg/s400/GunneSax+pattern%252C+1979.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 395px;" /></a> Collecting and selling vintage sewing patterns has heightened my awareness of “designer” brands from past decades. I have often wondered about some of the late 1970’s patterns. Why were there so many pattern designers from Los Angeles then? Like “Made in California”, there seemed to be more interest in west coast fashion back then than today. I did some digging around and came up with part of the story: By 1979, the home sewing business was around $3.4 billion per year. About 125 million patterns were sold annually. The four major pattern companies at that time were: Vogue, Butterick, McCall’s and Simplicity. About 35 to 40 million home sewers were located in Southern California, the largest regional group in the US. The huge demand for home sewing patterns in California prompted the home sewing industry to release designs by popular local fashion designers. It was also hoped that the allure of the west coast life style would spread a demand for these young, unique and less European fashion designs throughout the country. At that time it cost $25,000 to produce and issue one original designer pattern for the home sewing market. Featuring a designer meant that companies expected a good sell out to support their investment. Seeking life style branding, along with a middle class interest in a fashion that was more accessible, the designer patterns where hoped to be top selling designs not only on the west coast, but nationally as well. In that year, eleven fashion designers from Los Angeles and two from San Francisco had sewing patterns featuring their labels. Seven of these designers were published by McCall’s. By May, 1979 that company featured designer patterns by Bob Mackie, Norma Fink’s “Theodore” label, Carol Little’s “St. Tropez West” label, “Singer and Spicer” and the “Strauss” label by Bonnie Strauss. In June, 1979 the “Ma Chemise” label by Dennis Goldsmith and Nancy Heller’s “Tea Shirts” designs would be added to the roster of California design talent at McCall’s. In 1978, Simplicity patterns, the largest pattern company at that time, sought out a strong California identity. Their west coast design roster featured Holly Harp, Harriet Selwyn’s label “Fragments” and “Gunne Sax” by Jessica McClintock. Jessica McClintock would prove to be a profitable pattern label that continues to be part of the Simplicity pattern company designer roster. The Vogue pattern company had always featured well known American fashion designers and is credited with being first to feature California labels (that’s debatable). In 1976 they started including local talent with Edith Head’s designs. As a movie costumer who didn’t design or manufacture, she was a legend of Hollywood glamour. Butterick’s first California designer label was for Jane Tise in 1975 under the “Young Designer” title for her label “Sweet Baby Jane”. If a count were made, she would probably be one of the top designers creating sewing patterns during that decade. The California free spirit and inspiration buyers sought after were featured in Jane Tise designs. Lesser known Nancy Stolkin’s simple to sew yet fashionable designs were added in April, 1979. What seems like a spontaneous display of interest in California fashion designers was brought about by two occurrences: an alarming downturn in pattern sales that began in 1976, and the realization that most home sewers thought high fashion designer labels were too complicated and difficult to sew. The companies hoped that these new California labels would seem inspiring without being intimidating. They also hoped the new looks would bring back a customer who was wearing more pants, fewer dresses and sewing for herself less often. Like Jessica McClintock, a few designer labels would be long term sellers, keeping some of the departing sewing masses in the fold. Most information for this article came from an April 16, 1979 news article “Pattern Makers Heading West for Designs for Middle America” written by west coast fashion journalist, Marylou Luther, who wrote for the “Los Angeles Times”. Below is an incomplete inventory of the California designer patterns, starting in the 1970’s. Most are currently available for sale online. If you have more pattern numbers to add to the lists, please feel free to leave them in the comment’s section, thanks! McCalls: Norma Fink “Theodore”: McCall’s: 6770 Bob Mackie: McCall’s: 6840 (1979) Nancy Heller: McCall’s:, 8783, 9040 (80s), 9055 (1984) Singer and Spicer: McCalls: 6756 Carol Little “Saint-Tropez West”: McCall’s: 6725, 6726, 7983(1982), 8816 (1983) Simplicity: Harriet Selwyn “Fragments”: Simplicity: 8648 (1978), 8905 (1979) Dennis Goldsmith: Simplicity: 8589(1988), 9193 (1989), 9856 (1990), 9885 (1990, girl’s) Holly’s Harp: Simplicity: 8645, 8646 (1978), 9177 (1979) Nancy Heller: Simplicity: 8607 Jessica McClintock, “Gunne Sax”: Simplicity: 6270, 6271 (1983), 9350 (1979), 8907, 8947, 8223 (1987), 8224 (1987), 7563 (1991), 8985 (1989, girls), 8671, 9558, 9100, 6883, 6361 (1983) Butterick: Nancy Stolkin: Butterick: 6579, 6581 Jane Tise “Sweet Baby Jane”: Butterick: 4096, 4098, 4099, 4100, 4391, 4642, 5049, 5050, 5051, 5283, 5990, 5991, 5992, 5993, 6330, 6331, 6332, 6412, 6681, 6682, 6683, 6684 Vogue: Edith Head: Vogue, American Designers: 1560, 1803, 1895, 1896, 2041, 2221, 2335, 2560, 2561, 2831, 2832, 2923

1970's Vintage Sewing Patterns & California Fashion Designers

Collecting and selling vintage sewing patterns has heightened my awareness of “designer” brands from past decades. I have often wondered ab...

