1955 Couture - Chinese Influences

It's not exactly a cheongsam. Adapted from Dior's Chinese line, this superbly elegant silk crepe dress features a long slim tunic, Mandarin collar, and a finely pleated underskirt.

Yummmmmm!

Summer 1938 - Three Flattering Frocks

On the left, a crepe frock with a slim skirt, slim sleeves, and a colorful lightly gathered inset across the bust.

In the center, a pretty print redingote is worn over a plain slip of a dress, to excellent and flattering effect.

On the right, a full "Gibson girl" blouse of sheer fabric contrasts with a crisply knife-pleated skirt, with a print sash that pulls them together. :)

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Easy-to-Make Frock with Pleats and Jabot

Perfect for summer, this frock is a snap to make - Ruth Wyeth Spears will tell you how! Note the  clever but simple jabot and the panel of crisp knife pleats in the skirt front.

 

You can start with or without a favorite pattern - just how clever do you feel? ;)  Just click on the image to make it larger and easier to read.

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Add Overskirt with Knife Pleats to Your Frock

I love crisp pleats, so this tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears for home sewers in the 1920s is especially fun. Ruth describes how to add interest to a plain frock by adding groups of sharp knife pleats. She illustrates knife pleats in an "apron tunic" on the left and in the "flounces" that trim the frock on the right . Her directions are spot on, so let Ruth be your guide as you sew and let her drawings inspire you as you design your frock with pleats!