Thursday, November 27, 2014

Free Pattern Friday! Trixie the Donkey


FREE PATTERN FRIDAY - 

Trixie the Donkey
Courtesy of RetroMonkeys

 11 1/4 inches high by 6 1/2 inches long





For this week's Free Pattern, I decided since it's the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season, that I would post a toy pattern. This is one of my favorites. I named her Trixie - she needs a bow. She is made of felt with contrasting stitches and twisted tail. She measures 11 1/4 inches high and 6 1/2 inches long. She's an easy to make little toy. She can be made to be a boy donkey too!


What will you name yours? 


Click HERE for Pattern!

Originally published in Workbasket Magazine, January 1956

Monday, November 24, 2014

Skirt Styles Over the Decades

SKIRTS - Which is right for You? 


by Mary Beth, RetroMonkeys

A couple of months ago when I was in the middle of my five part series on necklines, some readers expressed an interest in learning more about the different styles of skirts. Sherri from SewBettyandDot did an article on skirts. To read, CLICK HERE.

Well, here is the first insttallment of two.






The A-Line Skirt is a wardrobe essential. A simple modified triangle. Barely modified - the top cut  off and the base slightly curved. It can be made in any length from Micro-Mini to Evening length.

         Vintage Needle Finds      Pattern Memories        Vienna's Grace                 Bessie and Maive
       



The Broomstick
The traditional broomstick skirt is tiered and has vertical creases or wrinkles. It has several names - Gypsy, hippie, peasant, bohemian, or tiered. They can be made out of gauze and twisted around a broomstick to create the wrinkles.



            MBChills                           Virtual Vintage                  OddRoom               Historically Patterns 
       

The Bubble

The bubble skirt is a full skirt that is gathered inward and upward at the hemline.
    Pengy Patterns                        FancyWork                        Fragolina                       DejaVous


Circle 



Everyone loves  a circle skirt! A great style for every body type. It is what it's name more than implies! It is a circle with a waistband. It served as the iconic 1950's poodle skirt and is still a popular and versitle style for today's wardrobe! 


    RetroMonkeys                       Jantiki                             Pengy Patterns                 KinseySue



Dirndl



The dirndl originated in Austria. It was called Dirndlgewand which means maid dress. Dirndl was originally the entire outfit. Skirt, Blouse,bodice (vest), and the apron. Modern use of the term apples to the circular skirt with gathers usually concentrated at the center front. Below are some examples of the variations and wide range that is the Dirndl! 

         Sydcam              SoVintageonEtsy                      BeththeBookLady               DesignRewind


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Embellishments Can Make the Dress

Pretty Trimmings

Courtesy of RetroMonkeys

Any dress can be made prettier with a little effort and a little trim.  A plain Shift or tent dress can become  a stunner by adding a little trim. To Download all of the trimming ideas and tutorials, CLICK HERE.



Originally Published by by Better Homes & Gardens 1963

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Focus On: Coats

by Sherri, Sew Betty and Dot

Now that winter is truly upon us, I bet most of us have reached for a coat. What kind of coat are you wearing this year? Duffle, trench, or princess? Reefer, chesterfield, or polo? Loden? Redingote? Trimmer or cocoon? Swagger or clutch? (Or just a plain ol' coat?) These are all styles of outerwear that have been popular since the turn of the twentieth century. In this post, I have focused on long coats--those that come to the knee or below; shorter coats, or jackets, will be discussed in another post.

Coats, specifically "overcoats," are relatively new garments for women; due to the wide skirts that were the fashion up until the turn of the twentieth century, many women wore capes, cloaks, or shawls for warmth (there were exceptions, of course--the pelisse was a long-sleeved outer garment that echoed the lines of ladies' dresses before, during, and after the Regency period).

