Spotted in a Shop Window - Sculptured Drapery in a Formal Gown

Spotted in the shop window of Luly Yang in downtown Seattle, this formal gown is simply sublime. It has such an Art Deco look, with dramatic sunburst gathered draping as counterpoint to the gathered skirt. The empire waistline underscores the gathered-draped bodice.

Note the graceful sweep train. And the tiny sprinkle of glitter at the base of the sunburst. Wowza.

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Sewing A Chic Cretonne Hat

Are you ready to sew cloche for "sports wear"? If so, then read on, for Ruth Wyeth Spears shows you how with a buckram frame, some cretonne fabric (essentially upholstery fabric, preferably with a floral print), and a band of plain linen.

Remember to choose a becoming buckram frame. I just love the style of this cloche! Oh, and be sure to click or tap the image for a larger view for easier reading.

Spotted in a Shop Window - Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Dress

Really? Summer hasn't even started, but the Fall 2014 fashion season is ready to roll! I spotted this in one of the windows at Nordstrom's in downtown Seattle today.

What really caught my eye, though, was this stunning embroidered dress - the shimmering light blue background and the rich gold, blue, and pink floral motifs are dramatic and dazzling. I simply love embroidery.

 

The black and white midriff dress in the background appears a bit understated in contrast, but is lovely too. ;-)

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Adding a Cascading Drape to a Frock

Starting with your basic "plain dress" pattern as the foundation, this tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears illustrates 3 specific changes that you can make to add dash and elegance to your frock:

1. Long sleeves are lightly bell-shaped, then fastened snug to the wrists with snaps.
2. A narrow slot at the neckline front, with a contrast-colored vestee underneath.
3. Square pieces that are cut in a slope are added to the front skirt, creating a cascading drape.

Such inspiring style!

Will you sew yours in a "soft deep rose" and cream?

From the Summer of 65 - A Dress to Get Away from It All

This lovely dress from 1965 looks cool and inviting - perfect for your summer get-away!

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Craft a Spray of Sweet Peas

Satin ribbons 1-1/2 inches wide in pastel colors turn into lovely sweet peas with this charming tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears and the 1920s. With the ribbon and some wire, you can make a quick and delightful spray for a Mother's Day corsage - the second Sunday in May is coming up soon, but you have time!

You can click or tap the image to enlarge it for easier reading.

The Art of 1920s Dressmaking - Choose a Becoming Color

This image is the frontispiece in the 1927 book "The Art of Dressmaking" published by Butterick. The image carries the caption "Selecting becoming colors as they do in Paris".  Does this sound familiar? If you've been reading Ruth Wyeth Spear's tips for home sewers of the 1920s, she frequently mentions the current fashion from Paris, whether it be color or some other detail of style. And of course, selecting the most flattering, or becoming, color was extremely important.

The book goes on to state that "in order to look well dressed, you must have your clothes accord with the season's lines". Clearly, Paris designers ruled!