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?

Miss Lillian's Postcards: Vintage Tweet from Niagara Falls

Postcard 35

Sender: Nellie
Addressee: Miss Lilian Maguire, 1902 G Terry St, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Date: Aug 12, 1908
Image: General View of Falls, Niagara Falls

The fabulous Niagara Falls, looking fabulous in 1908. Comparing this image with a recent image on this page (which looks like it was taken from the same vantage point), it would appear that the structure in the lower right hand corner no longer exists.

Message:

Dear Lil,

Am having a

fine trip hope you

are enjoying yours

received you[r] cards.

Nellie

Well how fun! Nellie is enjoying her summer trip to Niagara Falls, and is assuming that Lillian (misspelled as "Lilian" in the address) is on vacation too. This is the first we have heard from Nellie, who could be a friend or a family member. And evidently Lillian has sent her several post cards. In any case, lucky Nellie to be able to visit Niagara Falls, it was no doubt as thrilling then as it is now. From the postal stamp on the front of the postcard (Seattle, Aug 14), this postcard only took 2 days to reach Lillian!

And where will you be spending your summer vacation?

1907 Jabot Blouse

Miss Lillian's Postcards - Vintage Tweets: Tillie Has a Nice Vacation

Postcard 33

Sender: Tillie
Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, 1902 G" Terry Ave, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: St Louis MO
Date: July 21, 1908
Image: Nature art (spring; polychrome art series)

Well, there's not much information about this art reproduction. The picture paints a lovely spring scene in nature. The trees are just starting to leaf out and is that a flowering cherry tree in the center?

Message:

Hello, Lillian; - 

How are you, I 

received your pretty postal,

was very glad to hear

from you, and I thank

you very much. I had

my vacation last week,

had a fine time. I

will write later, and tell

you all about it. Hoping

you are all well, and I

hear from you again soon.

Your friend, Tillie

Lillian's former co-worker, Tillie, sends a hello to Lillian in this postcard. She thanks Lillian for her last postcard, lets her know she just had a week of vacation and will write later with the details in a letter. Now if only I had those letters! :)

A lovely blouse with jabot and beautifully trimmed vest (1907)

Scraps from the Past and Voices from the Past: 1960s Chemise & Jumper

The Pattern: McCall's 7409
This versatile pattern from 1964  features two A-line jumper variations and a dress with drop waist, and blouse and slim chemise.  Popular styles at that time, this pattern was featured in McCall's Magazine and Seventeen Magazine.  "It's Young Fashion!"

The Scrap: Tucked into the pattern above were the scraps picture below. The sewist seems clearly inspired by view C on the far right of the illustration! The patterned fabric (a soft cotton or cotton-mix) in gold, avocado, and purple is quite similar to the pattern of the chemise. A small bit of matching purple (in a more linen-weight cotton) was probably used to sew one of the A-line jumpers or dress.

Voices from the Past: "This fits Rinda it just the same as her shif[t]. I measheard [sic] it." (written in pencil on the envelope front). Lucky Rinda to get this ensemble! I wonder if Rinda had a bouffant hair-do too?

1940s Originator Sketch - Blouses with the Accent on the Shoulders

Here is a trio of lovely blouses from 1946, trimmed with cord, lace, and top-stitching to set them apart. These are interesting accents with a primary focus on the shoulders. In typical 40s fashion, they work to extend the shoulders, resulting in "power shoulders". Do you have a favorite?

Top-stitching is always a favorite of mine, but I think the blouse with the cord trim captures my imagination the most. :)

1960s Winter Fashion from Young Designer Gayle Kirkpatrick

Today let's take a peek at winter fashion from 1966. Gayle Kirkpatrick was a hot "In" designer from the mid-60s to the late 1970s. During that time, he won a Coty Award, and designed for Butterick, among many other things. Here are a couple of his designs for Butterick from 1966.

Coatdress Butterick 4204

The coatdress could be sewn to be a coat or a dress (or both!). In this interpretation, sewn in wide wale corduroy, it definitely looks like a coat, with military details.

