Thursday, March 31, 2011

Pin-Tucks Tucked Dress, Vogue Designer Originals, Vintage 1970s

I picked up a small lot of Vogue Patterns that, at first glance, were in poor condition.   It appeared the original owner had folded the patterns in half (obviously for storage pieces) and them kept them somewhere they received wear and tear.   But, as I started the checking process, I discovered all but one was nicely salvageable ... they just needed a little TLC (like a hot iron and a minimal amount of tape).   And the bigger surprise the envelopes protected them perfectly, the patterns, mostly uncut, and the instructions are in excellent condition.

When processing lots from the same person, bits of information about them came through.    Like the potential seamstress really liked tucks.   AND, the seamstress only dreamed of these dresses, not a single one was cut.   See what I mean ....

 Both the front and back of this lovely dress is pin-tucked from the round neckline down to the hipline.   This pattern includes a scarf, but I don't think I would cover up those tucks.

This pattern is billed as either a dress or a jumper.  It has front tucks at the waistline, ending in ties.  Here the tucks serve as an alternative to the gathers the tie belt would have created.  

The tucks on this Chloe original take the long sleeve dress and turn it into a elegant, loose fitting day dress, or elegant evening gown.

The eye-catching tuck on this dress extend into the sleeves, front and back.   Perfect for the board room (the short version with different shoes, of course), or an evening out with someone special.

Notice that this dress has two sets of tucks, the eye catching tucks on each side of the front buttoned band, as well as the slimming tucks at her waist.    Nice !

Oh, the other thing I learned about this woman, she started the 70's as a size 8, and ended them as a Size 12.   Most of these are right in the middle, a size 10.   They are listed in my shop (just click the link over each picture) to see more information.     There are, of course,a lot of other Vogue Dresses, as well. 

I hope you enjoyed the pin-tucks.  Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Mens Pattern Lot, 1930s - 1950s

I find the majority of my patterns here in the community, but, at times I'll buy lots patterns off of Ebay.   Most notably, Mens patterns as there is a fair demand for them, but I seldom find them.  (Perhaps that is because this is the Sportsman Paradise and they are too busy fishing and crabbing to dabble in the seamstress role, I don't know).

Anyway, every few days I'll wander over to Ebay and do a 'Lot Mens Sewing Pattern' search to see if their is anything of interest.

Today, I enjoyed looking at this one ...


     I borrowed this photo off of an ebay listing, so first let me credit the seller & Listing

This is a listing for 15 Mens/Boys patterns, 1930s - 1950s.   I love these collections.  This one probably originate with one seller, meaning with the the styles for one particular man over a 30 year timespan.   

So, let's see, Unknown Man, works in three pieces suits, prefers button-down shirts in his off hours, sleeps in Pajamas and gets a new Robe (possibly for Christmas) every couple years.    He was also a careful eater, as the description shows he stayed in the same size range (38) for those 30 years .... good for him.   (Most of these stories show a size increase each decade !).  

You know the adage, Every Picture tells a Story.   Well, a Pattern Lot tells Multiple !

(Oh, this isn't a lot that I'm interested in, I just enjoyed the picture and wanted to share).  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Knitting Sweater Pattern Book American Thread Star Book 215

 This booklet, entitled Sweaters for Him and Her is mostly sweaters.  There are a couple deviations though, such as a cape, a scarf, a hat.    Well, let me just show you.

American Thread Star Book No 215
Better Sweaters, Knitted and Crocheted
For Him and Her
As is typical with the American Thread Vintage 1960s covers, this one is colorful, fun and whimsical.  Shown here is a preview of the first two patterns in the book.   First we have the Rose Flap Over; a knitted sweater with a rose motif.   It's a Mother and Daughter combo (or any combo you'd like) sized 10 to 16 adult and 3 to 6 girls.   The other pattern is 'The Big Long Scarf'.   And, boy is it long ... at least in the picture.  This crocheted scarf does not state the dimensions, so I'm guessing that 'you' decide how long you want it to be.
 
 
This is 'The Big Needle Jiffy Dress'. It calls for both Knitting Needles and a Crochet hook and is sized 10 to 16.    A pattern for the knitted 'Quickie Tam' is also included.
 
 'Tiger Tiger Mittens'.   If you school mascot is a tiger, make them up in the appropriate colors.   If not, make them up in an color combo the tiger in you desires.   These mitts are knitted. 

This attractive sweater is called the "Aran Turtleneck" .   It is a knitting pattern and is sized S-M-L.

"The Turtleneck Hooded Raglan" sweater  is also knitted.   I'm sure that this type of garment, where the neck converts to the hood would have an actual name, but I do not know what it is.   (If you aide in my education, please leave me a comment!).    I do like it however.     It is sized 34-36-38. 

This is a Knit is A Day Pattern (how many hours is that, anyway ... 24?)  It is the mans Big Needle Slipover.  This is a warm, outdoors looking sweater with the chunky turtleneck and cuffs and the matching band.   It is sized for the larger man, 38-40-42.
Okay, remember these books are from the 1960's and a bit of Flower Power is a must.   Actually, that is the name of these.  The one on the left is the Flower Power Sweater.   It is a crocheted,  and bulky, with a nice sprinkling of  Fresia (?) on the front.   This is sized S-M-L.  The piece of the left is being a called a Flapover, for its ties on the sides.   It has a very definite flower situation going on.  With the ties on the side, it is a 'One Size Fits All.
Versus the other, more bulk winter items in this booklet, this Lacy Knit Top is soft and delicate. This top is knitted and is sized 34 - 36 - 38.
This is beautiful cape.  The picture shows it as upper thigh length, I suppose you could make it longer or shorter based on your personal desire.  It is knitted and lists on sizing, so I would assume it is considered 'one size'.

The back cover features two different patterns contained a couple pages before the end.  There are two different patterns ... just waiting to be knitted for the future Ski (or whatever) weekend !   The sweater on the left is called 'Beige Ski Sweater and Hat, and the one on the right is White Ski Sweater and band.    Both sweaters, the hat and the band are knitted.  
 
So, what do you think of this one?  Styles too outdated (Flower Power perhaps), for today's standards?   Of the books I've gone through so far (scanning, listing and reviewing) this one is heavier on the knitting side.   I've typically found alot of crochet patterns in the books, with one or two knitting tossed in.   This is the opposite.

This public domain book is listed in PDF format  in my shop if you are interested in having a copy.    I've listed a couple of the patterns individually (just click on the link under the specified pictures) if you are interested.

I hope you enjoyed the preview, and thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

Monday, March 28, 2011

Vogue 2336 Oscar de la Renta Sewing Pattern, Vintage 1970s

I'm not sure of the year, but this pattern, Vogue 2336, would date to mid/late 1970s.
This is an Oscas de la Renta , Vogue American Designer Dress.   It's not only unique, but elegant and loose-fitting, which typically do not go hand-in-hand.     The official description includes -
  • Semi-fitted, slightly tapered
  • below mid-knee
  • shoulder pads, side pockets
  • above elbow sleeves or long sleeves with zippers.      
 Did you catch that?   LONG SLEEVES WITH ZIPPERS.    The sleeves are tapering approximately the same amount as the skirt.   You need the zippers in order to fit your hands through.  Yet, the long sleeve does not have the appearance of being overly tight (which is, most likely added by the extended shoulders).

I rate this one a two thumbs up.    How about you?

I've listed this, Vogue 2336, in my shop, it's multi-size 8, 10, 12, if you are interested in looking. 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Free Pattern Crochet Cover for Wooden Hangers

Do you have any of those old vintage wooden hangers?   You know, those ones that were almost straight across.   Well, if so, and you'd like to dress them up, how above making crocheted covers.    Crochet covers likes these ---
The crocheted pattern for these particular hangers comes from American Thread, Star Book 214, vintage 1960s.  (   It's available in my shop, if you like to see more info, or you can see all the pictures / patterns available in it at another of my posts

Enough of the commercial already .... here's the pattern.


Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

American Thread Star Book 214 Vintage Crochet Knit Craft Patterns

One might say, this book is 'Jolly Good Fun'.    It is ...

Current Attractions, Flowers, Pillows, Gifts, Fashions 
Note the huge floral arrangement on this cover.   Also note how well the wood panel depicts so clearly shows the time period of early to mid 1960s.   But, back to the floral arrangement.   Each of the flowers and foliage are created with yarn.   I've not included pictures for each of the individual flowers, but they are in here !   Every piece is crafted with heavy rug yarn. 

 Now this is handy ... an umbrella holder built right into this crocheted tote bag.

 This is a stately bedspread bearing the very patriotic American Eagle.  It is crocheted.   The finished piece measures 57" x 100".

This is a tabletop Christmas Tree and it is created with wire and heavy rug yarn.   It begins the section of flowers and foliage.   This picture does not call me to rush out for heavy rug yarn, however, it might be cute in 'real life' and a good project for a schoolager who can measure and cut.

"It's a Shell, It's Crocheted, It's Devine", according to the title.    It's actually an interesting tunic variation for todays fashion with the side openings.   It is sized small, medium and large.

This pattern not only creates the adorable crocheted throw, but the flower shaped throw pillows as well.   This would be a wonderful addition to a Sunroom, A tween bedroom, or, of course, anywhere you'd like it to be.  The finished dimensions are not stated.

Mermaid Pajama Bag -- Now, this is an incredible fun blast from the past !   (If you are over 40), remember how we had pajama bag pillows on our bed, and in the morning, we made our (ya right) and put our pajamas inside a fun zippered character, or doll, bag and put it on our beds.   This is one of those.   She is crocheted and also requires lining, scraps of felt, foam,  and iridescent bangles.  

Here's some more of the 'individual' flowers picked out of the huge bouquet on the cover, along with a sampling of the crocheted pillow patterns.  I think these flowers would make great school projects for those in say ... 4th grade and up ... Make up a bunch for Mothers Day.

Three Little Bears.  Crochet up these little sweethearts (ummm, bears) for fun and decoration.   The are a combination crochet and craft project.   They are stuffed and adorned with felt.    The actual height it not stated (dimensions on craft projects was never an American Thread plus), but I'd think in the 6" 8" category.
This pattern is available separately.

 This little piece is a Santa Door Knob cover.   Now, I've never quite understood why we need doorknob covers, and do we take them off every time we open a door, but I do admit that it is a cute holiday decoration.   It's crocheted. 


Yes, it's a yarn dust mop.   Perhaps this was the precursor to the swiffer !  I'm sure it would be functional.  And, it would be a great little project for grade school age kids to make.

The official title 'It's a Quickie with a Large Size Hook".  This finished crocheted rug measures 18" x 36".

Another crocheted run, this one titled "Meow Meow".   This will make a great area run for any cat-loving person.   The dimensions are not stated.

Crocheted covers for wood hangers ... should you have any vintage wood hangers around !

This Eagle Picture is crocheted and framed.   You'll also see this picture displayed over the bed in the above Popcorn Eagle Bedspread.   Dimensions are not stated.

The back cover; used to recap a couple of the contents.  

I hope you enjoyed the tour !    

This public domain book is in my shop if you are interested.   A couple of the patterns are listed separately, if indicated above.    

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie

Friday, March 25, 2011

Roman Numerals, Kwik Sew Give Me a Break

I was entering Kwik Sew 1120, a nice looking mens sleeveless jacket, which is being called a quilted vest for apparent reasons, with two handsome outdoorsmen on the cover, when ....

I flip over the envelope to see if a copyright date is listed, AND ... there it is - MCMLXXXI.

Now, I learned Roman Numerals a good 45 years ago and I'm sure that I forgot them shortly after that.   And, then, I've repeated this scenario multiple times, but definitely not in the last 20 years. 

GIVE ME A BREAK KWIK-SEW.   You are not a Roman Company (which probably don't use Roman numerals).   You are an American Company; what's up with the Roman Numerals  !!!

Now, after doing a Google search  to find a Roman Numeral calculator, I now know that the copyright is 1981.   Thanks for the hassle, not ....

Thanks for dropping by for my little rant.
Lorrie

Ludricous Pose Men in Vests Kwik Sew 787

Perhaps I'll start a new series .....   I'll call it Ludicrous Poses.

Here's Number one in the series ... should that actually happen. 


View A -  Man, with hand on chin, seriously thinking
View B - Man, leaning on air, pondering
Man with back turned  ... I'm not with them.

Okay, Men's fully lined, waist length vest with front welt pockets.  View A has lapels and View B has back from lining fabric.    I've listed this in my shop in Chest size 42 - 46, should you be interested (just click above link).

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Ladies Girdle Sewing Pattern Kwik Sew Knit N Stretch 206X

So, you might ask, what do Kwik Sew 206X and Sew-N-Knit 206X have in common?   I know that this very question has been keeping you up at night.


Well, Kwik Sew 206X is a pattern for a Ladies Girdle, with a crotch piece, designed by Kerstin Martinsson .   And, so is ....

Stretch-N-Sew 206X


The size, which I assume has something to do with the X are the same (like do Size 6 or 8 women need a girdle!).    The wording is mostly the same; the only distinct differences are, of course, the cover art and two ... the price.   Kwik Sew is $0.25 higher.  
I note that each say copyright by .... and their respective company.     So, I went digging around and found that Sew-Knit-N-Stretch was created by Kerstin Martinsson, in 1967, and then changed the name to Kwik Sew in 1974.   

I saw a notation that the Sew-Knit-N-Stretch pattern  was issued in 1971, which would leave me to believe that the Kwik Sew pattern is a re-release 1974 or later.  

Out of curiosity, I'll be checking the upcoming Kwik Sew Patterns to see how often this repeats.

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Dresses Sweaters His Hers Knitting Crochet Patterns American Thread Star 213

I am (very) slowly working through my box of vintage crochet and knitting books.      The original goal was 1 book a day ... we'll see.    It's a slow process in that each book has to be researched to ensure it is in the public domain and not under copyright, even though there is no copyright shown.   Then, scan each page to a pdf file and then scan each of the picture (to show you), get the pictures processed  ... etc, etc. etc.   

So, here my next completed booklet - 
Dresses Sweaters, his and hers
Cover picture, featuring two patterns in the booklet

Raz Matazz (didn't you always wonder how to spell that !).  This is a crocheted dress with a square neckline, elbow length flared sleeves and above knee length.   It is sized S-M-L.

The official title -- The Lady is a Vamp !  (Definition:  a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men).  This is a crocheted Picot Sweater sized S-M-L.   Remember this hairstyle !

It's a Daisy - Crocheted Pullover Sweater with long sleeves and below hip length.  This is sized S-M-L. 

Chevron Knitted Tunic with rolled neckline, extended shoulders and scalloped mini-length.  It is sized S-M-L.   Believe this style would have been referred to as a go-go.   Not that far from todays fashion; substitute the tights for leggins and a slightly different style of boot.   

More Raz Matazz - this one knitted.   The striped dress has short sleeves, a front and back yoke and mid thigh length.  

The Lacy Eton is Knitted and is sized 32, 34 and 36.   Did you know the Eton was named for the style of jackets worn by the young women at Eton College, Windsor?   

His and her Diamond Patterned Pullover and Cardigan is shown on her.  The man here, and on the cover photo, is modeling the Mens Raglan.   These are the only two patterns for men in this booklet.   These patterns are knitted.  Mens are sized at 38 - 44 and misses at 12 - 20. 

This is the mens view of the diamond cardigan. 

She Shell Cardigan - This cardigan features that wonderful cowl neckline, three quarter sleeves and the delicate shell pattern.   This is a crochet pattern sized S-M-L.
This pattern is available separately.

And extra picture of the She-Shell Cardigan with a optional position for the collar !

The back cover closes with the Crocheted Raz Matazz in color !

I hope you enjoyed the fashion show in this delightful American Thread, Star 213.  The booklet and, where indicated, separate patterns are available in PDF format in my shop.    Just click on the links.   

I'd love to hear your thoughts ... just leave a comment !   (I spend a considerable amount of time talking to myself here, it seems).

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie