Monday, May 25, 2015

World War II Homefront Fashions




In 1942, the War Production Board, or WPD, implemented Limitation Order L-85 in the United States. Its purpose was to ensure that fabric and materials were ear-marked for military purposes. Included were restrictions on nylon, rubber, silk, leather and wool. It gave specific guidelines and measurements regarding new clothing. Pattern companies were affected, as new patterns issued after L-85 also had to conform to the guidelines.
Below is one section from Limitation Order L-85: Curtailment:


(g) Curtailment on Women's, Misses' and Junior Misses' Daytime and Evening

Dresses. No person shall, after the effective date of this Order with respect to such

person, put into process or cause to be put into process by others for his account,

any cloth for the manufacture of, and no person shall sell, any


(1) Daytime Dresses, as follows: 
(i) with a separate jacket, redingote, coat, cape, or bolero to be sold with a one or
two piece dress at one unit price. 
(ii) with a separate or simulated jacket or top that is longer than 25 inches from the nape of the neck to the end of the finished jacket for size 16; other sizes varying in accordance with schedule B attached hereto. 
(iii) with a separate or attached hood, shawl, cape or scarf, 
(iv) exceeding 43 inches in length for size 16; other sizes in accordance with
schedule C attached hereto. 
(v) with a lining known as a bodice attached to skirt of a two piece dress. 
(vi) with a petticoat, overskirt or apron, 
(vii) with more than 78 inches of material other than wool cloth at its maximum
width or sweep, exclusive of seams, for size 16; other sizes in accordance with
schedule C attached hereto. 
(viii) with more than 72 inches of wool cloth weighing 9 oz. or less at its maximum
width or sweep, exclusive of seams, for size 16; other sizes in accordance with
schedule C attached hereto. 
(ix) made of wool cloth weighing more than 9 oz. per yard, containing at its
maximum width or sweep more than 64 inches of cloth, exclusive of seams, for size 16; other sizes in accordance with schedule E attached hereto, 
(x) with a separate or attached belt or sash exceeding 2 inches in width. 
(xi) with a three-quarter or full-length sleeve exceeding 14 inches in circumference at the bottom of the finished sleeve, for size 16; other sizes varying in accordance with schedule C attached hereto.” 

In addition to delineating the length of jackets and dresses, hem circumference, and width of waistbands and cuffs, it also specified the number of buttons (preferably plastic rather then metal) which could be used and the quantity of new leather shoes which could be purchased per year.  Many companies offered non-rationed shoes made of canvas and non-leather material. The wedge shoe and espadrilles became very popular during the war years due to rationing.  The wedge was originally created by Salvatore Ferragamo and used cork for the soles rather than leather.  



1940s shoe store ad for Salvatore Farragamo in "Novus" magazine

Layered cork and crocheted raffia wedge heeled sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo, 1942
Dress silhouettes became narrower and skirts shorter to comply with the new restrictions.  The intent was to eliminate waste and to conserve non-military use of fabric, machinery and manpower.  Women were encouraged to re-purpose old clothing and other materials in the making of new.  Feedsacks were popular sources for aprons, dresses, and children's play clothes. Women would trade with one another in order to obtain enough matching sacks to make an item.

Mending became a patriotic duty.  With their men serving in the military, many women re-made their husband's suits for their own use or to make children's clothing. Out-grown sweaters were unraveled and new items knitted or crocheted from the yarn. Fabric purses replaced leather. 




Double-breasted jackets gave way to single breasted for both men and women.  Shoulder pads for women emulated military uniforms.  Other restricted embellishments included pleats, ruffles, attached hoods and shawls, full skirts, and balloon, dolman, or leg-o-mutton sleeves. Women were encouraged to wear neck scarves beneath their suit jackets rather than blouses to save fabric.  Since new metal zippers were unavailable, wrap skirts were introduced.
Women began donning cuff-less pants and working in factories. The width of the pant leg was also restricted by L-85.  Turbans, home crocheted snoods, and scarves were part of this uniform to prevent accidents arising from long hair getting caught in machinery.
Clothing exemptions were allowed in specific instances.  Bridal gowns, maternity clothes, and religious vestments were not restricted.
To conserve money, hair was grown long.  Recycling hair pins and metal combs was done by all women on the homefront. Veronica Lake's long, wavy hair caught the attention of the public and women easily re-created the same style using their saved bobby pins or fabric curlers made from scraps.
One unforeseen effect of L-85 was the way Hollywood and the fashion industry capitalized on abbreviated clothing. Citing "morale building" as well as saving fabric, film stars and starlets were shown wearing shorts, playsuits, midriff tops, and swimsuits.  The two-piece swimsuit quickly gained popularity.



