Cart 0

News — The Week in Patterning Storyboard

Feb. 20 - Feb. 24 The Week in Patterning - 63, Another Hidden Gem!

Alexandra Reynolds 1940s EvaDress Patterns panties slip The Week in Patterning Storyboard underwear Vintage Patterns

Feb. 20 - Feb. 24 The Week in Patterning - 63, Another Hidden Gem!

A single-size pattern I drafted some time ago and did not yet make available (until now)! A 1940's panties & slip pattern in size 40" bust, 34" waist and 43" hip in which the single panties piece means the pair is cut in one with front and back, so there is no side seam.   The waistline of the panties is fitted down via pleats at front, the top edge is finished with a self-straight facing creating a casing in which a buttonhole opening for elastic insertion (across the back edge only) is created.     The gored slip is fitted...

Read more →


Feb. 13 - Feb. 17 The Week in Patterning - 62, New Multi-Size Pattern

Alexandra Reynolds 1940s Capsule wardrobe EvaDress Patterns NL40-6120 pajamas pants The Week in Patterning Storyboard tunic Vintage Patterns Vogue 6120

Feb. 13 - Feb. 17 The Week in Patterning - 62, New Multi-Size Pattern

Now available in sizes 32" to 46" bust, is Vogue's 1949 Ensemble.  Originally meant as lounge wear, the tunic and trousers could TOTALLY be worn as a casual outfit by today's standards!     The sash which ties around the waist and knots at left front was originally referred to as a 'gridle' and I chose to re-name the 'coat' a 'tunic' for Vogue being inconsistent with how they name that part of the ensemble in the original pattern. Per the text to describe the style, 'The flared lower section of tunic joins double-breasted top at waistline and has notched...

Read more →


Feb. 6 - Feb. 10 The Week in Patterning - 61, It's Been a While...

Alexandra Reynolds 1930s Acc30-7747 Capsule wardrobe dickey dress gilet Hidden Gem! jabot Pattern Tour Pictorial Review 7747 The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Feb. 6 - Feb. 10 The Week in Patterning - 61, It's Been a While...

but here is another hidden gem pattern! In 2014, I started adding some single-size patterns I drafted long ago, but for whatever reason hadn't issued.  I call them 'Hidden Gems'.  This is one I pulled from the file drawer and digitally drafted for the set of Gilets, originally by Pictorial Review in the mid-1930's.   The reason I never put it out?  I simply did not make a color reproduction of the envelope art and it was missing a piece I had to create.  Thus, I offer it in black and white, also see last week's post on re-creating a...

Read more →


Jan. 30 - Feb. 3 The Week in Patterning - 60, Completing a vintage pattern

Alexandra Reynolds 1930s dress frock Simplicity 2653 swing jacket The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Jan. 30 - Feb. 3 The Week in Patterning - 60, Completing a vintage pattern

I am putting this dress & jacket pattern out in multiple sizes a few months from now.   I began planning the pattern work up last year as I needed to complete the missing jacket back piece to make it available.  Luckily, I had a little something similar (and in the same size) from which to base the missing piece (also a Simplicity), shown below.  Doesn't always happen this way, but definitely make the process smoother.   The key here was to use enough of the jacket back piece from this design to make up what is just a side...

Read more →


Jan. 23 - Jan. 27 The Week in Patterning - 59, Pattern Tour, E30-6298

Alexandra Reynolds 1930s EvaDress Patterns evening gown McCall 6298 The Great Depression The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Jan. 23 - Jan. 27 The Week in Patterning - 59, Pattern Tour, E30-6298

It is a joy to come across an extant example originally made from a pattern I have reproduced to offer in my collection!  This example was posted on OMG that dress! (from Kerry Taylor Auctions) in 2013: The pattern dates to 1930 and was originally by McCall.  It is the evening gown pattern E30-6298.  I added it to my collection in early 2008: This is a slip-on gown (that is, no side placket to hook or snap) with only an opening at the left hip which is closed via the side-tie (and it works!).  The hem is uneven with a...

Read more →