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?

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?

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!

Pattern of the Week: Darling 50s Summer Ensemble for a Girl

Everything about this McCall pattern from 1951 for growing preschoolers makes it special.  I simply love this matching ensemble of short sun dress, bloomers, and bolero, decorated with cute little poodles or rosebuds for that special touch. Such smoochy cuteness!

McCall 1616

Some of the charming details include:

• faced bodice
• sweetheart camisole neckline
• gathered dirndl skirt with scalloped trim of your choice
• back button closing
• scalloped edges on the bolero
• your choice of hand-embroidered poodles or petite rosebuds

Check out the details of the adorable poodle transfer:

The tiny rosebuds on simple vines make a delicate and dainty motif:

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s: Freshen Last Season's Frock with a Trig Little Jacket

Well! Ruth Wyeth Spears describes how to make a "trig little jacket" that she calls a bolero in this wonderful tip for home sewists in the 1920s. :) With this tip, Ruth illustrates not only a sleeveless little bolero to dress up last season's frock, but also matching belt and matching cuffs on the frock! Very stylish, smart, and trim indeed. Another inspiring tip for your 1920s wardrobe!  :)

1950s - Balenciaga's Enchanting Sheath, Tunic, and Inspired Bolero

Now here is an ensemble I would love to wear! A pop of red on a white hat that makes you think of Christmas, a slim sheath topped with a knee-length tunic with big buttons, and an itty-bitty bolero with a floating back panel. Wow!

 

Here is a photograph of the dress & tunic in black brocade, without the bolero. The big buttons are there (we just can't see them). Enchanting!

Originator Sketch - Bows and Cut-Aways

This is a great concept, and one that I see from time to time in vintage patterns from other decades. A jacket has the hemline or neckline cut-away so that the garment underneath (skirt, blouse, or dress) is exposed, with a bow or other detail that appears to be one with the outer garment. It always adds chic sophistication.

I love those extra deep, wide cuffs on the bolero. And while both skirts are cute, I love the one on the left, with its shaped high waist above the bow. Fabulous!

Summer 1938 - Three Flattering Frocks - Redux

Yummmm, more 1930s frocks!

The slender frock on the left is topped with a gem of a bolero with a swing back; matching sash belt is perfect.

The crisp summer frock in the center features saddle yokes and a flared skirt. A bright striped ascot and belt add contrast.

The lovely frock on the right has a snug midriff, a deep V-neckline edged with white or pastel ruched trim, and full flared skirt.

Summer Fashion from 1938 - High-Waisted Skirt and Bolero!

A doff of the sun hat to this fabulous high-waisted skirt with front-crossing suspenders - with its matching bolero, it's1938 summer fashion that's yummy!

Notice the shirring on the short gigot sleeves?

Spring 1952 - A Study in Crisp Black and White

A full skirt, a doll waist - it's a fabulous silk dress in crisp stripes. That cute boater hat sets it off to perfection.

Very wide, very striking shaped white collar and white wing cuffs for a dark dress.

A black sheer wool dress provides a straight silhouette, broken by a swing of contrasting white wool bolero.

This dress has an overskirt that flips back to reveal a pale, pretty lining.

Strange pose... is this a hallelujah moment? Dotted scarf collar is pulled through the bodice closing to create a large bow at the hip. Now that's dramatic fashion! Pouf!

In Search of Style: A Dreamy Formal Gown

Prom dresses are in the fashion news right now, so I think this is a great time to post this clipping I found in a pattern that I listed in my shop this week.

Here is what our later 1940s seamstress was looking for, a tremendously dreamy, gorgeous gown. Note the details:

• Full skirt topped with a froth of net
• Snug strapless top with contoured princess seams and front button closing
• A mere shrug over the shoulders with deep cuffs

Here is the pattern that it was tucked into, Butterick 4872 from 1949. It comes amazingly close, don't you think? Check the details and compare:

• Very full skirt is separate from the top. 
• Top is dart-fitted and strapless, with front button closing
• Very cropped bolero that borders on being a shrug, with deep wing cuffs

 

 

Also tucked in the pattern was a special bonus - two receipts! One for 5 yards of net (she definitely wanted that luscious, gauzy froth), and the other for two spools of thread.

 

On the reverse side of the dress clipping is this rather stunning weskit-styled top, with fabulous lacy-crocheted wing collar, matching lacy-crocheted points at the waistline, and 3/4 length sleeves with beautiful wing cuffs. Totally spell-binding style.

 

Fashion from January 1951: Around-the-Clock Delicious Fashion

All day and evening too - it's round-the-clock fashion from January 1951 and McCall! And these lovely sundresses with jackets have superb style. Gosh, I wish had these gorgeous patterns!

 McCall 8345

The sleeveless topless dress with its own jacket is in for another big season. The dress that can go anywhere at all with propriety as long as one keeps the jacket on. The dress - jacketless - that can be a short evening gown or a bare-top sports dress, depending only on the fabric used. Fitted heart-shape bodice, 4-panel flared skirt, simple bolero. Sizes 12-20. 50 cents.
 

 McCall 8346

This around-the-clock ensemble is an investment, paying dividends in good looks. You can wear it for daytime, for afternoon and, without the jacket, for evening. In the south, it is both a street costume and a play dress. Note the jacket - cape-like. Note the dress - buttoned over at the side, with soft pleats centered at the back. Sizes 12-20. $1.00.