In the 1920s, coats became fashion statements as much as protective garments against the elements. The straight lines of twenties frocks were covered with cocoon coats, somewhat shapeless garments that swaddled the body; these often had fur cuffs and fur collars. In the thirties, more styles of coats emerged: double-breasted coats that buttoned, including the collegiate-style coat, Hollywood, and reefer coat; the polo coat, a double-breasted wrap coat ; princess coats had, well, princess seams that created a slim silhouette on top with a more flared "skirt" on the bottom half; swagger coats are very full coats, shaped like an inverted "V," usually with raglan sleeves. (By the way, a Chesterfield coat--originally an man's style--is a double-breasted coat with high peaked collars, somewhat flared, with a velvet collar.)
Top row, left: a cocoon coat (courtesy artdecoblog.tumblr.com)
Right: swagger coat (courtesy vintagedancer.com)
Bottom row, left: princess coat (courtesy adore-vintage.blogspot.com)
Right: wraparound, reefer, Hollywood (courtesy vintagedancer.com)

In 1942, as fabric became more scarce due to wartime restrictions, the United States War Production Board implemented L-85, which forbade things such as unnecessary pleating, turned-back cuffs, overly large collars, etc., and coats became much simpler and boxier for a time. After the war, the New Look (nipped-in waist, very full skirt) could also be seen in outerwear (princess coats again). Coats with very full silhouettes and bell sleeves, sometimes called swing coats, were popular (partially due to the postwar baby boom: a full coat was comfortable for a pregnant woman--no belts!). And clutch coats--that wildly impractical garment with no fasteners--were stylish throughout much of the 1950s. And of course, in the 1960s, anything went: women wore men's coats, short swingy coats were made to cover short minis, ethnic influences could be seen (East Asian embroidery, Russian steppe dwellers, poncho shapes)--and of course, there was the maxi coat. 
Left to right: 1940s wartime coats (courtesy uvm.edu; New Look coats (courtesy glamourdaze.com); a 1950s swing coat (unattributed, from Pinterest.com); 1960s coat styles (courtesy secondhandwithstyle.com); early 1970s coat (courtesy bessgeorgette.com)

In the 1970s, maxi coats and trench coats were often seen, with wrap coats becoming very popular (short jackets and longer coats). Duffle coats (wool coats fastened with toggles), pea coats--anyone else here buy those sorts of coats at the Salvation Army? I did!--loden coats...the seventies fashionista could take her pick. As always, fashion recycles itself...in the 1980s and 1990s, some version of almost all of these styles could be had. 

Now let's take a look at some lovely coat patterns from members of the Pattern Patter team. 
Top row, left to right: 1920s/1930s Pattern (PDF): Mrsdepew


Top row, left to right: Vogue 1466: Anne8865
Top row, left to right: Simplicity 9019: PeoplePackages
Vogue 1458: allthepreciousthings

Which one of these coats would YOU like to wrap yourself in? Tell us in the comments!

Monday, November 17, 2014

CHRISTMAS SEWING GIVEAWAY WINNER!





Sarah!!! 

Sarah and her family lost everything a couple of years ago. Winning this will help the family make some new memories! 

Congratulations!






Keep following Pattern Patter! More giveaways are coming soon! 


Friday, November 14, 2014

Black Friday Blitz! Sewing Pattern Sales!

It's that time again for the Pattern Patter Team to host our annual Black Friday Blitz!


Join us on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday, and Cyber Monday for some great new listings and fabulous sales! 

CLICK HERE STARTING BLACK FRIDAY TO SEE ALL OF THE NEW LISTINGS FROM PARTICIPATING SHOPS! 

As of today, 25 shops are signed up to participate! Many shops will be offering great discounts! 

Sunday, November 9, 2014

GIVEAWAY! Christmas Sewing Package!


CHRISTMAS SEWING GIVEAWAY! 





Looking for some sewing projects for the holidays? 

You are in the right place! The Pattern Patter Team is hosting a great giveaway! 

This collection includes - Christmas sewing patterns, panels to make pillows, wreaths and more! 


The Patterns!
8 Patterns include home decor, shirt appliques, embroidery, etc. 

















Great Fabric Panels - Pillows (8), Stockings (18), Santa Door Decor, Advent Calendars (2)




 

Precious Moments Stocking Panels for Girls & Boys (9 fronts & backs for boys and the same for girls)

Fabrics to make clothing or decor and some great embroidery transfers too. 

