Vintage Pattern Finds - Part Nine

The return of romance? I always loved the Gunne Sax line, and the Laura Ashley feminine fashions. These two patterns represent that sort of femininity that I wish were more prevalent today. The Gunne Sax pattern is from 1979 and the Laura Ashely from ten years later. I didn't make either of these patterns, although in the mid-80's I had a Laura Ashley pattern that I loved and used over and over again. Bring back romantic fashions!

Vintage Pattern Finds - Part Eight

What can you say about this men's suit? I found the pattern for $1 and thought it would be good for a laugh. The beginning of the Leisure Suit. These were popular mens wear and this early version isn't so objectionable. BUT by the mid-70's it had degenerated into jokes about light blue polyester suits. Still, if you took the jacket and left off some of the pockets, it might not be too bad.

Vintage Pattern Snags=Part Seven

Another pattern that might not quite be vintage! Dated 1991, this Jumper style is loose, but gathered by the partial belt. I can see this in a patterned corduroy for the fall. Not something I'd usually go for, but I just loved it for some crazy reason!

Vintage Pattern Snags=Part Five

Here is another kicky vintage pattern I picked up. If you are a first time visitor, you may want to visit my previous posts for more.

This is an undated Simplicity pattern, S4886. It is a housedress or a robe, and in the description says it is a maternity dress. I didn't see that until after I'd purchased, but you'd never guess it from the drawing, would you? It is an unprinted pattern, so I'd say it might be later 40's??

I thought it would be fun to make a robe like this, in a vintagey fabric - maybe lawn - for summer. I'll put it on my list - for 2015 by the time I get all my list completed.

Vintage Pattern Snags=Part Three

Ah, 1974. I must have made this outfit the first year it was out. I made the top and long skirt on the right in black satin crepe with black lace. Thought I was hot too.

I know I made it while I lived in Toronto. I wore it the first time going to a party - took the subway out t0 the burbs, then my date picked me up. Always thought I'd like the same outfit in red. Ah, the 70's!

Its been a nutty, nutty week

Oh man I have been busy. Last Sunday I was up until 6:15 a.m. to get a grant finished. I've been running a marathon ever since - seven state grants due on Thursday and another federal grant due today. But right now, the federal grant is uploaded and received, and the drafts on the other projects are out for review, so I have a few minutes to breath easy!

So I thought I'd share these old patterns. I picked them up on a wild run through an antique store last weekend - literally 1 hour after I got my hair cut. Eight patterns for $8, where can you get a bargain like that?

First the apron pattern is really great, isn't it? I especially like the pink one with the ruffles. But any of them would be great. The envelope is in poor shape, but it looks as though all the pattern pieces are there and it is not used.

Then there are the two dress patterns. Be sure to click on each of the photos so it will enlarge and you can see more detail.

The Vogue on the left is from 1950. It is a raglan sleeve dress with inset pintuck trim - I just love it. How about sea green silk?

The Simplicity has no date, but must about the same date. I like the white dress on the right - sort of Lana Turner-ish, isn't it? My waistline would not support such a nipped in silhouette, but, who knows, maybe someday???

Anyway, have a great week and keep on sewin'! With any luck, I will have some time this upcoming weekend to do a bit.

Too Busy to Sew

Well as I suspected, grant season started in all its craziness just the day after I posted last time. I've been working day and night to meet deadlines coming up in the next few weeks. But right now, I have a littl downtime as I've got everything out to my clients for review.

Even though I'm not sewing, I still manage to steal a glance at patterns now and then. These two are patterns I bought off of Ebay back in February, that got buried in my office.

McCalls 8038 is dated 1950. Something about that austere grey jacket and skirt just attracted me. I have some silver grey wool that might make it up quite well. Or what about a more luxurious bucle? I hope to make this one sometime in the next year or so.

No date on Simplicity 2495, but my guess is about the same age as the suit pattern. I can see the navy dress (without the bows - just what I need, bows to make my chest stick out further!) in a pink cotton sateen or light cotton for summer. I might have to extend those cap sleeves a bit as I don't like to show my fat arms, but it would be great and really retro!

Vintage Sewing Patterns

A few weeks ago, I picked up several vintage patterns at my local antique mall. They are from the 60's and 70's - thought I would share them with you.

Click on photo to enlarge!

Vogue 7842 - probably late 60's or early 70's - no date. Labeled maternity, but I remember lots of tops like this that were not.

McCall's 8012 - love this 1965 pattern - still looks quite stylish and chic after all these years.

McCall's 7774 - I knew this immediately - 1965. That low waisted look and the Patty Duke flips - yep, definitely 1965.

Simplicity 5766 - A 1964 version of a nice, dressy dress!

No date on either of these Vogue patterns. I'd place the Nina Ricci squarely in the late 1970's. Not certain about the Valentino - probably about the same era or a bit earlier. I have seen the Valentino on vintage pattern websites and liked it.