4:56 PM

Vintage Details: Glibert Adrian: Suit Jacket c. 1947: part 2

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-3KQ1ili53NmJGsdo7dWOrXIA7Vp67ozXPEI1TvSLWZzZ-cGGMgUu5YC0UpaE6I2j9-ow90Tzby6-kA2u9VbDc5KaWFRXx5dDxpIKlzjW5R6HLXRWfUR46BoipEFOUlzjbmGJsS7Zl67/s1600/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642779770795792530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-3KQ1ili53NmJGsdo7dWOrXIA7Vp67ozXPEI1TvSLWZzZ-cGGMgUu5YC0UpaE6I2j9-ow90Tzby6-kA2u9VbDc5KaWFRXx5dDxpIKlzjW5R6HLXRWfUR46BoipEFOUlzjbmGJsS7Zl67/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" /></a> Seeing how a vintage jacket was designed to be worn can help to understand its style and silhouette. This original photo of Adrian’s black wool jacket from 1947 shows the model wearing dark gloves. At that time, hair and hats were often small and fit close to the head for a more modern look, although long hair was still seen, especially on a younger customer. This jacket was selected by the regional fashion magazine "California Stylist" along with only three other styles to represent Adrian’s designs for 1947. The design must have been an influential and popular model from his collection that year (Calif. Stylist, 1950). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDTY1z8EdYt1uvXvfC1y8wl5m6SJann0VbicMKcuQI5TFV-qxCZhUmdqiTHwzG5AmAb47S0XC_VipY83EGJcJSUkOD62qg_an9kMltU_Hv6M-PvFuUucISfb0abwopbuycrmIWyKTD3TB/s1600/Slide6.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642779598792901938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDTY1z8EdYt1uvXvfC1y8wl5m6SJann0VbicMKcuQI5TFV-qxCZhUmdqiTHwzG5AmAb47S0XC_VipY83EGJcJSUkOD62qg_an9kMltU_Hv6M-PvFuUucISfb0abwopbuycrmIWyKTD3TB/s400/Slide6.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a> The ‘tubular suit’ as shown in "Vogue" magazine, April 1947, was usually seen with a straight and narrow skirt that is below the knee in length. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vgjzHfp18d53wwValvY0E7L1fj3oP5ptbpaE8y3wMFMhXOYhL98Xvt5ZtobY_02WKY4DAqWhCVl_RuxNUTPG7KrzI7o9YXsfCQSk6bbsQoQCI4hVSa2Pv7_EnLiIuzSA2FBFO1HmHydu/s1600/Slide2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642780022561190626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vgjzHfp18d53wwValvY0E7L1fj3oP5ptbpaE8y3wMFMhXOYhL98Xvt5ZtobY_02WKY4DAqWhCVl_RuxNUTPG7KrzI7o9YXsfCQSk6bbsQoQCI4hVSa2Pv7_EnLiIuzSA2FBFO1HmHydu/s400/Slide2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" /></a> In a study of the garment structure, the shoulders are structured with ¾ inch thick shoulder pads. Although this seems extreme for 1947, the shoulder width does not extend dramatically from the natural shoulder width. It is evident from close examination from the outside, that the upper torso is heavily hand tailored. The lower front of the body, sleeve hems and peplum are left soft and un-reinforced with heavy interfacing. Hand sewing is evident in the bound buttonholes, and patch pocket applications. The faille lining is hand sewn to the facings. Overall, the methods used are traditional for women’s tailoring. This suit would have been produced in a downtown Los Angeles factory, rather than custom made at his Beverly Hills salon. (click on the photos to see them enlarged) Please contact me if you would like to use these photos, thank you.

Vintage Details: Glibert Adrian: Suit Jacket c. 1947: part 2

Seeing how a vintage jacket was designed to be worn can help to understand its style and silhouette. This original photo of Adrian’s black ...

6:45 AM

Mad about PLAID

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4QkYo1afD1QN5sTCvc79xR2HQIwMCfgvQIepbEx8aIeW3pWFqNWTBSnGv3wPQQLd_a_P41XW7DKrGjbQfzO0468QaILmLrRtSrpNjTZERBa9gCr-DE1FfFcxOd9iPXmv2LbhbZrkFxwu/s1600/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="1970s sewing pattern" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661171316607185778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4QkYo1afD1QN5sTCvc79xR2HQIwMCfgvQIepbEx8aIeW3pWFqNWTBSnGv3wPQQLd_a_P41XW7DKrGjbQfzO0468QaILmLrRtSrpNjTZERBa9gCr-DE1FfFcxOd9iPXmv2LbhbZrkFxwu/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>Fall is a great time to re-discover how fun plaids and checks can be. These vintage fabrics have the kind of color that will make up into the perfect sewing project. Add a vintage pattern from the 1970's and you have a fun way to spend the weekend. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BOfrHs45D90XgWboI_3X2dztukktijlKz76J4fBFOE_jPqsStnwG9KkBnZk30E2jDoteQbKs2Wu3BdRzy_JeM5X6KQFvX_CGltDSH1FpPc68vaIDzRnejfOClG64Y9hZdyHPJFLECJ29/s1600/Slide2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="tweed and vintage pattern" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661171395556121746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BOfrHs45D90XgWboI_3X2dztukktijlKz76J4fBFOE_jPqsStnwG9KkBnZk30E2jDoteQbKs2Wu3BdRzy_JeM5X6KQFvX_CGltDSH1FpPc68vaIDzRnejfOClG64Y9hZdyHPJFLECJ29/s400/Slide2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>This Chanel style houndstooth check would be elegant and striking in this two-piece set. While the sewing pattern is vintage, this bold fabric would make a more current trend style outfit. -------------- Find these at Pintuck Sew on Etsy (see right side icons for a direct link)

Mad about PLAID

Fall is a great time to re-discover how fun plaids and checks can be. These vintage fabrics have the kind of color that will make up into t...

