Home Sewing Tips of the 1920s - Accent Your Frock with Bias Bands

"Smart lines" and "a clever touch of decoration" are two ways to ensure a distinctive new frock, according to Ruth Wyeth Spears. In this 1920s tip for the home sewer, Ruth describes how to cut and add self-fabric bias bands to trim a frock with, adding her most excellent illustrations (as always).

A chic little frock, I daresay! :)

Scraps from the Past - Elegant, Modern "Pinafore" in Black

The Pattern: Advance 8055
This lovely pattern from 1956 features a modern "pinafore", consisting of a full or slim skirt with detachable bib and shoulder straps, and a handsome blouse with a wing collar and the ever-flattering 3/4-length sleeves. It simply looks like spring and summer fashion to me, and definitely for the afternoon or evening. :D

The Scrap: This scrap was tucked in the pattern. Although they don't show up very well, rows of shiny dots fleck this black rayon scrap. The only pattern pieces cut were the bib, shoulder straps, and waistband. Most likely the original seamstress used a favorite skirt pattern in combination with the bib to create a very special afternoon or evening ensemble. Can you imagine it? :)

Blouses with Tucks - Then and Now

Spotted in the shop window of OSKA in downtown Seattle, this pleated and tucked blouse is superb. I have blouse-envy. :)

Tucks in blouses were particularly popular throughout the 1940s and into the 1950s. Here is a wonderful advertisement from March 1952 for blouses that have such beautiful details, with tucks the dominant feature. I love these blouses - such variety, and very different from modern blouses. So pretty! Note that many of these blouses are sheer, and rely on the perfect undergarments. ;)

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Make Another Chic Ribbon Cloche!

If you didn't make the first ribbon cloche that Ruth Wyeth Spears described in one of my previous posts, here's another one to tempt you. Or maybe you did and you want to make another! :) Ribbon hats were evidently popular at some point in the 1920s, and with Ruth's home sewing tips from that era, you too can learn how to make your own.  This rather Art Deco style hat uses stiff ribbon and a buckram crown foundation. Happy sewing!

Spotted in a Shop Window - Formal Gowns at Luly Wang

I love this strapless gown, with its diagonal pleating on the bodice and flirty asymmetrical peplum. Simple stunning!

And this gown has an elegant pouf of a half bow adding drama to the strapless neckline. Eye-popping dreamy! Note the additional elegance of a sweep train.

1950s March Fashion - Neutral Tones Carry the Day

The pearly look of pale tones are featured in this collection of spring styles from March 1952!

 Pale beige flannel suit - a collarless neckline, pleated skirt, "domino" closing.

 A beautiful double-breasted coat of white fleece, lined with black silk, worn over a black silk suit.

 A double-breasted white fleece topper over a slim navy dress - perfect to wear spring or summer.

A neat round-collared suit in oatmeal tweed flecked with red and green, and accented with a big wool tassel.

Spotted in a Shop Window: Deliciously Draped Dresses from Luly Yang

Look at these gorgeously draped dresses, seen in the shop window of Luly Yang in downtown Seattle. Such beautiful cascading drapes, artful gathers, and elegant design details!

I wish I could afford to shop in this store. Sigh.