Velvet 30 X 44,      Plaid Wool 52 X 58
Check out the Notions! Rick Rack, Holly Bias Tape, Buttons, Wooden Spools of  Red & Green Threads, Measure Tape, Tracing Wheel, Two ended Zipper Needle books and more! 



 Daisy Kingdom Cross-Stitch Ornament Kit
The Book: 

Transfers & Home Decor Needles
Fabric has border print on both edges 
70 x 58






HOW TO ENTER
ENTER USING RAFFLECOPTER RANDOM GENERATOR! 


You must be a resident of the U.S. and be 18 or older. Past and present members of Pattern Patter Team on Etsy and their families, as well as any previous winners are not eligible to enter. 
To Read all of the Giveaway Terms & Conditions, Click on The "Blog Policies" tab.  

All entries must be completed by 11:59 PM November 16th. The winner will be notified by email and be announced on the blog November 18th. 

List of Shops who graciously donated items to this giveaway as well as upcoming giveaways!

Charlotte PatternsFromThePast  https://www.etsy.com/shop/PatternsFromThePast
Catherine - Frisky Scissors https://www.etsy.com/shop/FriskyScissors
Deb - MantuaMakers https://www.etsy.com/shop/MantuaMakerPatterns
Mary Beth RetroMonkeys https://www.etsy.com/shop/retromonkeys
Cloe CloesCloset https://www.etsy.com/shop/CloesCloset
Sherri SewBettyandDot  https://www.etsy.com/shop/sewbettyanddot
Mary Beth MonkeyandFriends  https://www.etsy.com/shop/monkeyandfriends
Karen OmasBricaBrac https://www.etsy.com/shop/omasbricabrac
Anne-Marie Neverwares https://www.etsy.com/shop/neverwares
Kelly GreyDogVintage https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreyDogVintage
Deborah VintageNeedlefinds https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageNeedleFinds
Susan AdeleBeeAnnPatterns https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdeleBeeAnnPatterns
Rebecca RebeccasVintageSalon https://www.etsy.com/shop/RebeccasVintageSalon
Denise VioletCrownEmporium https://www.etsy.com/shop/VioletCrownEmporium
Robin PrettyPatternShop  https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyPatternShop
Janie  Redcurlz  https://www.etsy.com/shop/Redcurlzs
Barbara  FloraDoraPresents  https://www.etsy.com/shop/FloradoraPresents
Amy ViennasGrace  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ViennasGrace
Kinsey Sue  KinseySue  https://www.etsy.com/shop/kinseysue
Madge MadgesMightyCloset https://www.etsy.com/shop/mightymadgescloset


Thursday, November 6, 2014

FREE PATTERN FRIDAY - BOOTS!


THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN'

Courtesy of PrettyPatternShop 



If you are missing the 1970's or looking for an affordable pair of boots for this winter, these are for you. 

Nancy Sinatra would have  gladly worn these back in her Heyday! 

To Download the Pattern and Instructions, CLICK HERE


Adapted from Family Circle Magazine      March 1975



Tuesday, November 4, 2014

An Amazing 1930's Pattern Collection




Anna, owner and creator of MrsDepew vintage and reproduction patterns, has been collecting Simplicity S-series patterns. I know that I as well as other members of the Pattern Patter team have been able to help Anna grow her collection of the S-Series. Well, now she has the ultimate resource for dating those patterns! Although it's in shabby condition, the illustrations inside are amazing. 

She now needs only three more to complete the collection. S603, S607, and S608.  To read the full post, go to Anna's Blog; 








S607 and S603, Two of the ones needed 


            S608 - The other one she needs! 

Can you help Anna complete the collection? Whether you can or not, stop by her amazing blog and her shop full of the most beautiful lingerie patterns. 

Vintage Sewing Pattern 1930's French Slip or Dress in Any Size- PLUS Size Included- Depew 169 -INSTANT DOWNLOAD-
An example of one of her PDF patterns. 
CLICK HERE to visit her shop.