The most popular pin-up of World War II - Betty Grable photograph by Frank Powolney

Lana Turner in THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE
released in 1946
image from avsforum.com


set of four World War II pinup cards featuring Betty Grable, Gene Tierney, Ava Gardner, and Dolores Moran
image from skylighters.org

Another unexpected result was the scarcity of new girdles - the rubber used to manufacture them went to the war effort. Stockings were originally made of silk, then nylon.  After both became prohibited, a new industry emerged: leg make-up.  Ladies would rub this on their legs then draw a line up the back, usually with an eyebrow pencil, to simulate stockings.  The shortage of stockings in turn increased the popularity of pants for women.
Home sewing was heavily encouraged and pattern companies' business soared.  Hollywood patterns with a star in the upper left corner indicate they were produced during the war years and therefore complied with L-85.


Patterns from the war years frequently show collarless dresses, plain blouses with no or very little pin-tucking or ruffles, dresses with a band rather a belt (this saved a metal buckle), embroidered trim, and short or three-quarter length sleeves.  Interestingly, millinery was not under ration regulations.  Most women took full advantage of this accessory.  Hats were designed in all styles and shapes.  Many sewing patterns for hats were also produced during the war years.
After the end of fighting in 1945, women chafed at wardrobe restrictions and information suggests the order was not strictly enforced.
On October 21, 1946, Order L-85 was formally revoked.

Many thanks to Sherri from sewbettyanddot for doing the collage of these 1940s patterns from the Pattern Patter Team on etsy.

by kinseysue on etsy

Sources and Reference Material:
The United States in War & Peace, Shelby L. Stanton (BlitzkreigBaby)
Library of Congress
Old Magazine Articles.com
The Impact of World War II on Women's Fashion in the United States and Britain by Meghann Mason
Fashion Design Trends of the 1940s
Ferragamo Museum
iwm.org.uk
www.ecouterre.com
Inwood Herald, April 19, 1945





1940s patterns from Pattern Patter Team-----those with longer skirts are post-war patterns

Row One - McCall 1294 from Fragolina; Hollywood 1003 from SoVintageOnEtsy

Row Two - McCall 1075 from allthepreciousthings, Simplicity 2026 from PeoplePackages; Hollywood 1322 from WEAREVINTAGESEWING

Row Three - New York 1617 from RomasMaison; Simplicity 2014 from sydcam123; Simplicity 4295 from PengyPatterns

Row Four - McCall 6791 from KeepsakesStudio; Mail Order 2142 from FloradoraPresents; McCall 6361 from GreyDogVintage

Row Five - Butterick 4649 from BlueTreeSewingStudion; Simplicity 1199 from LagunaLane; Simplicity 3779 from Clutterina

Row Six - Simplicity 3322 from sewbettyanddot; Vogue 9630 from PurplePlaidPenguin; McCall 6794 from FriskyScissors

Row Seven - Vogue 6357 from TabbysVintageShop; Hollywood 583 from PrettyPatternShop; Simplicity 1238 from RedcurlzsPatterns;

Row Eight - Simplicity 4754 from kinseysue (envelope is stamped that pattern does not conform to Canadian fabric restrictions.)

Row Nine - Butterick 4494 from FoxVintageUK

































Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Wardrobe Accessories of the 1940's

By:  RetroMonkeys

Here's a collection of ways to accessorize your look as done in the 1940's. 




























I would love to have instructions for a boutonniere but, I didn't find one in my stash of things to make. I personally love fresh flowers and, given the choice, would most certainly choose the real thing. 



A Turban is an easy hat to make! 

Free Turban Pattern




























Thursday, May 14, 2015

Free Pattern Friday - 1950's Girl's Halter and Skirt Pattern




1950’s Girl’s Halter and Skirt Pattern





I found this great pattern in a 1950's General Motors Employee Booklet. 



