Can You Imagine?

Some vintage patterns bear the annotations and sketches of the original owner. It is always fun and inspiring to peek into the thoughts of that seamstress of decades ago, and trying to visualize what she had in mind. Take for example this 1958 pattern, Butterick 8492.

The annotation points to view A and states "make in black (sheer wool?) & use lace collar in pattern box".

I electronically colored the dress black, which was straightforward. Making the collar look lacy was rather more difficult and I have no idea what her "lace collar in pattern box" looked like. But it might have looked something like this, which has an evening, after-5 look to it. Lovely, don't you think?

The Midriff Skirt

In the mid-1950s the midriff skirt was a popular style, and it has become equally as popular today. With the waistline at empire height, the options included slim and flared, and even gorgeous evening length skirts. Shaped edges also made for great style, with a curved line or extended points, and the addition of suspenders or straps. And even growing girls were not left out of this popular style.

It's hard not to love a fitted, figure-hugging style that is so flattering and fun. Delish! Here are a few examples that are or were in my shop recently.