10:15 AM

Vintage Detail: Red Silk Dress c. 1960

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxArSaO3r0s9K2W8QLJJgA1vDxmhD2rrc89Kb29F8fQpAKTAHd0cYIjp0bUvvEhy_jFTBMLjc3VsVd_t2AIUNgU0DabyAhXhEGOUx4ltL0irJpQQ-LXw1_Wil-JcVL-mePB3aBZKwUxvq6/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642719490862576642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxArSaO3r0s9K2W8QLJJgA1vDxmhD2rrc89Kb29F8fQpAKTAHd0cYIjp0bUvvEhy_jFTBMLjc3VsVd_t2AIUNgU0DabyAhXhEGOUx4ltL0irJpQQ-LXw1_Wil-JcVL-mePB3aBZKwUxvq6/s400/IMG_4588.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQRyWdbqHZ3LPubk7DY3gJ-1GKYM0pjKIvSycAQ9mOo4PZ-KfArQ-oJReattkkbKuviPXy3TjPuMalVoGQNf8xY1oQ73JHBC_xCpcBTg-RbrasTcRcfToofFZjdGZ9P5k8A4TfWLl0UWA/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642719371550579538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQRyWdbqHZ3LPubk7DY3gJ-1GKYM0pjKIvSycAQ9mOo4PZ-KfArQ-oJReattkkbKuviPXy3TjPuMalVoGQNf8xY1oQ73JHBC_xCpcBTg-RbrasTcRcfToofFZjdGZ9P5k8A4TfWLl0UWA/s400/IMG_4591.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkHMYG4RPttd_dfo5mvc-2HQjiKl7hpluf3j5LbH6vy1hw9DjAh_4WADz8Wm3_iM1MwxTlS2L-aGtj4FFkRqzWTz_Lpmq-e1YSCI2aTr1L1XhPbQFpLezEUOLI-uYfEz7zpnuoj9-30Hd/s1600/IMG_4602.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642719279646893234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkHMYG4RPttd_dfo5mvc-2HQjiKl7hpluf3j5LbH6vy1hw9DjAh_4WADz8Wm3_iM1MwxTlS2L-aGtj4FFkRqzWTz_Lpmq-e1YSCI2aTr1L1XhPbQFpLezEUOLI-uYfEz7zpnuoj9-30Hd/s400/IMG_4602.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiweyidvBEKb3u8VX86iF9F7fehi2Xvgg_lGqfKy2C77ULvBYbMYry7AEcrzCOKLKDAowV9OWZpFDm23SLUicBujnufUAuPFcb7Q7N-hzLol6Q3jXAlWZs4dNcSmwwb5n8erJfnRV_Aby/s1600/IMG_4605.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642719066459575202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiweyidvBEKb3u8VX86iF9F7fehi2Xvgg_lGqfKy2C77ULvBYbMYry7AEcrzCOKLKDAowV9OWZpFDm23SLUicBujnufUAuPFcb7Q7N-hzLol6Q3jXAlWZs4dNcSmwwb5n8erJfnRV_Aby/s400/IMG_4605.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 345px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUy9761QmlxruJyyatNSqyKP_tAIhbsAZaMPa5kKnGFFPOgntg1DrdU_cIJMYPv5OVGrYNMoA9_u4clmYIiJhZZSiIV-aXlvsWh99DeWEwpppGPwEiBPGJACiGLrrKJ8YDy8dgIQdFRhwH/s1600/IMG_4609.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642718950786735890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUy9761QmlxruJyyatNSqyKP_tAIhbsAZaMPa5kKnGFFPOgntg1DrdU_cIJMYPv5OVGrYNMoA9_u4clmYIiJhZZSiIV-aXlvsWh99DeWEwpppGPwEiBPGJACiGLrrKJ8YDy8dgIQdFRhwH/s400/IMG_4609.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4yOE7shMYGmK9X4UgEpWRPThPGTQagLhxwm40sRKAyy2zZTVy5GzT6Jwc-BbiaonaNtSJQtcNkD7_eBndi3mayf6qahJW8HR3uLeQol5EKYZMlbh9bt2fqZ51lN26ZsdxtjWNxINDA4c/s1600/IMG_4612.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642718800797211922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4yOE7shMYGmK9X4UgEpWRPThPGTQagLhxwm40sRKAyy2zZTVy5GzT6Jwc-BbiaonaNtSJQtcNkD7_eBndi3mayf6qahJW8HR3uLeQol5EKYZMlbh9bt2fqZ51lN26ZsdxtjWNxINDA4c/s400/IMG_4612.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> This dress is fully lined. The hem appears to have been shortened. All beaded has been sewn by hand around the neckline and wrists of the long sleeves. The waistline has piping to match. Small hooks and thread loops are sewn at the neckline and waist of the center back metal zipper. click on the photos to enlarge themr

Vintage Detail: Red Silk Dress c. 1960

This dress is fully lined. The hem appears to have been shortened. All beaded has been sewn by hand around the neckline and wrists of the ...

