News — 1940's

I respond to 'Unsuccessful search terms' I observe in my web site admin page by filling in what I can throughout the site.   This week, 'perforation meaning' was one such term, so this is a post to address just what those little punched markings in your vintage pattern can mean. The first individually packaged sewing patterns marketed for the home sewer came in the form of un-printed, pre-cut tissue pieces.  Each piece was factory punched with perforations indicating the pattern piece letter or number (a few pattern makers, such as Vogue punched the entire name of the piece into...

In constant effort to keep pattern prices down, I eliminated two of the 16 pieces this original McCall pattern had.  Since the long and short sleeve pieces were identically shaped, I  superimposed the two sleeve styles so my version has 14 pieces (thus, reducing paper and ink cost). For as much wearing ease in this style, McCall did some clever moves to shape and fit the design in an overall flattering manner.  Using a curved shoulder yoke piece at the front allows soft gathering of the bodice front over the bust.  The omission of darts keeps the kimono style very...

A customer in Texas sent this original in so I could create a size for her, so this style is now also offered from my collection in multiple sizes (with two sizes per sheet). Because I sized it up for her from the original size 20 (with 38" bust), it is now available from size 20/40 (38" to 40" bust) through 46/48 (for 46" &48" bust).  I anticipate taking it down to sizes 12/14 (30" to 32" bust) to include the sizes in between as well as to 52" bust.  I do not yet have a date scheduled for these...

Do you Pinterest?  I have an interest in Pinterest, August's most pinned from my pattern boards are the following.  A nice representation from the 1920's, 30's, 40's & 50's! 1956 Swim or Play suit & Skirt   1940's One-yard Apron   1936 Set of Hats   1920's Golfing Knickers (Plus Fours)