Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Lace-Trimmed Frocks for Evening Wear

While the title indicates this topic is directed at a bride, when you read this very interesting tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears for her 1920s audience, it seems directed at anyone with an interest in the right frock for evening wear. And according to Ruth, the right type of frock depends on your age and body type. If you have a youthful, slim figure, the dress on the right is perfect. Otherwise, choose the dress on the left. ;) Read on for enlightenment!

Miss Lillian's Post Cards - A Tweet from Relatives

Sender: Elsie (Mueller)
Addressee: Miss Lillian M. Maguire, 1902 G Terry Av., Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: Cleveland, Ohio
Date: August 23, 1909
Image: Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, O.

Looking exactly the same in 1909 as it does now, Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland is on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful structure was built in 1901, so it was still a bit of a wonder at the time of this post card.

Message:

Dear Lill:

- Arrived

in Cleveland this A.M.

Had a lake trip from

Buffalo.

Love from

Elsie & Paula

P.S. Have the folks

written to mama

yet? - E.

More relatives enter our view into Lillian's world! In this case, it is a postcard from Elsie and Paula Mueller, sisters of Adolph F Mueller, who is married to Lillian's sister Ann. It is with Ann and Adolph that Lillian is living at this time. The two sisters have just traveled from Buffalo to Cleveland. Both cities are located on the shores of Lake Erie, hence the reference to a "lake trip".

Our clue that they are family (aside from my searches on Ancestry.com) is the postscript. Since Lillian is living with their brother, Elsie asks if "the folks" (meaning Adolph and Annie) have written to mama (that is, Elsie's mother). Elsie is the same age as Lillian (in 1909, age 27), and is just a couple of years younger than Adolph and Ann. Paula is about 6 years younger than her sister.

 An afternoon dress from 1909

Polka Dots Go Mod

In my last post, I featured a vintage sewing pattern and polka dot fabric from the 1930s. Very lovely and so charming! In this post, I pull you 30 years later to the mid-1960s, when Mod fashion was just getting started. These images, also featuring sewing patterns sewn with polka dot fabric, are from a Vogue Pattern magazine, April-May 1965 issue. Enjoy and be inspired!

Vogue 6470: Polka dots certainly pop in this outfit. I love the 3/4-length bell sleeves. Note the just-above-ankle length of the flared pants. I find the model's big hair rather mind-blowing. She looks like a Barbie doll!

Vogue 6413: Polka dots gone large.

 Vogue 6461: Polka dots with stripes - psychedelic!

Vogue 6462:  Polka dots with plaid!

In Search of Style: Fabric for a 1930s "Dress Hit of the Year"

This wonderful dress from the 1930s and Superior Patterns of Sears, Roebuck & Co has charming style and was evidently quite popular!

Superior 460

Tucked in the envelope was a page from the fabric section of the Sears catalog, featuring silk and rayon fabric and several dress patterns. And there in the upper right corner is the very same dress, in a charming dotted print rayon.

The text for the pattern states "The Dress Hit of the Year". And: "A stunning pattern! At the very top of the style ladder! Featuring a youthful collar and a smart button trim. So simple it can be made with the least possible fuss. A truly versatile style; can be worn almost everywhere! Because it is a Sears  pattern you're assured a perfect fit and absolute comfort." Well! Enough said!

And here is the back side of the page:

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Draping the Bride's Veil

If you are planning a Downtown Abbey-style wedding, you'll want to read this tip for draping the bride's veil from Ruth Wyeth Spears and the 1920s. It doesn't get more authentic!

Reminds you of the veil that each bride wore in the weddings of Lady Mary and Lady Edith, doesn't it? I love Downton Abbey!

Beauty in a 7/8th-length Bell Sleeve

The details are similar in these two patterns from the mid-1930s and 1940 - each with  a full sleeved blouse and a bolero that features a 7/8th-length bell sleeve. Yummy fashion!

This lovely ensemble from 1940 features a gorgeous tuxedo blouse that takes advantage of the graceful 7/8th-length bell sleeve to showcase the full sleeves with tucks.

And this ensemble from the mid-1930s has a similar 7/8th-length bell sleeve on the bolero, joined with a full-sleeved blouse that peeks out with charm, showcasing the contrasting fabric.

Marvelous, eye-catching style, don't you think?

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920: Shoe Buckle Bling!

Who doesn't love a bit of bling? This lovely tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears and the 1920s features beads of glass or metal on satin-covered self-made pins. So pretty, and perfect for gifts as well as for yourself. Be inspired!

1930s Spring Fashion

Need a beautiful formal for a spring prom? Or an evening at the opera? These formal gowns from 1932 - so willowy and molded close to the body - are sure to inspire!

the back side

Source: Delineator magazine, April 1932

Spring Fashion from 1929

Spring into the new season with this lovely ensemble from 1929. So chic!

From the cover of Fashion Service, Woman's Institute Magazine, March 1929.