Scraps from the Past: 1960s Gingham Apron

The pattern: Butterick 2515, from 1963, featuring two styles of smocked apron with a detachable bib and smocked cafe curtains, sewn from checked gingham fabric. Charming and very popular back in the 1960s!

The scrap: Tucked inside this envelope was a scrap of black and white checked cotton gingham fabric. I think the original sewist took her inspiration from the envelope cover! I love the variations in smocking the apron, and the cafe curtains look inspiring too.

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!

1960s Ball Gown with Chiffon

You could float through the evening in this dreamy strapless ball gown from 1965. It has a full circle skirt of chiffon, drifting from a tiny high bodice of satin .

You would make an unforgettable entrance at any holiday soiree!

Scraps from the Past: A Party-Pretty Dress in a Floral Print

The pattern: McCall's 5852 is a sunny, pretty dress from 1961 that is proportioned for your height.

The scrap: Tucked inside the envelope was this narrow strip of floral print cotton. I love how the colors are still bright. Can you visualize the dress in this fabric?

Eye Candy: Mid-1960s Evening Dress with Cape

This elegant formal gown with a short cape from 1965 is inspiring fashion to think about when planning for formal occasions this winter. Exquisite!

1960s Ethereal Evening Gown

Long and languorous, this lovely Gerard Pipart for Nina Ricci evening gown from 1965 has an ethereal and long-ago look. Gown features a misty moiré skirt, cloud white silk chiffon bodice, and a haze-blue satin sash.

Featured in McCall's magazine, December 1965.

Mid 1960s Formal Wear - A Serene Gown

Enjoy this serenely lovely gown in wood-rose moiré from 1965. The gown falls from the shoulders in a Watteau train.

Featured in McCall's magazine, December 1965