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?
Dear Readers, did you ever read the fascinating history of Coats and Clarks‘ 200 year timeline back in 2012? You must! I love it when centuries old established companies live in the 21st century – so of course, Coats and Clark has a sewing blog called Sewing Secrets with awesome content. No, this is not an… Read More Frills & Fancies: #CoatsandClark Leaflet, 1934. Vintage, Easy, Fun and Impractical
I am a fan of Claire McCardell, the post WWII designer who is said to have “invented” modern American Sportswear as we know it today. Her designs are classic & utterly wearable today. As well, they have a unique quality which makes them intriguing. Therefore I am beholden to Julie Eilber of jetsetsewing.com for adapting this tube-like wrap by Claire McCardell. You… Read More #McCardell inspired Wrap
Hi readers! This post features an item I made 2 years ago, and about which I wrote a couple of blog posts for the American Sewing Guild, where I was employed at the time. You can find the posts here and here. The original collar was featured in “Gifts You Can Make Yourself”, a book from the… Read More Vintage Lace Collar
In the finest American business tradition, McCalls Pattern Company recently proved to me that customers matter. Remember my post about Vogue 9005 and how the draft seemed wrong? Since McCalls Patterns is now active in social media (best business decision ever), I sent a direct Twitter message about said draft and, was thrilled to see an… Read More McCalls Pattern Book, circa 1953
Hi everyone! Please don’t read this if you have already commented and made your choices for the pattern giveaway; thank you so very much if you have. Let me say that at this time you have a VERY good chance of winning your preferred pattern bundle! If you have not entered the giveaway, and want to… Read More Mom Was a Little Girl Once, and Still Time for Entering Pattern Giveaway
If you know me, you also know that I love, love fashion and sewing history. That means that I collect publications like this one. It is Vogue Patterns Magazine dated December 1947/January 1948 with Holiday oriented content. I consider it an important and exciting piece of history. Here are some images from the magazine for… Read More Nothing’s New
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