Hi readers! I recently dove into my sewing ‘collection”, and pulled out some long-stashed stuff that was purchased just because it was so pretty and so old — a treasure to fashion history afficionados; at the very least, something interesting. I wonder who was the wearer of this jabot, or should it be called a… Read More Antique Netting Collar/Jabot
These thoughts are dedicated to my friends who are obsessed with costume design in old Hollywood movies that were produced before they (my friends) were born. In 1932 my mother was 7 years old, and lived in a faraway land. For her, Joan Crawford, Adrian and the Letty Lynton dress were not a thing. In… Read More Nothing’s New – Chanel Channels “Letty Lynton”
……of this Madeleine Vionnet design, circa 1922. It is 95 years old, and yet so 2017 in it’s modernity, the ombre vibe emanated by the color blocking, and the simple geometric shapes joined in an innovative fashion. Madeleine Vionnet was known as a master of the bias grain. Yet, this outfit hangs on the straight… Read More Can’t Let Go….
Hi Readers, is this a cute wrap or what!! Its stylish and practical, and seems cozy enough for very mild winters in my area. It has a sleeve for one arm and the other arm is put through an opening which is hidden under a flap. Slick! Or, the stole can be thrown over… Read More Stylish Stole
Hi, all! This is the last post about this particular jacket – I promise. After asking your opinion in the last post about how to make the seams more prominent, I added saddle stitching to the seams. So, here it is. I like the loose, monk-like vibes of this jacket; and there was a request… Read More One More Time: Jacket, circa 1935, Saddle Stitched
First up, last week’s puzzle, revealed….. I want to thank everyone who responded here and on Facebook with highly educated guesses! Some of your guesses were spot on! This jacket is from another leaflet from Coats and Clark company in the 1930s. Titled “The Gay Flannel Jacket” the leaflet crams all the basic, important information… Read More Puzzle Revealed: Jacket Pattern, circa 1935
Last week, you saw me following the instructions in a leaflet issued by Coats & Clark in 1934 – read about it here. That was a trial; today, I give you the final slip. Why didn’t I just use a tried and true camisole pattern from the old Stretch and Sew book? Maybe…. because I… Read More The Final Slip
This leaflet was produced and distributed in 1934 by the much revered, 200 plus year old thread manufacturer, Coats and Clark. You can read all about their history on their website. In the 1930s they published a series of leaflets called “Smart Cuts to Sewing”, and I have seven of them, purchased from a long forgotten… Read More Cut Your Corners: #Sewing a Slip From 81 Year Old Instructions.
Merry Christmas! Making Christmas cookies and the occasional Christmas craft project is my highlight of the holiday. Technically, I do not celebrate, but that has not stopped me from loving all kinds of holiday themed cooking and crafts, and generally getting into the spirit! I try to bake a new holiday cookie each year. In… Read More Delving Into “The Delineator”, Christmas 1930 Number
Well, yes, plenty. But not really. And, that’s OK. Re-claimed designs in the sartorial world can be regenerated and made to look new — but not really. Before I twist myself into a pretzel, it’s best to start splainin’ myself. There IS a ton of innovation in the fashion industry but it’s a given that… Read More Is Anything New?
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