In Search of a Comfortable Lounge Dress Pattern

In every one of my pattern listings, I close by saying ....  Need help finding something specific, just let me know.     And, it amazes me that so few people take me up on the offer.   Now, I'm not saying that I'm an expert sewing pattern sleuth, but I do have alot of patterns in my shop and usually have an idea if something might exist ... or where else someone might find it.  

Tonight, I received one of those requests.    Our seamstress is looking for 

• Long lounge dress, easy to sew
• Waistband or tie belt
• Simple long sleeves
• Perhaps a chinese type collar; nothing low cut.  

The only thing our seamstress didn't share was size.   And, as things go, I really only have two that possible meet those desires.  

Polynesian 188

McCalls 3377

I tried a quick Google search as well - Long Lounge Dress Sewing Pattern - which really didn't net much either. 

I'm sure there are a fair number of us that would love a similar dress to move towards winter with.   Such a shame the pattern designers don't put out a greater number of options for what we are really wanting to wear.  

And, if there is something I can try and help you find, just let me know.   

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Afghan Patterns Coats Clarks Book 289

Are you getting tired of looking at Vintage Afghan Patterns yet?     I hope not, as I not only have this book that I'm about to show you, but a fair number more in a box out in the studio waiting to be scanned and all that jazz.

This one is Coats Clarks Afghan Book 289.    This book was a promotion for their Red Heart Knitting Worsted.  And, yep, you guessed it - All the patterns are made with this yarn.    You may, of course, substitute to equivalents, as needed.    With the exception of 2 patterns, they are all crochet. 

Here's a photo-journey of this Vintage 1952 book.

Coats Clarks Afghan Book 289

C-117 - Persian Print Afghan is Crocheted.   It is made of of 4 inch square motifs to create the approx. 42 x 62 inch afghan.  It is crocheted with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5.  

C-119 - Television Afghan is a real nice ripple, or is a chevron, pattern.    It measures approx. 51 x 66 inches and is knitted with knitting pins and the edge finished with a Crochet Hook No 5 using three shades of blue.  

C-120 - California Ranch Afghan in two colors measures and finished with a luxurious fringe on the ends.   The actual measurements are not stated.   It is stitched with a Bone Afghan Hook No 6. 

 C-121 - Autumn Chevron Afghan measures 48 x 60 inches.  It created in 6 colors with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6.     P.S.  Interesting that this picture is blurry.   I scanned it 4 different times and something about the pattern and/or color combo ... this is as shard (even with Photoshop assistance) that I can get it.   Now, how interesting is that!

C-122 - Siesta Afghan is an interesting name for this four shades of green beauty.  It is stitched with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6.   The finished piece measures 47 x 62 inches. 

C-123 - Sugar N Spice Afghan is the only Baby Afghan in this book.   It's a sweet little piece, measuring 32 x 46 inches.  It is created with a plastic crochet hook No 5 and 7 shades of the Knitting Worsted. 

C-124 - American Afghan is made of of 4 inch motifs to create a lovely piece measuring approx. 38 x 62 inches.  It is created with 5 shades of  knitting worsted and a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5. 

 C-125 - Harlequin Afghan is large, measuring 62 x 70 inches.   This pattern is knitted with one pair of knitting pins.   The edges are finished in crochet with a Plastic Hook No 5.   

C-126 - Highland Home Afghan is marvelously plaid.  This pattern is created in black, red and yellow, however, you could substitute however you choose.    It is made with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 3.   The actual size is not stated.

C-127 - Flower Garden Afghan measures approx. 48 x 64 inches; made up with motifs that are 3.5 inches.  To create this beauty, you will need a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5.

C-118 - Colonial Charm Afghan adorns the back cover of Coats Clarks Afghan Book 289.   It's a wonderful piece made of with 4 inch motifs.   It is crocheted is a Plastic Crochet Hook No 4. 

It's interesting that there is just one knitting pattern here.   Although most books are heavier on the crochet side, knitting usually gets at least a third of the attention.     My favorite of this set is the Highland Home plaid beauty.   It would look great on my couch in shades of brown and rust.   (hint, hint).    You, which are your favorites? 

