News — 1930's

This is a very unusual 13-piece pattern originally by Simplicity (1241), the 1933 Garden Ensemble of Pajamas and Apron.  I offer it in sizes: Set A fitting 12-20 (30" to 38" bust, 25" to 32" waist, 33" to 41" hip) or, Set B fitting 40-46 (40" to 46" bust, 34" to 40" waist, 43" to 49" hip). It is part of the Simplicity Three-Style pattern series of the early 1930's; a series which afforded the home sewist of the Great Depression better economy by availing 'three entirely different and charming styles' from one pattern (a 1930's take on the 'Capsule Wardrobe'...

I've been away from blogging for some time now, yet the pattern planning and implementation has been going full-steam! For a little background,the year's first multi-size pattern issued was the 1934 Evening Gown with optional Sash Train for sizes 30" to 46" bust.  This was one of the first original 1930's patterns I ever bought back in fall of 2001! For Spring, I finished the 1948 Originator Peplum Dress for sizes 32" to 46" bust.  The ruffles may be finished with lace, or left plain-edged.  This pattern was generously made available by a customer in St. Louis!   I have...

The 1930's is a fashion decade of great variety and significant firsts. In particular, women's wardrobe choices seemed limitless from new-fangled suits and sportswear to décolletage evening gowns. The 'official' street trouser and the natural waistline as we now know them were first established. This is a sewing pattern challenge to create men’s or women’s garments from 1930’s EvaDress patterns. Accessories (hats, bags, etc.) are not counted as an individual project, but may accompany garments in a submission. Participants may each enter more than one project for this challenge.Projects may not be started earlier than 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1,...

This week’s pattern tour covers the Katharine Hepburn Ensemble pattern. It was 10 years ago I wrote the six-page article, ‘Working with Vintage Patterns’ for Threads Magazine focusing on this scarce pattern. It’s commemorative. So here is… Howard Greer designed the dress, jacket and hat ensemble Katharine Hepburn wore in her first starring role in RKO’s ‘Christopher Strong’ (1933). The costuming a great filmic narrative; in this case, she wears the kimono jacket with cut-away shoulders at the time she is really opening up with her love for Christopher. The dress underneath is a simple A-line yet touched with sophistication...

It was tough to evaluate the entries in the EvaDress Patterns Fabulous Forties Challenge because they were, well so fab! Lil from Oz took the finalist spot for her versatile ensemble of the 1945 high-waist trousers and 1945 beach tops! While she said she did not consider herself as a ‘1940s’, Lil sure pulled it off using a lovely combination of linen, wool and flowers! Extra meaningful, the trousers and braces are in lightweight wool from her mother’s cache of fabrics. She re-sized the trousers (currently a single-size pattern) to fit and added fun contrasting pockets. The inside scoop: plain...