News — 1930's

Simplicity marketed this pattern (1210) design in Summer of 1933 headlining it, 'Daytime and Evening Fashions of Cool Charm and Smart Line'.  It is one of the earliest street trouser patterns I have found for women: As one from the Simplicity Three-Style pattern series (a 1930's take on the 'Capsule Wardrobe' concept, if you will), this ensemble includes the epaulette-shoulder blouse, wide leg trousers, vest and jacket with French cuffs. A piece for the Ascot-style scarf is not given, but dimensions and instructions for creating it are included. Curiously, this ladies' Tuxedo was issued at a time when Simplicity released their...

I found this Pictorial Review 9079 with a motherlode 1920's & 30's patterns (which included the ultra rare and desirable Katharine Hepburn Ensemble) in 2004! When I look at this Pictorial Review, I think of it as a 'retro retrospective'. That is, the 1930's stylized perspective on a previous year in history. We usually think of the 1930's recalling Colonial or Federal times, so this is a prized example from 1937 referring to the 'Directoire' Federal sensibility in fashion for it's almost-Empire waist line. When looking at it against adaptations from the early 1900's, a close-fitting, almost-corset line is read in...

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,...