These are listed individually in my shop in PDF format; just follow the link under each picture, should you be interested.    Either way, I hope you enjoyed looking through the book.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Doreen Pattern Books by Nell Armstrong

On the back cover of Doreen Curtain Pulls, Volume 98, is this small advertisement referencing 5 of her previous books.

 I have four different books so far and each one are under the Doreen name with, by Nell Armstrong, always referenced, along with the volume number for the specific book.   Below this advertisement was a notation that if your local dealer (remember this was 1949), does not have the books, to write directly to the company - Doreen Knitting Books, Lowell, MA. 

So, who was Nell Armstrong of Doreen Knitting Books?     I spent a good hour searching Google, and all I came up with was she copyrighted several books between 1947 and 1952.   The books were copyrighted under her name, Nell Armstrong, not a company name with Doreen being part of the book title.    Searches for the company name itself netted nothing.    I have book 105, and these are in the 90's.    This number series would imply that it started at Number 1, however, I could find no reference in Google to any books before earlier than the 90 series shown above.  

So, who was Nell Armstrong of Doreen Pattern Books?    And how many pattern books did she issue?    I don't know.    Do you know anything about her or her company?  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crocheted Curtain Pulls Ornaments Pattern by Doreen

Looking for crocheted curtain pull ideas ... well, here you go.   Not just one or two designs, but 29 of them!   This is a Doreen Book by Nell Armstrong going all the way back to 1949. 
 

Volume 98 - Doreen Curtain Pulls

The front and back cover are the same, featuring three of the pulls. 

All of the pulls are crocheted.   They each require a bone ring, mercerized cotton and a steel crochet hook (all three of varying sizes).  I'd think that the name 'curtain pulls' probably related more to shade to curtains, but who knows?   Ready to see the pictures ?

Perhaps Christmas Tree Decorations,

 or, Luggage Tags, to identify which one is your. 

 They would like great as a zipper pull hanging from your purse and jacket. 

 You could string several together and create a mobile,

 or, hang from your rear view mirror (giving those mardi gras beads a break)

 Then, there also Pulls for Ceiling fans and closet light switches (in older homes), and, on really long strings, bookmarks.

Or, disguise a pinback and wear on your sweaters or blouses.   

I have no doubt there are dozens of other ways to use these gems.      Care to add to my list? 

If you are interested, this book is listed in my shop in PDF format. 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Faux Pleated Side Wrap Skirt Pattern

This New Look Sewing Pattern has a nice little cropped jacket that will accompany many a fine outfit, when short comes back in (or for those still loving cropped), and a sleeveless pullover top that is all very typical, but still all very useful. 

 

 But, what caught my interest here is the skirt.    Check it out !

One of the things about New Look Patterns (from Simplicity) are they are very short on words.   They do not give you copyright dates, they do not give you a pattern descriptions, and they do not give you the pictures with additional front / back photos on the instruction sheet.    All you get is the back of the envelope (well, besides the actual instructions and pattern pieces, of course). 

My initial thought was the skirt was a side wrap skirt with a small patch of pleats and a most wonderful pocket going across the front to the side.    This was further reinforced by a view of the back.   But wait, down there in the requirements is a notation that the skirt takes one 18cm zipper.   So, this is not a side wrap skirt at all.   Apparently there is a zipper hidden down there in the pocket, so it would be side zip and button closure.  In other words, FAUX WRAP SKIRT.   And what a great one it is !  

I don't know why New Look Patterns do not give us descriptions.   They certainly have room.  And, as they designers create the designs, they certainly know what is going on (and I have no doubt they are written down somewhere).   The only guess I could come up with is they are obviously distributed from the UK,  as evidenced by the cm and mm size designators, that those seamstresses are just a bit brighter than we are (you know, the only country in the world that was not bright enough to convert to metrics) and that don't need all of those descriptions written out.     Perhaps, seamstresses outside the US are able to look at the picture and just know?      Can you shed any light on this? 