The double image below pairs Butterick 4204 with Gayle Kirkpatrick's Blouse and Suit Butterick 4205 (looking darn cute and perfectly Mod in paisley). Note the "power stance" of the models. No demure crossing of legs in the youthful revolution of the Mod years!

1946 Originator Sketch - Saddle Yokes Provide Smart Details

This Originator sketch features saddle yokes. I first discovered saddle yokes in vintage patterns and I must say that I find them a rather wonderful way to construct a dress or blouse. The saddle yoke combines the sleeve and the yoke into one piece.

This sketch features pleated sleeves with the saddles yokes, which looks very pretty. And the saddle yokes are also one-in-piece with center front bands or panels, with the edges trimmed with saddle stitches. Additional cleverness! I love how the center fronts extend into the skirts of the dresses - very smart details. :)

I've Seen That in Vintage Patterns: 1950s Pants & Blouse Ensemble with Cummerbund

Browsing through a September 1955 edition of Mademoiselle magazine, this Ship'n Shore ad caught my eye. It's casual and ever-so-cute. And I'd seen that particular combination before in my vintage patterns!

And sure enough, here it is! Blouse, tapered pants, and the ever popular cummerbund. Simplicity 4464 has a few differences, most notably in the sleeves - set-in vs. French sleeves, and length. Delightful!

Originator Sketch - Spring 1946: Accenting with Graduated Folds

What an intriguing idea is illustrated in this page from the Spring 1946 Originator! Pockets with graduated folds or bands accent a skirt, a jacket, and a blouse. Very inspiring and eye-catching too. :) On the skirt, I like how the folds or bands echo the pleats of the skirt - nice touch! On the jacket they they serve to narrow the hips, I think. The blouse is unusual, because a side opening breast pocket is rare - but I like how it hides the pocket while adding interest to the blouse. Great ideas!

Spotted in a Shop Window - Brooks Brothers Separates

I seem to be in "blouse" mode. :) I spotted these fine separates in the shop window of Brooks Brothers in downtown Seattle. I love the neutral colors (very big this fall), and the classic, simple lines of the blouses and skirts. All items can be found on the Brooks Brothers website. Not to mention the patterns for them might also be found in your nearest online vintage pattern shop (ahem!). :)

What's not to love about this simply gray pencil skirt and the soft colors of the lovely silk floral blouse with a unique twisted collar?

This wonderful cotton skirt is pleated around the hips that release into soft, full folds. The simple design of the, dare I say it, foulard blouse tops the skirt perfectly.

One Pattern, Many Blouses - Inspired 1940s Style!

I recently posted Simplicity 1093 (below) in my shop. While I love detailed blouses with lots of tailored qualities, I also love simpler blouses styles that are designed to let the fabric be the star. And that is just what is provided by this popular pattern from the 1940s. It was so popular, that Simplicity reproduced it for its 85th anniversary, as retro pattern number 1692.

In this post, I feature two fashion bloggers and sewists who made multiple versions of this wonderful pattern. Prepare to be inspired! Note that each link for each blouse version is to the original blog posting by the sewist, so be sure to follow the links to read all about their sewing experience and see more pictures!

Here is a version of each blouse style:

View 1: Jacquard fawn silk version by Tulle and Tweed

View 2: Floral cotton lawn version by Tulle and Tweed

View 3: Glamorous velveteen version by Flashback Summer

View 4: Perfect summer floral print version from Flashback Summer

Tulle and Tweed also sewed a version that combines style 3 and style 4. Check it out here!

Originator Sketch - Spring 1946 - Fan-shaped Tucks & Pleats

Fan pleats and fan tucks are such an elegant method for releasing fabric softly, I'm surprised they aren't used more often. It's a treat when I find them in vintage patterns, typically for blouses and dresses, and most often at the neckline or shoulders. This sketch provides true inspiration!

