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News — 1940's

Pattern Tour, 1940's Two-Piece Suit Dress and Blouse, SE40-1519

Alexandra Reynolds 1940's dress EvaDress Patterns Kimono Linda Przybyszewski SE40-1519 Vintage Patterns

Pattern Tour, 1940's Two-Piece Suit Dress and Blouse, SE40-1519

This is a 16-piece pattern originally by Hollywood (1519).  I offer it as the three-piece ensemble or just the blouse, as a separate in size: Set A fitting 14-20 (32" to 38" bust, 27" to 32" waist, 35" to 41" hip) or, Set B fitting 40-46 (40" to 46" bust, 34" to 40" waist, 43" to 49" hip). Linda Przybyszewski has presented the concept of framing the face with flattering necklines in vintage designs (be sure to pick up her book, The Lost Art of Dress, Basic Books).  This kimono blouse is cut rather long and when it is worn...

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The Next EvaDress Pattern Challenge to Launch March 1, 2019 - 1940's!!

Alexandra Reynolds 1940s EvaDress Pattern Challenge! EvaDress Patterns Gift Certificate

The Next EvaDress Pattern Challenge to Launch March 1, 2019 - 1940's!!

In honor of my newest pattern, the 1940's Suit Dress with Blouse, I am hosting a 1940's EvaDress Pattern Challenge for a top-finalist to win a non-expiring $150 gift certificate to EvaDress.com!  Projects may not be started earlier than 12:01 a.m. EST on March 1, 2019 although a muslin for fitting may be created any time before the challenge kick-off date. No purchase necessary to enter, so 1940's EvaDress patterns from stash are fair game! The closing date to submit projects for this challenge is 11:59p.m. EST on May 1, 2019.  Full details for participating are here. I will soon blog a...

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Apr. 10 - Apr. 14 The Week in Patterning - 70 Finalist of the EvaDress Patterns Fabulous Forties Challenge!

Alexandra Reynolds 1930s 1940s B40-1624 D40-2798 D40-5087 EvaDress Fabulous Forties Pattern Challenge EvaDress Patterns frock T40-9016 The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Apr. 10 - Apr. 14 The Week in Patterning - 70 Finalist of the EvaDress Patterns Fabulous Forties Challenge!

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...

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Feb. 27 - Mar. 3 The Week in Patterning - 64, Pattern Tour, E40-4517

Alexandra Reynolds 1940s E-Patterns EvaDress Patterns slip The Week in Patterning Storyboard Vintage Patterns

Feb. 27 - Mar. 3 The Week in Patterning - 64, Pattern Tour, E40-4517

A little tour of this pattern as it is among the fist of my E-Pattern offerings (more on that next week as the collection grows!) and also just because it is fabulous!  I recently included a turban pattern to go with it so it went from being a 9-piece pattern to a 10-piece on that note! While this single-size pattern (for 38" bust) is hand-drafted for the dress or gown, the more recently added turban is digitally drafted and full instructions are included to create it within the dress construction details. A note about the dress, as shown it is...

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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...

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