Anyway, at the moment, I'm thinking this is one of the most interesting skirt patterns I have in my shop.    And, the jacket and top are not bad either.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Afghans Traditional Contemporary, Spinnerin 148

This vintage afghan pattern book by Spinner (Book 148) is titled Afghans, Traditional and Contemporary.    Now, hows that for a unique title !    But, just what did they mean.  

Traditional - characteristic of the older styles
Contemporary - Part of the Current Time Period 

This book was issued in 1959.   So, taken literally, the patterns here are typical designs for the 1950s and more.     Some of these, like the Granny's, are classics.   The book contains 18 patterns, 5 are knitting, two use a Knit-Wit and the rest are crochet.    The book was issued as promotion for Spinnerin Yarns; most specifically, Nylaine Knitting Worsted, Quick-Knit and Mothproofed Marvel Twist.  All of the patterns call for one of these yarns. (You may, of course, substitute to equivalent modern (um, I meant contemporary) brands.

Spinnerin, Afghans Traditional and Contemporary

504 - Quick-Knit Ripples -  As far as ripples go, this one is a long and lean three color 
beauty - 48 x 68 inches in all. 

505 - Checkerboard - This afghan measures approx. 50 x 68 inches.   It is knitted with 1 pair Knitting Needles No 11.   An aluminum crochet hook (Size J or 10) is also referenced in materials, however, I do not see any signs of its' use in the pattern. 

506 - Zig Zag Stripes:   A bit like a ripple, but not -- it's a zig zag.  

This one measures 50 x 68 inches. 

 503 - Signal Flags is made with 4 panels of one color, to which 5 color blocks are added -- a splash of unexpected color.   It's on the large side at 56 x 64 inches. 

516 - Cape Cod  afghan sports great texture in the form of the popcorn stitch.   It is created with 1 afghan hook No 1 and one bone crochet hook No 5 or 00.   It measures 54 x 68 inches.

515 - Regency - Here we have 10 strips of 6 different colors and the ever fun

popcorn stitch.   It measures 54 x 70 inches. 

500 - Dewdrop Afghan has a textural leaf element through four main panels, offset with narrow stripe panels of contrast colors and finished with a thick fringe.  The afghan measures approx. 48 x 60 inches. 

 517 - Granny Afghan is bright and colorful (trust me - 9 colors) and measures 44 x 58 inches.   It is crocheted with 1 bone crochet hook No 8 or H.

509 - Forever Yours, afghan is made up of one large and two small flowers and then adorned with motif flowers made on a Knit Wit tool and then embroidered with initials of your choice.  The finished afghan is 55 x 66 inches.

511 - Nantucket Afghan is stunning.   It measures approx. 44 x 70 inches, 66 blocks in all and a short ruffle to give the final touch. 

510 - Knit-Wit Colonial - This afghan required the Knit Wit Square Tool and Adapter.  It is made up by making 25 flower and square motif blocks that are stitched together.  The finished size is not stated. 

513 - Victorian Afghan calls of 140 - 5 inch square blocks, in four color.  The finished 

size is approx. 52 x 72 inches.

512 - Heiress Afghan not only has an intriguing design in rope stitch, but circular flowers and

 fabulous fringe.  It measures approx. 60 x 72 inches.

514 - Talisman features marvelous embroidered floral details on three panels afghan stitched.  It measures 56 x 72 inches.

508 - Oriental Afghan features a flower and a butterfly embroidered motif worked on 

afghan stitched blocks.  It measures 55 x 77 inches.

501 - Pinwheel - Now this is a classic!  It is crocheted with 1 steel crochet hook size 00 or 5 and 1 aluminum crochet hook size J.  Finished, it measures approx. 48 x 68 inches. 

 502 - Window Pane Afghan is approx. 48 x 66 inches. It is worked in 4 colors making 56 blocks of two colors and 57 blocks of two others.   Is a bright and colorful geometric puzzle.  

507 - Modern Granny closes off the book on the back cover.  Another Classic for sure. Motifs are 6 inches each and put together to form the 50 x 68 piece. 

