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?

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s: The Popular New Jumper Dress!

Well this tip is an historical eye-opener! The jumper (as we know it in the USA) is a hot couture item, and I must admit that a drop-waist jumper is an intriguing fashion. Ruth provides a pattern for sewing your own jumper, along a suggestion that this fashion item provides splendid opportunities for "make overs" or re-fashions. I couldn't agree more!

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?

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!

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!

1938 Summer Frocks for Girls - Sunny, Sweet Fashion

Little girls love cute clothes too! These cotton frocks are perfect for play and special occasions for growing girls - and with 1938 style, they are timelessly cute fashion too!

From left: apron is gathered to shaped yoke; frock with bows and a belt; jumper frock with suspenders and blouse; frock with shirred waist & center front princess panel; frock with white collar and trim.

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? :)

It's Time to Celebrate All Things Scottish!

St Andrew's Day is coming up at the end of this month (November 30th to be precise), so I've decided to use the whole month of November to honor this patron saint of Scotland by celebrating all things Scottish in my shop! 

Be watching for postings of patterns that either feature designs for, or simply illustrate patterns with, plaids, kilts, and hats such as tam o'shanters and glengarries.

Here is a peek of some bonnie things to come for the lasses and the wee lasses!