7:00 AM

Vintage Simplicity Sewing Patterns: 1958

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZAoJAfPX76hO6uaza7xut0LI6OvNjMgsex3Pnjf9tCXU6QhYVPX3c7RpnxWsZLGgg1FwniLBlOcNT42RVlZLNtfQRw8-6R9r7e0G_of1zV-MT96bnkBTOakmND2Z7p1FPouceKPxMgLD/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642597401118331362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZAoJAfPX76hO6uaza7xut0LI6OvNjMgsex3Pnjf9tCXU6QhYVPX3c7RpnxWsZLGgg1FwniLBlOcNT42RVlZLNtfQRw8-6R9r7e0G_of1zV-MT96bnkBTOakmND2Z7p1FPouceKPxMgLD/s400/IMG_6093.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif4http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif00px;" /></a>Vintage sewing patterns are a great resource to have. Whether I am trying to date a dress, or looking for new ideas, I just can get enough of them! Mena Trott of <a href="http://www.sewweekly.com/">Sew Weekly</a> recently found a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mena/sets/72157627363201198/">Simplicity 1958 pattern book</a>. She has posted page after page on flickr for all of us to see. It's great fun to view these, and what's even better, the back views are there too. How often do we need to get those details and they aren't available? I think you'll enjoy this new resource, and if you're unfamiliar with Sew Weekly you may want to check that out too. (the Simplicity pattern shown in this post is from my own collection)

Vintage Simplicity Sewing Patterns: 1958

Vintage sewing patterns are a great resource to have. Whether I am trying to date a dress, or looking for new ideas, I just can get enough ...

