News — Pattern Tour

Think of the ever popular 1929 Evening Gown with Handkerchief Hem as origami in dressmaking. When sewing this design together, you will 'flip' the Lower Back and Side piece after joining it with the Front piece at notch '4'.  This ensures the piece will fold and drape to create sharp points in the hem as well as bring notch '6' in the upper edge of the Lower Back and Side piece to align with that on the Girdle.  Hopefully this paper mock-up demonstrates the point (pun intended):   Here is a creative twist put on this design as sewn by a...

but here is another hidden gem pattern! In 2014, I started adding some single-size patterns I drafted long ago, but for whatever reason hadn't issued.  I call them 'Hidden Gems'.  This is one I pulled from the file drawer and digitally drafted for the set of Gilets, originally by Pictorial Review in the mid-1930's.   The reason I never put it out?  I simply did not make a color reproduction of the envelope art and it was missing a piece I had to create.  Thus, I offer it in black and white, also see last week's post on re-creating a...

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...

This is the second of two new multi-size patterns in honor of my Flirty 50's Pattern Challenge, the 1953 Evening Dress: A small pleat is taken in each side of the center front skirt piece and the pleat is then lapped over each skirt front/skirt side front seam to create the box-pleats.  The same process is done with respect to the skirt back. The front and back gathered drapes are assembled and basted to the stitched bodice; then the top edges are finished off when the lining is stitched along the top edge and turned to the inside.  In the case...

I issued two new multi-size patterns in honor of my Flirty 50's Pattern Challenge.   So, this is a great time to introduce my 'Pattern Tour'.  A new blog department in which I will highlight each pattern by delving into its delicious details and any heads-up or pointers when sewing it up!  First pattern is the 1953 Shorts, Bra, Skirt & Shirt. First, I have this pattern available with all four pieces, in three pieces (bra, shorts & shirt) or for the shirt only (these options are on the ordering page). The shirt is cut kimono style as the sleeves are in...