A Salute to the Sailor

Ahoy, there, and keep a lookout for patterns featuring a sailor collar that I will be posting soon at Midvale Cottage!

In my home town of Seattle the first Saturday of May is Opening Day of boating season, a wonderful traditional rite of spring here. It is a festive event and the only one of its kind in the world. So, with a nod to all sailors, fashion with nautical style is my inspiration for the next week or two. Here is a preview of what will be appearing in my ship-shape shop in the days ahead:

1940s

1950s

  

 1960s

 

1970s

 

 

The Blitzie!

Not long ago I listed an item from the 1940s and Vogue, which was labeled on the pattern as "Blouse-Shorts":

This rare (to me) pattern is what I have since found out is a "blitzie", a one-in-piece blouse with shorts (as in underwear, not outerwear). I found one definition from 1940: "Blitzies-is the name of a garment which combines blouse and pantie." I have found sales in vintage newspapers of the 1940s that list blitzies for sale along with shortalls, playsuits, and other women's garments.

Alas, none of these vintage newspaper ads includes an image of a blitzie. It is clearly an item distinct from a playsuit, however. Thoughts, anyone?

Hand Embroidery Artist Jillian Tamaki

If you love hand embroidery, you will want to check out the work of Jillian Tamaki and her fabulous book covers commissioned by Penguin Classics. Amazing and gorgeous!

http://blog.jilliantamaki.com/2011/03/penguin-threads-deluxe-classics/