I have to say that 512 - Heiress is my favorite - only in that it is more my style.  But, I cannot deny that Nantucket is remarkable.  I had to wonder about 508 - Oriental.   The afghan features flowers and butterflies; not what I'd typically think of as oriental.   Overall, some really great patterns featured here on the 38 pages.    What are your thoughts on the traditional and contemporary patterns?  

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie

Forget the Coat, Sew a Cape

I was entering a new cape pattern into my shop tonight when I found myself thinking how I have never officially owned a cape.   By officially, I mean the real thing; not part of a Wonder Woman costume.   This may be due to having lived in Southern Climates for the majority of my adult life.   Life, were the temperature drops to coat wearing temps for only a couple days a year just does conjure up much need.  

But, the idea of a cape is ... well .. just so romantic.   Just looking at the envelope pictures makes one feel glamorous.   It brings visions of fog rolling in at our feet and we step into the luxury vehicle that is going to whisk us off to the theater with the oh, so very handsome, man.  

Here, see what you think.

 New Look 6151  - Drape it a variety of ways for cause and effect.  (The pleated skirt is not bad either).

McCalls 3934 - Here's all you might need for different nights, different styles - a hood when the mist is heavy, and over the shoulder wrap when a little snoot is required and of course, a scarf is frequently in demand.

McCalls 8645 - Pair up this waist cape, with great scarf, to skinny pants or a straight skirt.   This one doesn't need the long length to get the 'Look at Me' statement across. 

Vogue 2604 - This has the Yves Saint Laurent name on it .... the elegant and classic is given.

As I've said before, someday when I'm an old Widow (because DH is NOT going to leave the South) I'm going to live somewhere cold ... somewhere that there just might be occasions to wear one of these lovely pieces.     Forget the coat; create a cape.     Can you envision it ?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Fashion Now, Yoked Button Dress Pattern

While processing a Vintage Smock Pattern, I found this Simplicity 7050 flier in the envelope.  I don't have this particular pattern in my inventory at this time, however, this is a great vintage advertisement for the pattern and I want to share it with you !    Note, only the center text apply to this dress.   Unfortunately, I didn't get the rest of the pages and will have to go to my death wondering about those patterns on the front and back pages.  (Ok, perhaps a little over dramatic).

 Here's a copy of the actual pattern cover, that I borrowed from Vintage Wikia Patterns.

The green from the advertisement is obviously the same green shown on the middle model.  Undoing the button one more and folding the collar over further gives it just a bit of a different look. I'll admit it, I like the smock top, it's a nice light weight overcoat and the belted dress is not bad either.   Heck, make it up in the unbelted version and you'd have a rather nice house dress.  So, overlooking the whole 70s thing, I give it it two thumps up ... well functioning an comfortable.

Again, I don't have this pattern (just the advertisement).   If you'd like to give it a go, I suggest looking over at Wikia (since they are kind enough to allow us to borrow pattern pictures). 

Harem Pants Pattern, Most Popular Week of Aug 20

Last week, a kids costume pattern was most popular and I expressed slight surprise since Halloween is still two months away.   Then, later that same day, we were driving to the movies and I noticed that two empty spots in strip malls now had big signs announcing them to be Halloween Warehouses.   Let the costumes begin.  

So, it is with no great surprise that the number one viewed item in my shop this past week  is the Fish Costume, which we'll not discuss.  And, number two is ....

Yes, these do look like a good costume foundation.   Or, perhaps I'm totally wrong here and someone just wanted Harem pants.    This pattern did sell, so it was apparently just what she wanted (or at least, close enough).     If you are looking for Harem Pants, I do have two other patterns.

Butterick 4940 - this one goes all the way to the ankle. 

Butterick 5657 - Not quite as Harem-y as the others but could still do in a pinch. 

With some diligence, you should be able to find some results out in Google Land.   I tried Google Shopping, but most of the results were not very Harem. 

I do hope you find what you are looking for ... be it Halloween or otherwise.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie