Friends, before we get started today, I simply must share with you a most extraordinary experience I had yesterday.
I happened to stumble upon the Yahoo home page and, well, see for yourselves...
Note anything unusual, readers?
Can you imagine my delight -- me, who still thumbs through The National Enquirer in hope of finding a recent photo of Barbara Eden or Mitzi Gaynor -- to discover that Hedy Lamarr is back in the news?! I actually had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Who's next -- Ann Rutherford?
But let's get down to business. I was digging through my extensive vintage pattern collection yesterday in search of the perfect pattern to use for Michael's next shirt, when I decided it might be fun to share with you a few highlights from my collection. Some of these patterns will be familiar to you; some of them were surprises even to me!
I'll start with a few vintage men's patterns.
I love the artwork from vintage Forties and Fifties McCall's patterns the best. I also love the quality of the pattern envelopes, which were slightly glossy. I'll likely be using this 1957 pattern for Michael's new shirt and we both are keen on the slightly boxy, preppy look of it. I am also fond the pants, and if the shirt turns out well maybe I'll make the whole outfit for myself. So sporty, especially with white bucks.
Here's another gorgeous men's McCall's. I already have a few Western-type shirts and, outside of the rodeo, how many do you need? But this pattern from 1956, which includes a transfer for the applique designs, is a classic.
I'm also fond of this sports shirt from 1960. Casual but classy, in a very Gregory Peck way. This was a wonderful period for men's patterns.
I never considered Desi Arnaz to be a fashion icon, but wouldn't it be fun to sew up a replica of his I Love Lucy bathrobe, especially if you had Lucy's robe to go with it? You could climb into your adjacent single beds and who knows what would happen? Babaloo!
And now on to the women's patterns:
As you know, I've really been feeling the early-to-mid Forties separates lately. I love this Simplicity suit pattern, complete with classic blouse. But what's up with version 2 -- the long sleeved blouse and the 3/4 sleeve bolero? That looks funky to me but I guess it was the fashion.
Though not truly vintage, this mermaid-style gown appeals to me. I'm not sure about those long princess seams, however. Is this the mermaid gown I want to make for Cathy for her New Year's extravaganza? We'll see.
Another Forties classic, this time with a very film noir vibe, is this Advance pattern. I love both versions and I already have the ginormous shoulder pads for it!
I think this Hollywood Forties pattern is my all-time favorite. I love both versions, though I find Version 2, the long-sleeved solid, more chic and I only wish I had a pattern for that turban!
Wouldn't Hedy Lamarr -- who is no longer trending on Yahoo today, sadly, but was apparently responsible for inventing the technology that led to the cell phone -- look fetching in any of these outfits -- or her brunette-to-blonde doppelganger, Cathy?
Do you have a favorite vintage pattern you've been dreaming of sewing one day? Maybe it's time for a vintage sew-along!
Have a great day, everybody!
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