In Search of Style: 1960s Chic Evening Tunic

This Vogue 6177 sewing pattern from 1963 is a marvelously versatile pattern, going from beach cover-up to robe, to dress, to hostess or lounging gown. It is one of those patterns that is only limited by your imagination!

Tucked inside the envelope was this clipping that features an elegant gown and an evening skirt and long tunic that was clearly the inspiration for the sewist. The Vogue pattern matches the long tunic on the right extremely well. With its side front tie closing, collarless V-neckline, slim silhouette, and touch of oriental mystique, it's a very close match. And very inspiring!

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s: Smart Treatments for Pleats

In this tip from the 1920s for home sewists, Ruth Wyeth Spears provides some tips for adding smart details to box pleats. As usual, she provides wonderful illustrations that leave no doubt as to how to implement the tips.

 I especially like the second tip on creating extended points of the box pleats. Do you have a favorite? Would you ever use these tips?

Scraps from the Past: Sewing a Season's Worth of Girl's Blouses

The pattern: McCall's 9563, a set of classic blouses for a growing girl from 1953.

The scraps: Cut pattern pieces of the short sleeve and peter pan collar were the scraps inside this pattern envelope. The multiple cuttings in green and white plaid and pink and blue plaid tell me that this sewist was efficient! She was clearly cutting fabric for multiple versions of the blouse at the same time, as she prepared for spring and summer wardrobe needs of her young girl or girls. These scraps are a lightweight cotton, soft and yet durable for summertime fun. The big question is.... why didn't she sew these pieces? We will never know, but we can admire her efficient approach to sewing!