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!

In Search of Style: Cute Mid-60s Swimsuit Fashion!

Are you ready for the water this summer with a cute vintage-inspired swimsuit? I recently posted a swimsuit pattern in my shop that had this page from the May '66 edition of Seventeen Magazine tucked inside.

Here is the pattern, Simplicity 5978! When comparing the two swimsuits in the ad with the pattern, I think the sewist had her eye on the lower suit, as it matches the swimsuit pattern the most closely.As you can see, the boy shorts-style trunks and the curved camisole bra top are not too far from the illustrated swimsuit (minus some ruffles) in the lower half of the ad. :) The only real difference is in the beach coverup - the pattern version actually resembles the bloused top of the upper swimsuit in the ad.

Any way you look at it, the suits are cute! (Not to mention their hair is cute too :) The nice bonus with Simplicity 5978 is that it includes a lovely slim dress with a lacy overblouse..

Simplicity 5978

1970s - At the Beach and After!

A caftan, a bikini, a wrap ankle-length skirt, and a long beach cover-up from February 1973 and Vogue - some very easy fashion to sew up and totally fabulous to wear.

While I encourage you to visit my shop Etsy shop, Midvale Cottage for lots of 1970s swimsuits and cover-ups, you can find the patterns for the two bikinis and cover-ups (illustrated above) in the following Etsy shops:

Vogue 8309 (on the left):

•  Studio G Patterns

• The Rare Stitch UK 

• Still in Vogue Vintage

Vogue 8313 (on the right):

•  The Pattern Shopp

Resort Fashion - A 1950s Duster is a Must!

Looking exotic and in such a dramatic pose, this model is wearing a black terry cloth duster (complete with rhinestone buttons!). The duster is versatile - slip it on over a bathing suit, or wear it as a coat or as a casual dress. Columns not required. ;)