8:59 AM

Sewing Vintage Fashion: Vogue Patterns, April 1960

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-GlPcoSqXH4r8rtopTl7FgCgUmeEpF5hGhSu-3F30Y-mR-XujWytg3xsXjklgIhxapcpM4vQrebxP9IhRSUvtmQXcQ0sf-_tIEyYVv_Jg1V84Oi-3cchbIpvWRB8-72dAHEsmFAtZ3g8/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="vintage vogue 9967" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641464241716795042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-GlPcoSqXH4r8rtopTl7FgCgUmeEpF5hGhSu-3F30Y-mR-XujWytg3xsXjklgIhxapcpM4vQrebxP9IhRSUvtmQXcQ0sf-_tIEyYVv_Jg1V84Oi-3cchbIpvWRB8-72dAHEsmFAtZ3g8/s400/IMG_7392.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE8EVcepy3Gv17Loh-43f4qwvEPon9OqZJj6zVPKcsEyzB7nm-875-q5f5w46xQ3FMir4SbefzBqeuLLpM8FnOaQGbH7QNb7OLRbgO9Y3HQAPGNZ3wyJY1lVYVpC6D_qTRHKBEuKSm_qr/s1600/IMG_7401.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="vintage vogue 9967" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641464131954263458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE8EVcepy3Gv17Loh-43f4qwvEPon9OqZJj6zVPKcsEyzB7nm-875-q5f5w46xQ3FMir4SbefzBqeuLLpM8FnOaQGbH7QNb7OLRbgO9Y3HQAPGNZ3wyJY1lVYVpC6D_qTRHKBEuKSm_qr/s400/IMG_7401.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 500px;" /></a> Vogue 9967. Blue eyelet, embroidered with dots, great full sleeves on fitted shirt waist dress <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTXKAPn9_GueuJRsWszERX7O_4QOznInNVxa_emYX4VnVDieKTLb9G-zWrchelzyhsfHKpTenP9YKRUmOe2dh_I1O1QzeKfqf2oPaT2rprF9p7-kSc4hjzNYcdBxE4OAbNC1eWYdTsuq9/s1600/IMG_7389.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="vintage vogue 9991" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641464010503611218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTXKAPn9_GueuJRsWszERX7O_4QOznInNVxa_emYX4VnVDieKTLb9G-zWrchelzyhsfHKpTenP9YKRUmOe2dh_I1O1QzeKfqf2oPaT2rprF9p7-kSc4hjzNYcdBxE4OAbNC1eWYdTsuq9/s400/IMG_7389.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 500px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj6pEa2FtrUNQ9oJQ2bJWCGB9N7xESxm2B_A_asQUCn9ngF1yfVFv9CHx8fgVRfWazIRCAaLMHCdMc-rD8ZZnE1Ni73kLbbs563qibX6KGJfvJD9FbJVf1l_IX5KFhvlcMQlyVz6HuxYZ/s1600/IMG_7399.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="vintage vogue 9991" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641463901817529186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj6pEa2FtrUNQ9oJQ2bJWCGB9N7xESxm2B_A_asQUCn9ngF1yfVFv9CHx8fgVRfWazIRCAaLMHCdMc-rD8ZZnE1Ni73kLbbs563qibX6KGJfvJD9FbJVf1l_IX5KFhvlcMQlyVz6HuxYZ/s400/IMG_7399.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 500px;" /></a> Vogue 9991. Floral border on cotton with matching stole wrap, sleeveless bodice with deep "V" back <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXiZ1swIEbjaFTNjBC6HQ9cRY48gT8DkxYDFlNV7rtRtscgTQziqsM2bmET-r4J4Osewa_MVhEIEehJeZY5ilF6GpTZTvy3mKHMgVhwpfXttkTeRWOReFJ94Fg7Sdz5LfROWO2sw7iaSR/s1600/IMG_7393.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="vintage vogue 4104" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641463771193426018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXiZ1swIEbjaFTNjBC6HQ9cRY48gT8DkxYDFlNV7rtRtscgTQziqsM2bmET-r4J4Osewa_MVhEIEehJeZY5ilF6GpTZTvy3mKHMgVhwpfXttkTeRWOReFJ94Fg7Sdz5LfROWO2sw7iaSR/s400/IMG_7393.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 500px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkFMDR9fKZrkq2dugJr5yL8PMtOmHji9xu7TufIxZLBZ7RTz0lnmpXBlbZRcgjnukcHY-mBNSsRu4mqR5N8Zsai25KaRAYETfNt_-WKAmjMNn8VzrvMtlSrLfvPeSvihoE6XJMVO1FTbA/s1600/IMG_7402.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="vintage vogue 4104" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641463637915664610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkFMDR9fKZrkq2dugJr5yL8PMtOmHji9xu7TufIxZLBZ7RTz0lnmpXBlbZRcgjnukcHY-mBNSsRu4mqR5N8Zsai25KaRAYETfNt_-WKAmjMNn8VzrvMtlSrLfvPeSvihoE6XJMVO1FTbA/s400/IMG_7402.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 500px;" /></a> Vogue 4101. Small kimono sleeve bodice with 3.5 yards wide gathered skirt in mauve ribbed cotton These three vintage Vogue patterns are all sewn in cottons. They appear in "Ladies Home Journal", April 1960 (the Kim Novak cover is so sadly damaged I couldn't include a photo for you). It is interesting to note how easy the dresses would be to sew. The seam lines are classic, so that they might be duplicated today using patterns available. The slides below show some current sewing patterns from Vogue, Butterick and McCall's that I found online. These could provide the basic garment to work from. Gathered skirts are not common in today's patterns, so that style would need to be improvised (easy stuff to do). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71QPCDwLIJ-C7LFmxeSJRh4icD1BXFhkCDZUEVjM1hyo2P9VZeGRWWTmKanhfWYuD7CKOOq8XLFA0nh7jq-6EFCJoruiH3kQOgANTYHyUR7yXJSJaVTOLXbBJTUhDKH9MKdHDoHVBxUu0/s1600/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641488766511802706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71QPCDwLIJ-C7LFmxeSJRh4icD1BXFhkCDZUEVjM1hyo2P9VZeGRWWTmKanhfWYuD7CKOOq8XLFA0nh7jq-6EFCJoruiH3kQOgANTYHyUR7yXJSJaVTOLXbBJTUhDKH9MKdHDoHVBxUu0/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> A kimono sleeve bodice is not common today, but there is one vintage styled pattern from Butterick that is similar. This pattern also has a "V" back (remove the bow). Small cap sleeves will also get the 'look'. When sewing a "V" back, that diagonal cut seam will need to be stabilized with twill tape, a strip of interfacing or elastic. That way it won't gap or fall off the shoulders. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT8azdZbf6HLGSX9IeTmd1oZpgFjPBpeM_tKtfOihauH1t3fM9qvL7Fo5IK4a6YL_tWktc3yaAxv8H1imq5agWIltkFvPWEauCoraJKSJDru1lA0_VEc55dy7b-wn3H_1NONmXUu-uxk-/s1600/Slide2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641488700054440354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT8azdZbf6HLGSX9IeTmd1oZpgFjPBpeM_tKtfOihauH1t3fM9qvL7Fo5IK4a6YL_tWktc3yaAxv8H1imq5agWIltkFvPWEauCoraJKSJDru1lA0_VEc55dy7b-wn3H_1NONmXUu-uxk-/s400/Slide2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> The fitted top with deep "V" back on the blue floral dress is very simple. When cutting a "V" back neckline, be sure that the front neckline stays high enough to keep the shoulders in place. If the front is also low cut, the shoulders slip down easily. Dressmakers would add little snaps inside that neckline so the bra strap could be fastened to the shoulder, keeping it in place. Basic fit patterns are great for classic bodices such as this one. For the vintage sewist, this type of pattern is essential to own. It can be used for many styles once a true fit has been made. All three pattern companies carry a version of this pattern. An alternative to simple darts is the princess bodice. Those vertical seam lines make for a better fit on curvy bodices. I show a princess pattern for each style. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpPPetdzzCY6ZRp9WHa4-VAUgi60Z0awOjUvC8EpalKS38ciEigAxBK6c_El55fd3OOfZVdOxQUi0y6VfwXBCSJTEcKggeD8F_q8rx-UI9XMOT44KeJtD0NJoCB6iVMtGv_lrk-iKEdBd/s1600/Slide3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641488625780582290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpPPetdzzCY6ZRp9WHa4-VAUgi60Z0awOjUvC8EpalKS38ciEigAxBK6c_El55fd3OOfZVdOxQUi0y6VfwXBCSJTEcKggeD8F_q8rx-UI9XMOT44KeJtD0NJoCB6iVMtGv_lrk-iKEdBd/s400/Slide3.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> This full skirted shirt dress with puffed sleeves can be duplicated in two ways: as a dress or as a blouse with gathered skirt (an easier fit for most). Those great gathered sleeves are probably easier to locate in a 1980's pattern, since current sleeves have a slender upper arm. I found a few blouses that might make a fitted bodice, and two have fuller sleeves. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4WwREn6QuszE2FkgP0EOY4FCr7i_El3IKgA-DTwp0AeWCpZca66e1yYnZI1zAt8VtBhYONhueT7Hw6JfS4VaXGwH-q5IuALyuCNGE-BTobO4HgHkfFXEqgnKKAzzc_Psf_7JbApjduq0/s1600/Slide4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641488471514150914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4WwREn6QuszE2FkgP0EOY4FCr7i_El3IKgA-DTwp0AeWCpZca66e1yYnZI1zAt8VtBhYONhueT7Hw6JfS4VaXGwH-q5IuALyuCNGE-BTobO4HgHkfFXEqgnKKAzzc_Psf_7JbApjduq0/s400/Slide4.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>