An easy circle skirt with halter top sundress. Great addition to any girl's summer wardrobe! To Download this pattern for personal use, Click HERE. 


Monday, May 11, 2015

1950's "Budget Busters" - Mail Order Patterns


BUDGET BUSTERS

Summer of 1952 



These great 1950's styles were featured in Workbasket Magazine in the July 1952 issue. I looked high and low and found Anne Adams 4613 but did not find any copies of the other two. I did however find some similar styles! Check out the listings by members of the pattern Patter Team Below! 




















Anne Adams 4613 - from  BlueTreeSewing

An amazing dress in size 14 with a 32 inch bust. 
It includes the sundress, and 3 optional collars/capes. It would also be great with a bolero. 















Next - 9196 I didn't find a copy of this exact pattern but did find one that is fairly similar. The neckline is identical the difference is the dress buttons on one side versus both sides.

Anne Adams 4554 available from MBChills
































Now that leaves the wrap skirt. I had this pattern at one time. It's a great versatile skirt. I found one that by pattern number seems to be from the same season. 





Check out this one from 





We were looking for 9196 and found 9093. It's a wrap skirt not as unique as the target pattern but, it has two versions. It can wrap to the front or back, the pockets can be patch pockets or inset. Personally I prefer Version A. The clean lines are more my personal style! 



Give you any ideas? Go grab some nice cool cotton and make a breezy dress or skirt for those hot summer days that are right around the corner! 

Friday, May 8, 2015

FREE PATTERN FRIDAY - Mod Terry Beach Shift


Courtesy of FriskyScissors




Be the belle at the beach this summer! Martex® offered this as a Free Pattern back in the 1960's. Go to the thrift shop or look on Etsy for some great vintage towels. Take two and make yourself a cute shift for the beach. The Fringe on this towel is an added bonus. Add the bead belt and you are bound to turn heads! 

Grab the Pattern HERE

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Choosing the Right Size Pattern

Courtesy of RetroMonkeys

Sewing pattern sizes are very differently than Ready to Wear clothing sizes. Many people get confused by all of the variables. Add vintage pattern sizing into the mix and many throw their hands in the air. 


 

The first thing that you need to do is determine your measurements. This is best done with some help. Measuring yourself is usually less accurate than if you have another person measure you. 
Make sure to keep a sheet with your measurements and to make changes whenever necessary. This site has a great one: http://caromodello.com/fashion/measurements

Start at your high bust: 


To find your high bust, measure under arms and straight across the back. Then wrap to front above your breasts. 

Then Measure your full bust by wrapping around the fullest point of your bust. 

So, if your high bust is 36 inches and full bust is 38, then your bust size is 36B. The high bust is the measurement that you will use to determine the bust size. 

Next, measure your natural waist. Some can find their waistline easily, some can't. To find it, with the tape measure wrapped around your torso below your bust, bring it down tightening slightly as you go. When the measurement starts increasing, go back to the smallest area - ta da! Your waistline. 

Hips. There are several measurements to take when it comes to hips. Hips go from below the waist to your high thighs. Again, if you can have somebody else help you, your measurements will be far more accurate.  

See the awesome drawing to the  right. (See the original at: caromodello )

Basically the hip measurement that you need is where ever your hips are the largest. 



Now to Choose! 

Now that you have accurate measurements, it's time to figure out your pattern size(s). 

Most of us are not one size top and bottom. So, you are going to use different measurements to determine the required size. If it's a blouse or top you are looking for, the high bust measurement is the one you want to fit. Alterations can be made more easily to other areas. 
If it's a pair of pants or skirt, it's those hips! A dress - go with the high bust. Keep the skirt style in mind though! The image below shows the most common body types. Make sure the style you choose is appropriate for your body type. There is a flattering style for each and every one of us. 



Most of all, enjoy finding the perfect pattern and making something beautiful. 


To find the Perfect Pattern for you, Visit Pattern Patter Team Page on Etsy! 

Friday, May 1, 2015

Free Pattern Friday - Child's Shoulder Bag!


Free Pattern Friday



Courtesy of Wendy from PatternMemories



What a perfect little shoulder bag for young girls. Perfectly sized for girls with adorable floral appliques!

Why not enlarge the pattern and create one for yourself! Easy pattern for a gusseted purse with nice shoulder strap.

Download the pattern HERE