Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - A Frock Trimmed with Self-Fabric Plaits

While this tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears and the 1920s describes a plaited (pleated) trimming for a "young girl's frock", I think this excellent tip would also apply to a frock for any age!

In her usual marvelous style, Ruth guides her home sewists with clear illustrations and precise steps. And note her tip for the novel feature of flipping the hem to the outside and trimming it in place with the plaiting (pleating). So clever and so simple - I love it!

Ruth recommends a crisp fabric as most effective, and says the sketch is of "changeable pink taffeta". I can picture this frock in pink taffeta - can you?

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s: Dress Up Your Frocks with Lace Medallions

It's "blond on blond" in this inspiring tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears and the 1920s. The tip is perfect for making a special holiday frock. The insertion of medallions of filet lace adds an elegant touch. The thin bands that trim the front bodice and dropped waistline are of filet lace as well. All the trimmings are placed on the fabric itself, rather than being see-through. Don't forget to add the satin ribbon bow & streamers of "deep strawberry tone"!

Dreamy fashion for the 1920s home sewist!

Pattern of the Week: Another Smocked Frock from the 1920s

My pattern of the week features this wonderful pattern from the 1920s for a girl's frock (size 10) that is structured with honeycomb smocking! If you don't want to tackle smocking, the pattern includes instructions for using shirring instead.

This pattern reminds me of a tip from the 1920s that I posted previously, in which Ruth Wyeth Spears describes how to accent a frock with smocking.

Both use honeycomb smocking to shape the fabric artfully and provide structure without darts or yokes or bands. Inspiring, don't you think?

Spotted in a Shop Window - Designer Gown Pretty in Pink

I have to stop and smile every time I walk past this fabulous froth of cotton candy pink that is a formal gown in the window of Luly Yang in downtown Seattle. The style of this designer gown is so reminiscent of 1950s gowns - positively delicious!  I love the texture of the full skirt, the way the bodice and drop waist are snugly wrapped, the sweetheart neckline, and spaghetti straps. And the color -so girly-girl pink! :D Note that langorous feather fan - the perfect accent!

Seen in a Shop Window: Wedding Dresses at Luly Yang

Bridal gowns are beginning to appear in the windows of Luly Yang in downtown Seattle - what a delight!

I love this stunning strapless gown, with a snug, contoured drop-waist bodice and full flowing skirt with a sweep train.

This eye-catching gown is gorgeous, with a snug bustier bodice and full flowing skirt that swirls in a froth of cascading drapes.

Winter 1966-67 - Dazzling Evening Dresses

Check out these gorgeous, hot dresses for cocktails, parties, and evenings out from 1966. They are perfect for the holidays! I think it is scrumptious style, but then, I am partial to the era. :) These dresses are from a Butterick home catalog, and the pattern number for each dress is listed at the model's feet.

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!

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Sew a Fixed Sash for Your Frock

It's all about that important "drop-waist" belt line in 1920s fashion. In this tip, Ruth Wyeth Spears shows her home sewers in the 1920s how to create a perfectly draped, fixed sash that snaps on!

Don't forget to make sure that the sash belt fits snugly. :) And don't you just love that simple, "wine-colored crepe satin frock" Ruth has sketched?

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Flapper summer frock with belt & scarf

Can you visualize this flapper dress in a soft light and dark violet chiffon? Ruth can! If you are planning on sewing a frock from chiffon or other sheer fabric this summer (isn't everyone? ;), then Ruth recommends that you use whipped French seams for the seams. 

 Sheer fabrics (such as chiffon), are actually a very popular trend this summer (I think I read that in the fashion news of the New York Times). The use of sheer fabrics in summer clothing is a perennial favorite throughout the decades - you just can't go wrong. But the thin, delicate nature of this fabric requires very specific sewing techniques, such as Ruth describes.

Don't forget to try this design of two-toned girdle (belt) combined with a long two-toned scarf. Inspired!

The Drop Waist Flapper Revisited

A year ago (really?), I posted about drop waist flapper dress patterns. I thought it would be fun to revisit this topic with additional versions that are currently or about to be listed in my shop. These patterns demonstrate the enduring popularity of this style through the decades.

Note that some waists dropped lower in some patterns than in others. And the 1980s pattern is a maternity drop waist dress. No need to be slim for this style! :D:) Enjoy!

1960s

 

 

 

1970s

 

1980s