Voices from the Past: Hurry Up, Mother, and Sew This!

A young woman sent a clear message to her mother when she wrote on the back of this lovely, swanky Advance pattern:

You can see her remarks in pencil: "Hurry up with my suit Mother! Hurry, Hurry, Hurry, Hurry". Just a tad anxious, do you think? :) Or was she just practicing her penmanship?

1930s Winter Coat - Wrap Yourself in Luxury

Double pockets with flaps that hug a snug waistline, a double-breasted closing, and a warm shawl collar topped with luxurious fur make this tweed coat from 1937 a beauty. That sculptured hat tops it off with panache!

Such a fashionable way to stay warm during freezing winter days!

1930s - A Delightful Dress for Day or Afternoon

The model in this dress from 1937 has a bit of  a "matronly" look to her. :) The dress has charming details, and looks like it was drawn as if sewn with sheer fabric - now that makes it special!

I love the princess seams, short tie belts at waistline sides, and the saddle yokes with short flutter sleeves that appear to have outseam vents. So graceful!

Summer Colors to Keep You Cool - 1930s Style!

I've notice that blue and teal are very popular this summer. So how about these beauties from the late 1930s? I think they'll do nicely. :)

 

History of Sewing: 1920s Foundation Garments - A Close Look at Close-Fitting Linings

Are you less than slender? Or you simply want to wear a close-fitting frock? In  the 1920s, the "stout" woman or those who wanted to wear something more snugly fitted, the close-fitting lining was the foundation garment required.

The close-fitting lining (in contrast to waist linings and built-up linings) has lightly shaped seams along princess lines, and either a side-front or center front closing. Like the camisole linings and built-up linings, the close-fitting linings have two lengths.

When sewing your own close-fitting lining, start with a basic pattern. When fitting the sections of the lining by basting, fold and pin under the hem allowance along the intended closing, as at (a) in figure 12. If the lining is too loose, pin the seams deeper, as at (b) in figure 12. It is especially important in a close-fitting lining that the armholes be comfortably loose, since there is very little fullness or "give." So mark them where you think they should be trimmed deeper, as at (c) in figure 12.

 

When sewing the lining, you would sew hooks and eyes 1-1/2 or 2 inches apart along the closing, and then use bias binding or narrow hems to finish the neckline and armholes.

Was this fun? Next topic in this series - foundation slips!

1938 Playdress

Considered a short tennis dress in 1938, this playdress has sporty, yet feminine style. Note the princess seams, chevron breast pockets, and a matching kerchief to discourage the wind. =)

Sweet, sunny fashion!