1946 Originator Sketch: Tailor a Coat with Pin Tucks

Ah, my favorite - pin tucks! These coats feature fan-shaped tucks that taper to produce a small waistline. Note the differences in collars and pockets. Inspiring!

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Scraps from the Past - Sunny Gingham Shirtwaist Dress

The Pattern: Mail Order 9225
It's been a while since I've found a fabric scrap in a pattern! And this slim shirtwaist dress has appeal as both a day dress and an afternoon dress. With its slim skirt, peg-top in-set hip pockets, and vertical tucks framing the front button opening, there's plenty of room for inspiration. :)

The Scrap: A small bit of gingham in a bold aqua - not faded a bit! I can picture the dress in this fabric. :D

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Using Tucks to Add Chic to Your One-Hour Frock

I have to admit, Ruth is simply so clever! This is essentially the "one-hour dress" that I posted previously, but with pin tucks, appliqued pockets, and tie belts at drop waistline. What makes it so clever is that the pin tucks are sewn in place before the pattern pieces are cut! The little hip pockets sweetly adorned with floral appliques and tie belts add delightful touches. Ruth actually refers to the use of a "basic pattern", but it looks like the one-hour dress to me, just no godets required! ;)

I love it when she specifies colors. Can you imagine the almond green crepe de chine? :)

I so want to try this! If any of you do make this, I would be delighted if you would add a comment to this post with a link to your blog post on the results. I would love to see this come to life. :)

1940s Originator Sketch - Eye-Catching Blouse Details

Here is another page of inspiring fashion from the 1940s, this time details for blouses! And I have to admit that 1940s (and 1950s) produced some of the best blouse designs ever. This collection demonstrates artful use of pin tucks, soft inverted pleats, and eye-catching use of reverse darts accented with fixed bows. Superb!

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!

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Reverse Tucks: The Smartest Form of Trimming

I have to admit, I really love this tip for reverse tucks. Normally I am all for tucks on the outside, but this tip for accenting a tailored blouse with reverse tucks at the cuffs and hipline creates a very smart look. Ruth Wyeth Spears describes in detail how much extra fabric to allow, how narrow to make the tucks, and how far apart to make them. She just makes it sound so easy. :) Turn any blouse into the latest 1920s fashion with this technique!

Farewell to May with Lovely Spring Frocks from the 1930s

Let's bid the merry month of May farewell with a handful of graceful and flattering tea-length frocks from 1932! 

 Dress 981 has a rather tailored air, with buttons at the hip, a smart center front inset, and a pleasing neckline treatment.

Dress 2551 is a simple and neat affair - pin tucks at the neckline and wrists add distinction.

Dress 2677 is slim, with crisp inverted pleats adding graceful flare to the skirt.

Dress 759 has slimming flare, front and back panels from neck to hem, and sweet bows as accents.

Dress 982 has a smart bodice closing, raglan sleeves, and princess seams the release into double inverted pleats.

Now if only we could still order these mail order patterns! :-)