In Search of Style: A Natty "Mad Men" Blazer

A rare event: this "In Search of Style" is for a man's pattern!

The clipping: In a 1961 men's jacket pattern was tucked this clipping of a sharp blazer from a Sears catalog. Straight from the Mad Men era, this crisp jacket has slim lapels and a fine fit. So manly! And I love that little reference to "Neatniks" at the bottom of the page - haha!

The pattern: And here it is, Advance 9954, with the men looking very Don Draper-esque in pose and in fashion. :) This handsome sport jacket has the same lapels as the clipping, and the same cut-away hemline in front, though the pattern goes with patch pockets while the clipping features inset pockets. This pattern has very tailored details, including two-piece long sleeves for a perfect fit, and interfacing with both muslin and hair canvas. Shaping in the shoulders is well-detailed, and the back has contoured seams at the sides of the center. First rate!

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A 1965 Holiday Salute in Red, White, & Blue!

Look at these impeccable classics - double breasted blazers and crisp, slim pants. It's a salute to Memorial Day, with summer fashion from 1965 that's trim and coordinated!

McCall's 7593

You can find this pattern at my shop, Midvale Cottage on Etsy.

McCall's 7615

You can find this pattern at:
SewYesterdayPatterns on Etsy

TheresaMarieRose on Etsy

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!

Before and After Hit Parade - 1960s Mad Men Sheath is Superb

The Seamstress: Elisabeth

The Pattern: McCall's 5507- Misses' Dress and Jacket

The Result: I am overdue to report on this great pattern, a classic slim sheath and cropped jacket straight from 1960 and the Mad Men era. In 2011, Elisabeth sewed this as part of a self-challenge to sew a vintage pattern per month. " It did not work out as I thought, but all in all I did sew 13 vintage garments (but not one each month)."
 

I think Elisabeth does an amazing job in her choice of pattern, fabric, accessories, staging backdrop for her photos, and how she poses for all of her vintage sewing creations. She is a fabulous model! Check out her vintage challenge on her blog and on Flickr. Be sure to check her blog regularly for her adventures in sewing and just having fun with life: Sewing Fairytales.