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.

Scraps from the Past: Banish Winter Thoughts with a Pretty Cotton Summer Nightgown

Pattern: Simplicity 8198 from 1977 features lovely summer and winter nightgowns and robes, with slim and flattering A-line silhouettes.

The scrap: Tucked inside the pattern envelope was this soft, lightweight cotton print, a pretty and dainty floral in pinks. It appears to be the facing piece for view 1, the sleeveless short nightgown. I can envision it, and the lovely warm days one would wear it! Which is a cheery counterpoint to the snowy scene outside my window today.

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!

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?

Scraps from the Past: A 1950s Flannel Nightgown for Christmas

The pattern: Simplicity 4140

The scraps: Tucked into the pattern envelope for timeless nightgowns were two scraps, one a soft yellow flannel, and the other a cute flannel print of umbrellas. Written on the front of the envelope: Joanne Christmas 1952, Mother Easter 1953, Rena Louise Nov 1954. So the sewist made three nightgowns, two for winter and one for summer, and at least two as holiday gifts (Christmas and Easter). On the envelope back is more writing: (in red) Joanne view one yellow flannel white ruffles Christmas 1952. Also on the back, written in pencil: "R. L. Nov 1954" and "Mother Easter 1953". Now that is getting mileage from one pattern, and how handy that all three wear the same size!

It's pretty clear that Joanne got the yellow flannel nightgown. And I think it is safe to assume that Mother got the umbrella print flannel nightgown - umbrellas being a great spring theme. Alas, no scrap for Rena Louise!

Are you inspired to sew a flannel nightgown for Christmas?

Scraps from the Past: 1940s Toddler Dress

The pattern: Simplicity 1397

The scrap: Tucked into the pattern envelope for this cute toddler dress was a small soft cotton fabric scrap: stripes of pink and soft teal or aqua blue contrasting with gray. There is no contrasting fabric scrap, so it is hard to know if view 2 was sewn rather than views 1 or 3. If a contrasting fabric were used, would the striped fabric be used for the midriff and upper skirt? Or for the upper bodice and lower skirt? Tough decision!

Scraps from the Past: 70s Designer Sundress

The pattern: Vogue 1638, a flowing sundress or evening gown from 1977 and Diane Von Furstenberg.

The scrap: This piece of charming cotton floral print was left in the envelope, giving the hint that the original sewist took her inspiration from the pattern photo, and sewed the sundress version on the left.

Scraps from the Past: 1950s Girl's Shirtwaist Dress in Brown Taffeta

The Pattern: McCall's 4016 from 1957 provides this cute and classic summer shirtwaist dress for a growing girl.

The Scrap: Scraps of shiny taffeta in a warm brown were tucked inside the envelope of this pattern. Can you visualize this dress in this fabric? It would be a party dress for sure!

Scraps from the Past: Playwear in Stripes

The pattern: Simplicity 2444, 1940s

Now is the time we start thinking seriously of summer and great vintage summer fashion. This pattern is the perfect ensemble for a summer day of outdoor play - a picnic, a day in the park or at the beach. The skirt wraps around the step-in playsuit - it's great 40s style!

The scrap: This red-and-white striped piece of fabric was the collar piece, and was tucked in the pattern envelope. This piece of soft cotton looks like it would make a fresh and comfortable ensemble for summer sport and play. Although can you picture the entire outfit in red-and-white stripes? Perhaps this was a contrast fabric piece?

Scraps from the Past: Cute 1950s Toddler Dresses

With the end of January, my thoughts are turning to spring and what better time to think about sewing a sunny party or play dress for a toddler? Two recent listings in my shop are the patterns listed below for toddlers, and each pattern had a fabric scrap! Each is from the early 1950s.

The pattern: Simplicity 1149 (size 1 is in my shop)

The scrap: The fabric scrap is the collar for view 2 and is a charming soft cotton, with teal polka dots. I can envision this fabric for view 3, myself - so cute with those scalloped edges.

The pattern: Simplicity 4136

The scrap: The fabric scrap looks like it might have been intended for the sash tie. It is a beautiful sateen cotton in soft aqua blue. I don't think the scan captures the shiny quality of the sateen, but it is lovely. I can visualize it for both views.

Are you inspired yet?

Scraps from the Past: 1960s A-line Skirts in Wool for the Winter

The pattern: This wonderful and easy-to-sew A-line skirt from 1962 was a wardrobe must-have in that decade. It was easy to sew and flattering to wear! And this pattern from Simplicity provides the A-line skirt proportioned for short, medium, and tall heights. Now that makes it easy to fit!

The original sewist left her notes on the envelope front. Beginning at the top of the envelope, she wrote "For Jan - Dec '64". So, do you think the skirt was sewn for January - December 1964? Or do you think Jan is the person who got the skirts? In any case, the sewist goes on to describe what was sewn:

"Made blk herringbone - 25-1/2" waist

Took 3/4" seams on side

Fin lgth 24-1/2

3/4 yd - 54" enuf

Made blue skirt - 25-1/4" waist

Simplicity 4466

The scraps: Two small snippets of wool in a herringbone weave were pinned to envelope. Here is the black fabric that she used, and the very pretty blue. Both are a comfortable, light weight wool. Yum, classic fabric for classic skirts! Looking at the pattern can you visualize the skirts in these fabrics?

