Scraps from the Past: Banish Winter Thoughts with a Pretty Cotton Summer Nightgown

Pattern: Simplicity 8198 from 1977 features lovely summer and winter nightgowns and robes, with slim and flattering A-line silhouettes.

The scrap: Tucked inside the pattern envelope was this soft, lightweight cotton print, a pretty and dainty floral in pinks. It appears to be the facing piece for view 1, the sleeveless short nightgown. I can envision it, and the lovely warm days one would wear it! Which is a cheery counterpoint to the snowy scene outside my window today.

In Search of Style: 1960s Chic Evening Tunic

This Vogue 6177 sewing pattern from 1963 is a marvelously versatile pattern, going from beach cover-up to robe, to dress, to hostess or lounging gown. It is one of those patterns that is only limited by your imagination!

Tucked inside the envelope was this clipping that features an elegant gown and an evening skirt and long tunic that was clearly the inspiration for the sewist. The Vogue pattern matches the long tunic on the right extremely well. With its side front tie closing, collarless V-neckline, slim silhouette, and touch of oriental mystique, it's a very close match. And very inspiring!

1950s Robe Re-fashion - From Princess to Double-Breasted

Ready for another robe re-fashion from the 1950s? In this re-fashion, the robe (in the small inset in this image below) was too tight and too short, but with plenty of fabric that made it worth a re-fashion. The original is princess style, and the re-fashion changes it into a double-breasted robe that is longer and wider.

What was done? The sleeves, collar, and center front panels were removed. The pattern in the diagram below was used to create new front panels by tracing around the old ones, adding one inch to each side, and four inches to the length. The diagram shows how the top of the new panels were shaped to form a notched lapel collar. Two yards of rayon faille were used to create the new front panels, which are faced. The rest of the robe was lengthened with a four-inch faille band. The robe was also trimmed with six faille-covered buttons. Each sleeve was widened by inserting a two-inch wide strip cut from the old panel under the arm, altering the armhole to fit. Narrow faille cuffs were added.

Mid-50s Refashion - From Robe to Lounging Jacket

Did you ever want a lounging jacket? Here is an inspiring re-fashion story from the 1950s, in which a robe is converted into a elegant lounging jacket. By replacing frayed sections and adding new fabric, you have a smartly re-styled garment!

Before: a "too short, red flannel robe with worn-out elbows"

After: a smartly-styled lounging jacket

The How: The sleeves, collar, and pocket facings of the robe were removed and the sleeve seams opened. Each sleeve was cut in two lengthwise, to use as a pattern for new sleeves. The robe was cut shorter, to finger-tip length. From the cut-off fabric, new sleeves were cut. One yard of black velveteen was used to make new facings (using the old as a cutting guide). New patterns were worked out for the collar and cuffs (diagram below). Patch pockets and a breast patch pocket were made.

Now if I only had enough time to lounge, and in such style!

Before and After: 1950s Robe Goes 1940s in Sew For Victory 2014 Project

This inspiring "Before and After" is courtesy of Emileigh, who loves vintage fashion. She purchased a robe pattern from my shop for one of two items that she sewed for the "Sew for Victory 2.0 sew-along challenge. For those of you not familiar with this sew-along, it focuses on sewing 1940s fashion, so be sure to visit and look at all the wonderful 1940s outfits. But before you do, check out this wonderful sewing project - it's so impressive!

The Pattern: Vogue 9834 (1950s)

The Result: Deluxe 1940s plush robe trimmed with hand embroidery.

Looking so authentically 1940s, Emileigh Mimi did an amazing job converting Vogue 9834 into a 1940s plush robe, using a green panne velvet. She even embroidered her initials on the pocket - such beautiful handwork! And I adore the hand embroidery trimming the collar, cuffs, and back of the robe (yes, the back too!). The only key changes that Emileigh made to the pattern were to change the sleeves to bishop sleeves (beautifully gathered to slim cuffs), add shoulder pads to add width across the shoulders for a truer 1940s look, and add fringe to the ends of the tie belt.

You can read all the details about Emileigh's adventures with this sewing project on her blog, Flashback Summer. Be sure to also read about her other project for Sew for Victory 2014, which is equally fabulous. And be sure to follow her on Bloglovin. As an aside, don't you think she looks quite like Bette Davis, movie star of the 30s & 40s? I mean, really.

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Sew a Graceful Flapper Negligee

Simplicity was a hallmark of the Flapper era, and yet simplicity did not imply lack of graceful style. In this wonderful tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears, sewing expert and writer for the seamstresses of the 1920s, she describes how to sew a negligee that both saves fabric and time!

Note that the construction calls for seams from under the arm to the hemline, with small openings at drop-waist for a ribbon tie belt. What could be simpler? Select a soft material, in a harmonizing color - oh, happy thought! :) Love those little slippers with fur trim. But why is she wearing a necklace, earrings, and bracelets? If you sew this negligee, let me know!