Scraps from the Past - Wartime Cartoon Supports the War Effort

From time to time, a vintage pattern will contain newspaper clippings, but not in the typical sense. These are sections of newsprint that were used to make an altered pattern piece (so the seamstress did not have to cut or tape or otherwise damage the original).

It is always interesting to see these. Sometimes they show the want ads, sometimes grocery store prices and other advertising, sometimes local sports, rarely the headlines of the day.

Click on this image to make it easier to read!

The clipping, found tucked in a pattern from the war years of the 1940s, provides most of a specific comic strip, although I have no idea of the name of it. It shows that saving items for the war effort was very important during those difficult years. It's very touching humor. :)

It's also sort of fun to note the fashions of the day as illustrated in this cartoon, especially for the ladies.

Resort Fashions 2013 - Swimsuit Retrospective 1945 Swimsuits - East Coast, West Coast

West Coast 1945

"California" suits for 1945 are styled for active swimming. Strictly functional, they have no shoulder straps, and minimum "diaper-style" pants. These suits are the ultimate development of the skintight knitted suits which first appeared in the early 1920s.

East Coast 1945

 These East Coast suits are a bit more dressy and feminine. Made of draped material, they hint at the beginning of regression to ruffles and frills. Many have long detachable skirts. The suits are paired to show each with and without the skirt.

Resort Fashions 2013 - Swimsuit Retrospective 1940, 1942, 1945

1940

It was 1940 and the second year of the war. A girl could still appear on the beach and be in fashion with a one-piece suit. This was the year for short skating skirts on suits, many dots and flowers.

1942

By 1942, the bra and pants had overtaken the one-piece suit in popularity. The bra is shrinking and becoming tighter. In the 1920s, wearing such a suit on Long Island would have caused arrest.

1945

The Jantzen suit in 1945 made for mass sale is comparatively conservative. It has a fair-sized bra, and skirt that covers the pants.By now almost all US beaches have given up trying to regulate bathing suits.

In Search of Style: 1940s Blouse with Peplum Charm!

Tucked in a pattern from the war years was this clipping of a very happy model wearing a beautiful formal blouse with a pert gathered peplum:

Here is the pattern, Advance 3909 from 1943, with models looking equally happy in blouse with peplum and flared swing skirt.

Let's compare! Both blouses have:

• lightly fitted bodice
• cap sleeves
• shaped neckline
• gathered peplum
• self-fabric belt

The neckline is not identical, and the pattern has a front buttoned closing, otherwise, nice match! Don't you think? :D