In Search of Style & Scraps from the Past: A Dress Sewn from a Sears Catalog Pattern

It's the early 1940s, and where would you shop for a "Superior" pattern for an afternoon dress & bolero, as well as the fabric? Why, the Sears Roebuck catalog, of course! Today's finds were in a pattern from the early 1940s, and included both the catalog page that illustrates the pattern, and scraps of fabric from the resulting sewing project!

First, here is the pattern:

"Shop at Sears for Fashion-Right Fabrics and Patterns"

In Search of Style 

And here is the page from the Sears, Roebuck & Co catalog that was tucked in the pattern:

Note that the ensemble on the model is the very same pattern! And fabric at only 49 cents a yard! Which fabric swatch do you like? I actually like blue print that is on the model, though all the patterns are pretty. :)

Here is a close-up from the pattern instructions. Note the "peek-a-boo" breast pockets on the bolero:

Scraps from the Past

Also inserted in the pattern were these lovely rayon scraps (yes, rayon!). I can so visualize this ensemble in this wonderful floral pattern on a soft taupe-brown.

I'd say it is inspiring fashion from the 1940s and Sears!

Scraps from the Past: Sunny Summer Wartime Frock

The pattern: Du Barry 5791 (1944)

I love how the original owner wrote her name on the pattern, and drew an arrow to the version that she sewed. Someone also wrote in very faint pencil vertically next to "This view": "no geathers will bring back" - a somewhat mystifying statement, I can only guess at what was meant. The handwriting is different from the writing in ink, so it may have been someone else.

The scrap: This floral cotton print is just a smidgeon of a scrap that was tucked inside this vintage pattern from the war years. But it is still enough to let us envision this frock in a summery print of blue flowers with pink and green bits. It paints a very pretty and sunny picture!

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?

Scraps from the Past - Sunny Gingham Shirtwaist Dress

The Pattern: Mail Order 9225
It's been a while since I've found a fabric scrap in a pattern! And this slim shirtwaist dress has appeal as both a day dress and an afternoon dress. With its slim skirt, peg-top in-set hip pockets, and vertical tucks framing the front button opening, there's plenty of room for inspiration. :)

The Scrap: A small bit of gingham in a bold aqua - not faded a bit! I can picture the dress in this fabric. :D

Scraps from the Past and In Search of Style - Mad Men Party Dress!

This is a double jackpot in a pattern envelope: "Scraps from the Past" and a clipping that was "In Search of Style". :D

The Clipping: Found in the pattern was this 1963 clipping for (remarkably) another pattern! The mail order pattern illustrates a lovely full-skirted dress with a snug bodice, short French sleeves, drop-waist points, and a portrait collar.

The Pattern: Simplicity 2413

The Simplicity pattern is very close to the mail order pattern and a wonderful match. It has a snug bodice with extended points, drop waist, full skirt (in this case with soft box pleats), portrait collar (in this case with a notch in front and a pert fixed bow accent), and short French sleeves.

The Scrap: Based on the beautiful blue color of this scrap that was tucked in the envelope, I would venture to say that the sewer was inspired by the color of the illustration on the pattern. The fabric is a soft, winter-weight interlock jersey in a vivid blue color. It's easy to picture!

Scraps from the Past - Elegant, Modern "Pinafore" in Black

The Pattern: Advance 8055
This lovely pattern from 1956 features a modern "pinafore", consisting of a full or slim skirt with detachable bib and shoulder straps, and a handsome blouse with a wing collar and the ever-flattering 3/4-length sleeves. It simply looks like spring and summer fashion to me, and definitely for the afternoon or evening. :D

The Scrap: This scrap was tucked in the pattern. Although they don't show up very well, rows of shiny dots fleck this black rayon scrap. The only pattern pieces cut were the bib, shoulder straps, and waistband. Most likely the original seamstress used a favorite skirt pattern in combination with the bib to create a very special afternoon or evening ensemble. Can you imagine it? :)

Scraps from the Past - Pucci Gown in Polyester DoubleKnit?

It sounds like a heresy - but this is the 1970s, after all!

The Pattern: Vogue Couturier Design 2788 (Pucci)

The Scrap: Eeek! Tucked inside this pattern was a heather-y orange polyester doubleknit! The color doesn't look as orange in the scanned image as it looks in real life, but trust me - it is true to the 1970s. :)

And a bonus! Also tucked in the envelope was the original Vogue Couturier design label, for sewing inside the dress.

Scraps from the Past - Summer Pajamas in White Seersucker

The Pattern: Simplicity 4006 (1961)

These cute pajamas are 60s slim! I especially like the short summer length, with their "cabin boy" or "clam digger" length pants. It's inspiring sleepwear fashion!

 

The Scrap: Still attached to the pocket pattern piece, and tucked in the pattern envelope, was this fabric scrap. Although stained with age, this square bit of white seersucker is still soft and feels perfectly light and comfortable for summer.

I can picture it! :)

Scraps from the Past - 1940s Snug Jerkin with Trapunto!

I think this is a gorgeous pattern for a very snug jerkin (vest), decorated with cables using your choice of hand embroidery or trapunto - wonderful techniques! From 1941 and McCall, the hip-length jerkin offers 3 neckline variations, so you can have fun making more than one. :)

Tucked inside was the "V" cutout for view C, in a soft dark navy blue wool. It's a nicely woven fabric - be sure to click on the image for a close-up view. The transfer is partially used (only view C is unused). I wonder which technique our mystery seamstress used - embroidery or trapunto?

Can you picture it?