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!

In Search of Style - Apron Inspirations!

The pattern: Tucked inside this very charming apron pattern, Simplicity 1359, were a couple of large sheets of folded paper. What could they be?

What's inside: What a treasure - it's apron heaven! The sheets of paper (one extra large) were filled with images of hand-drawn aprons! They look like they were most likely traced from mail order pattern offerings in the newspapers. Isn't this a completely delightful and diverse collection? 

A couple of the aprons have the pattern number written next to them, and a few are identified as 1-yd aprons. It would be fun to find all the patterns for these aprons. I love how our mystery sewist focused on the ornamentation details and fabric choices. 

The extra large sheet required two scans to get all the images. There are so many cute aprons illustrated on these sheets, I don't think I could pick just one favorite, I would have to sew a full collection. Wouldn't you? :)

Estate Sales: A Life Told in Vintage Sewing Patterns

My favorite source for patterns (for my Etsy shop) are estate sales. Typically the estate sale is a treasure trove of patterns sewn for the family over the decades. Not only does it provide a wide range of patterns, but typically it also includes some craft patterns and hand-made patterns cut out of newsprint.

An estate sale purchase was, in fact, how I "fell" into running my Etsy shop. I purchased approximately 300 patterns from an estate sale in my neighborhood. There was no interest in them from other buyers and I took pity on them. :) My neighbor had sewed for her family all her life and her stash included patterns for children, women, and men, and spanned 5 decades or more. What a history of fashion! That was back in 2008, and I continue to search estate sales, as well as other sources, for patterns for my Etsy shop.

This recent purchase is typical example. The mother kept her patterns in a special decorated box (a little worse for the wear).

As expected, the patterns include fashion for all occasions (from sleepwear, to every day, to special occasions) for men, women, and children of all sizes. It also includes a handful of craft patterns, a booklet on crafts, and other hand-traced craft templates.

Also typical are hand-made patterns, like these bodice or blouse pieces. Thrift is often a key element found in estate sales. I love this peek into the historical times of a sewist's life!

Pattern of the Week: Sizzling Summer Style from 1951

I am a bit late, but not too late, to post my pattern of the week! This week's eyesome pattern is from 1951 and Woman's Day magazine. Superbly versatile, the pattern features a flared skirt and three different summer blouses, each an attraction on its own.

Woman's Day 5010

What makes this pattern special?

• The skirt features a soft deep pleat at each front side, with adjacent small soft short pleats, full-length front button closing, and a contoured self-fabric buckled belt.
• The halter neck blouse is dart-fitted, with a decollete V-neckline and front button closing.
• The off-shoulder blouse is also dart-fitted, with a double flange collar framing the off-shoulder neckline.
• The wrap blouse has a surplice closing with tie extensions and a wide decollete V-neckline.

For ease of viewing, here are the garments as illustrated in the instructions:

A bargain at any price!