1940s Originator Sketch - Eye-Catching Blouse Details

Here is another page of inspiring fashion from the 1940s, this time details for blouses! And I have to admit that 1940s (and 1950s) produced some of the best blouse designs ever. This collection demonstrates artful use of pin tucks, soft inverted pleats, and eye-catching use of reverse darts accented with fixed bows. Superb!

Back to School: Elementary School Fashion from 1949

We can hardly look at back-to-school fashion for high school and college and NOT look at elementary school! Whether you call it elementary school, grade school, or primary school, the younger set have their fashion tastes too.

A short wool jacket and flared wool skirt team up nicely for school days. The bright cotton flannel blouse mirrors the flannelette that lines the jacket.

This "study and play" dress of cotton has puff sleeves, flared skirt, and peter pan collar.

This velveteen jumper and blouse of batiste make a pretty party ensemble.

A plaid skirt teams up with a sweater for the perfect school outfit. Don't you love her matching socks and hair ribbons?

Mid-1950s Evening Tunic and Slim Skirt - Exotic!

This tunic blouse from 1955 is sewn in pure silk satin for late day or evening. The slim skirt is of velveteen. Très élégant!

Back to School: High School Fashion from 1949

In an earlier post, we got to see a vintage collection back-to-school fashion from 1949 and Woman's Day magazine. From that same source, today we get to look at the high school back-to-school fashion!

I am totally in love with this ensemble - love the blouse with its pin tucks and long bishop sleeves. And that skirt with the high waist - wow! 

Here it looks all together - tea length skirt with midriff-high waist, bolero, and blouse.

This is a one-piece dress that combines the skirt and blouse, short puff sleeved version.

Here is a "date dress" in corduroy: Jumper with midriff, blouse with puff sleeves. Do her bangs look too short to you?

 

And here is my favorite position - relaxed and reading a book! She looks so studious. :) This plaid wool skirt and matching stole is perfect with a sweater. Love it!

Mid-1950s - Super Separates

Dressed in soft autumn colors, this model is wearing an eye-catching blouse from Advance that  features bold buttoned diagonal interest, and a skirt with light flare. It's a superb combination from 1955, courtesy of Advance patterns 7798 and 7799. :)

In Search of Style: Chic 1930s Blouse

I'm excited! It has been a long time since I've found a clipping insert in a vintage pattern. Now technically, this is isn't so much a case of "in search of style" as it is "style found", as you will see. :)

The Clipping: Found in the pattern was this 1950s clipping of a page from a Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog. In the midst of all the different fabrics is this lovely blouse which you could order from Sears. "A Silk Blouse Makes the Suit" the ad proclaims. And doesn't the model look simply the essence of sophistication?

 

The Pattern: Superior 506 

 

The overblouse features a softly flattering neckline with a tie collar, 3-piece puffy elbow-length sleeves with lots of shirring, and a self-fabric belt. I love that contoured front midriff. It's inspiring fashion!

 

The full catalog page

 

What do you think? Did she order the fabric from Sears too?

Spotted in a Shop Window - Artful Top with Crochet & Tucks

Spotted in the shop window of Anthropologie in downtown Seattle is this enchanting sheer button-down lacy top, with contoured bodice of tucks and crocheted-picot-lace below. The surprise of this winning style is the swing back!

 

Totally scrumptious fashion!

Say Hello to June and Summer with Children's Fashion from 1932

For the wee lads and lassies are these sunny styles:

 328: A trouser suit for a young lad, with trousers, collar, tie, and cuffs contrasting with a shirt with tucks.

2723: A frock for a young girl, with a pretty collar and flowing pleats.

325: With fun details, this charming frock includes shorts.

330: Designed for girls on the grow, these pajamas have sophisticated style.

2720: A jumper with pleats on the sides and a pretty lace-trimmed blouse.

304: For the 'tween, this frock has wonderful style - princess seams zig-zag past the hips and release into inverted pleats.

310: With a high waistline, drop shoulders with puff sleeves, and a graceful flared skirt - this is sophisticated style!