Sewing Vintage Fashion: Vogue Patterns, April 1960

Vogue 9967. Blue eyelet, embroidered with dots, great full sleeves on fitted shirt waist dress Vogue 9991. Floral border on cotton with matc...

7:33 AM

Under Tuscan Sun: Sewing Retro Style Dresses

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd35knLLOK2LGnfr7mSeI-iZx5_p0WmPQtbzKA1RxqNEsDyie0blcj9I5MWKBXoOd3PKi-hrOfQabnJ9UKATW2-B3o0cn-dp0hu-t_QY5X-diMzeFHoi7fL6ZHJWwVFcgO5mh_xz9__wtq/s1600/Slide4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583612153930612242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd35knLLOK2LGnfr7mSeI-iZx5_p0WmPQtbzKA1RxqNEsDyie0blcj9I5MWKBXoOd3PKi-hrOfQabnJ9UKATW2-B3o0cn-dp0hu-t_QY5X-diMzeFHoi7fL6ZHJWwVFcgO5mh_xz9__wtq/s400/Slide4.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 305px;" /></a> "Under Tuscan Sun" from 2003 remains a popular chick flick, in part due to the vintage styles worn by the lead characters, designed by veteran costume designer Nicoletta Ercole. The 'white dress' that the lead character Frances (Diane Lane) wears created quite a scene when the movie was shown. It was a mini trend at the time. Women everywhere wanted to find that white dress. Dresses featured in this film seem timeless: fitted bodice with longer tea length hemlines. This look couldn't be more current, as tea length styles are once again in fashion. I thought it might be fun to take a second glance at these costumes. Three years have passed since I wrote this blog post. At the time, little did I know that it would become one of the most popular posts ever for this blog. Out of respect for those of you that come here looking for these wonderful dresses, I thought it would be a good time to update the sewing patterns that I listed here. I'll share some new patterns with you at the end of the original post. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoQiLjqeEKWQroXtQ2iUiMdDK1yCtNCFjOFbgNZNeEq-x65XSbB5Oy_ojrN2ne2ycePNvRupoajvvVZdHhy3IG48BHYrWokS8t4kekNMra43yr31Acn0IqiCxMZPJLpbuuuUmjnc5X4Xv/s1600/Slide6.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583612058378142130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoQiLjqeEKWQroXtQ2iUiMdDK1yCtNCFjOFbgNZNeEq-x65XSbB5Oy_ojrN2ne2ycePNvRupoajvvVZdHhy3IG48BHYrWokS8t4kekNMra43yr31Acn0IqiCxMZPJLpbuuuUmjnc5X4Xv/s400/Slide6.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a> The white dress seen in a back view shows clearly the silhouette of this outfit. Below the neatly fitting surplice wrapped bodice, a semi-circle skirt is cut to a vintage 1950's 'ballet' or 'tea length' hem line. The bodice fit is accented by a black belt which is the perfect way to note a slim waistline. I show a close-up view of the wrapped bodice, which crosses over to the front darts. The facing is wide, completely covering the bodice center front. It's my guess that the inside fastens on the front left at the dart to keep this from draping open, as surplice tops often do. The sleeve is cut in a short kimono style to make this crepe dress look like it has short sleeves, but without a shoulder seam line. This gives it that late 1940's style. It is important to notice that this is a mock wrapped dress because the skirt is not wrapped, having a half circle skirt instead. To get that look this dress should have a side zipper. What makes this dress such a success is the fabric selection. I believe this is a quality crepe. During the late 1940's we see many similar dresses in this textile. At that time rayon, silk and wool were used to drape soft fold and body contoured silhouettes. Crepe would provide the necessary weight and hand to drape the front wrap, soft shoulder and graceful circle skirt. The bodice appears unlined, except for the facing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rWDMD34E_WsqiptHvayt9dNLd3PVF8fWK1tPXZyrsr_LPl2mIQ_GZZpeeFvVE0dDrHgaA89lx5LzsJzhFiuy-0HOcha7RTznHNXOlkTdPxG90tHFsTqoTIpjKKTqQ2fyEwsyz5b-EUbi/s1600/Slide3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583611963610913154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rWDMD34E_WsqiptHvayt9dNLd3PVF8fWK1tPXZyrsr_LPl2mIQ_GZZpeeFvVE0dDrHgaA89lx5LzsJzhFiuy-0HOcha7RTznHNXOlkTdPxG90tHFsTqoTIpjKKTqQ2fyEwsyz5b-EUbi/s400/Slide3.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 600px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 333px;" /></a> A wedding scene has Frances appearing in yet another captivating dress. This one is probably Thai silk in luminescent peach. It has a great circle skirt, looking similar to that on the white dress. The bodice of this dress is a classic cut: front and side darts create a smooth fit. This crisp fabric requires a set in sleeve, seen here with small cuffs. A narrow shawl collar and covered buttons on the front add soft, but not contrasting details. The one color accent is her wide belt. The skirt on this dress does not continue the center front buttons of the bodice. This would require a side zipper. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCnV2JV3XBWjyzseSJm7q39ijxM9Y3QhLFATlRQgnYKvITcT2VPRMB-clSZG5JIbaqIkUqKu1Z9pNLNpWgAOhB4LSHGKhi7lL-CIr-QcMja5_WTR7R8upngtcPMTPQaEqnWbLucH31MAR/s1600/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583608188720560434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCnV2JV3XBWjyzseSJm7q39ijxM9Y3QhLFATlRQgnYKvITcT2VPRMB-clSZG5JIbaqIkUqKu1Z9pNLNpWgAOhB4LSHGKhi7lL-CIr-QcMja5_WTR7R8upngtcPMTPQaEqnWbLucH31MAR/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a> Katherine, played by Lindsay Duncan is an fanciful character whose references to Fellini are underscored by her wardrobe. Some of these gowns appear to be true vintage, others are close copies. This red dress coat dress and hat serve to give this character the eccentric drama she requires. Wide lapel details enhance the monochromatic theme of her red on red outfit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wFHq6sn7X2qM1hGpgBdWVD2BhrbV5EzsZ2WlBasok2RGtWx7BcvwytokVeL8llzyHfrLMF2vBEM8wmVzNCciMVAOR6fzsM62RyVD2sTG4SdxyhqIDsBKokyqGYKchiIsBFKOkH7wb_lY/s1600/Slide5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583608101372189362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wFHq6sn7X2qM1hGpgBdWVD2BhrbV5EzsZ2WlBasok2RGtWx7BcvwytokVeL8llzyHfrLMF2vBEM8wmVzNCciMVAOR6fzsM62RyVD2sTG4SdxyhqIDsBKokyqGYKchiIsBFKOkH7wb_lY/s400/Slide5.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 450px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 600px;" /></a> In a Fellini moment, we see Katherine in the village fountain, wearing a dress very similar to Fellini's famous fountain scene. It is a slender strapless black sheath with a sheer overskirt lined in gray chiffon. Another black dinner dress with a lace overlay or yoke may be vintage, its delicate details certainly are classic for that era. Now, where to find or re-create these styles? I have found a few sewing patterns that could be altered to reproduce the same look. Actually, the dress styles here are not difficult to sew. The challenge is in the fit instead, so find a willing assistant to pin your fit may be required. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBH_DfwKPsqkZ1XoKpGLDRlaBHUlIXWLpobExBwJ1RSkjezaTub5m7qixeqExw7Dyg8GgOQYWLT2OTjRfxJWcMUXOkJ6EZMCEU45EAOx4wFm0_4IfkmYeLslXY8zc_jhbGDFTa1dlBhaB/s1600/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583643605965857458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBH_DfwKPsqkZ1XoKpGLDRlaBHUlIXWLpobExBwJ1RSkjezaTub5m7qixeqExw7Dyg8GgOQYWLT2OTjRfxJWcMUXOkJ6EZMCEU45EAOx4wFm0_4IfkmYeLslXY8zc_jhbGDFTa1dlBhaB/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> What both of Frances's dresses have in common is a circle or semi-circle skirt sewn at the waistline to a fitted bodice. In both cases that makes the front closures decorative, because the real dress opening will be a side zipper. These two wrap front sewing patterns have the essential bodice details of the white dress. The green style by Butterick 5030 is closest in cut (minus the collar and ruffled sleeves). The Butterick pattern has front bust darts and will fit a curvy body shape while the Vogue 6846 style is without darts, for a more slender figure. With both bodices, altering the pattern by drafting a wider shoulder cut from the bodice will create the type of sleeve seen on the white dress. Because this should be a mock wrap dress, a circle skirt should be sewn to the bodice instead of wrapping the front skirt. This skirt was probably cut in a 1/2 circle. When adding a circle skirt, completely fit the bodice first to get the waist measurement and skirt length. The skirt will be drafted from those measurements. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEajPUq152HIkAztwLOBAbKvl38UZ4RNZ_gdzTuMpSBkY6IXiIz2kgczqhiExjSNBlGEl-an4lFipkIogHNl5QLiFVsEtkekColo8L2zt0UQ3qdTyrCJhAqUEIO5T0mm6bKvWRGDMran7/s1600/Slide2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583643525590844930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEajPUq152HIkAztwLOBAbKvl38UZ4RNZ_gdzTuMpSBkY6IXiIz2kgczqhiExjSNBlGEl-an4lFipkIogHNl5QLiFVsEtkekColo8L2zt0UQ3qdTyrCJhAqUEIO5T0mm6bKvWRGDMran7/s400/Slide2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> The slender shirtwaist dress by McCalls 4769 has the classic darts to make a fitted torso, as well as set in sleeves. The collar is a traditional notch style. It has a placket front that may be eliminated by taping those center front pattern pieces together on the seamline and cutting as one. The real style challenge is to capture the shirt silhouette. In the movie versions, both were full or semi-circle skirts that were sewn to the fitted bodices, requiring a side seam zipper. While a circle skirt pattern can be found for sale, it is not impossible to cut an original version to fit the bodice. When preparing to draft a circle skirt, the directions ask for a waist measurement. Use the bodice waistline measurement from a fitted garment. Be sure to draft a skirt with side seams. When doing this, I use an open floor space, chalk, yardsticks and even string to create the true arc. Hemming circle skirts is most easily done with a very narrow double fold that is hand sewn or machine stitched. When using softer fabrics like crepe, before hemming the finished dress will need to hang for a week or so to let the hem 'hang out'. After that, have the length measured while wearing the dress. This will even out what is probably an uneven skirt length. If you want more information on drafting circle skirts, the images I show here for the skirt draft are explained in full on the blog: <a href="http://makingthings.andreatung.com/2006/04/diy-circle-skirts.html">Making Things by Andrea Tung</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGrQJH-KaKmVDI5qSGUdaFVTMe3iHwIG1REYHCSG4_JJ9WB3PfRixVVGhfLjTfcFeAnSMKb9DobHjUL8K-xlQrTzqKatuR5G42QaKQ4xBpXIKIQpvhlaBTwTBnJ9jhhZDwXSV0gJK0y1x/s1600/Slide3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583643412764887874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGrQJH-KaKmVDI5qSGUdaFVTMe3iHwIG1REYHCSG4_JJ9WB3PfRixVVGhfLjTfcFeAnSMKb9DobHjUL8K-xlQrTzqKatuR5G42QaKQ4xBpXIKIQpvhlaBTwTBnJ9jhhZDwXSV0gJK0y1x/s400/Slide3.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> This concludes the original post. The sewing patterns shown above, Butterick 5030 and Vogue 8646 are still being sold. McCall's 4769 is now out of print, but seems to be available on the McCall's website, and other stores online. To add to the wrap dress collection above, I found several more patterns from Vogue 8896, 8784 and 8379. When looking to match a pattern with your fabric, take care to see if the pattern is designed for a woven or stretch textile, as both are available. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7-hZSCSeF6PfgMrN-lgnrNYQasdVED1q60KQS8zQb7x0StcYA9fgOis2qOXNmZvHAH_yIkmBiYRgQ0e7BgZC2d-ojiDML258h9sNwYY3Nuj_BhSfog6knsJbrVdUEedkiGJV1-wnh3yz/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7-hZSCSeF6PfgMrN-lgnrNYQasdVED1q60KQS8zQb7x0StcYA9fgOis2qOXNmZvHAH_yIkmBiYRgQ0e7BgZC2d-ojiDML258h9sNwYY3Nuj_BhSfog6knsJbrVdUEedkiGJV1-wnh3yz/s400/Slide2.JPG" /></a></div> The simple, slim cut shirt dress pattern was more difficult to locate. McCall's has two dresses that might fit the bill: 6891 and 6696. McCall's 6891 comes the closest to the original dress design. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBatD6-ILuQkVjCPfLpY2yrQBhdtabPk-R6u1wT7xYwOnojTw1cd8yAeM0f557dOX-FdgU3P459dnGDVrdEKzCs6TM2XwHDPSGs9IKuPnSPz6LnqMp7HdcOphQdRUiwG2bfsQ5OtaEWd1v/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBatD6-ILuQkVjCPfLpY2yrQBhdtabPk-R6u1wT7xYwOnojTw1cd8yAeM0f557dOX-FdgU3P459dnGDVrdEKzCs6TM2XwHDPSGs9IKuPnSPz6LnqMp7HdcOphQdRUiwG2bfsQ5OtaEWd1v/s400/Slide1.JPG" /></a></div> Simplicity 1880 has both dress styles in one pattern. While the shoulders have a slight 40's vibe with a wide shoulder yoke, overall either might sew up into the right look. A good belt would define the waistline too. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKYU9Qpw9mzdFAlpxUgfiKZUW-hX9tEzeJnkJ8ImgD0n71ZmakslPq9MVSu-3M7WkD7km2BDBV0zuRBJx7-aTUX_W_u5ByyaiauY2gjiUmGIvRi6KbERzlEMKceHXcq4E3jnIVbuMnrgM/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKYU9Qpw9mzdFAlpxUgfiKZUW-hX9tEzeJnkJ8ImgD0n71ZmakslPq9MVSu-3M7WkD7km2BDBV0zuRBJx7-aTUX_W_u5ByyaiauY2gjiUmGIvRi6KbERzlEMKceHXcq4E3jnIVbuMnrgM/s400/Slide3.JPG" /></a></div> I want to thank everyone who has contacted me or left comments over the past few years. It has been alot of fun seeing how this post really fills a need that women who sew have. Beautiful dresses that fit well. That isn't too much to ask, is it?

Under Tuscan Sun: Sewing Retro Style Dresses

"Under Tuscan Sun" from 2003 remains a popular chick flick, in part due to the vintage styles worn by the lead characters, designe...

9:49 AM

caftan pattern