Vintage Apron Patterns, Alice Brooks Mail Order

Before I put away my copy of the Alice Brooks Design catalog from the 1950s, I want to share one more page of sewing patterns with you.   These are apron patterns.   Over the top 'I love Lucy' style.   Or, at least the type that we'd like to envision that our mothers would have worn (if you are old enough).

I have a couple apron patterns in my shop; but I have to say, nothing like these !    I've thought, a number of times, about making up a couple aprons, but the truth is, I probably wouldn't wear them anyway.   I'm more the wipe my hands on my rear quarters type.   But, I do so love to look at them.  

Now, these three must have been quite popular.   I did a couple Google searches and could find reference only to 7031, over at Wikia Vintage Patterns.

Hope you enjoyed the old Alice Brooks Catalog page.     Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

How to Make A Crocheted Edging, Vintage Handout

Okay, I can't really teach you how to do this myself.   I've been trying to learn to crochet (from a book), and so far have not been able to move past the Single Crochet Stitch.      BUT,  I found a page titled 'How to Make a Crocheted Edging' tucked inside a 1950s Alice Brooks Catalog that I thought some (hopefully) might find useful.  

To print, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your hard drive.   

This is a public domain document, you may use any way you wish. 

So, what do you think?   Of possible use to someone?  I've added this page to my free pattern section.   There might be others there you'd be interested in as well.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

1950s Embroidered Sundress Patterns, Alice Brooks

In my collection of pattern books is an Alice Brooks Design Catalog.    The book is not dated, however, I'd estimate as early 1950s, based on the pictures and some of the pattern designs.

This is mostly a catalog, with little pictures and descriptions of, what I would assume would be, Alice Brooks currently Mail Orders patterns available at that specific time.   There a little bit of all the needle arts in here; crochet, knitting, embroidery, crafts, sewing.  

Which brings me to the subject of this post !   Tucked into the middle of this book are three mail order offerings for sumptuous sundresses with intricate embroidery work that offers just the right finishing touches.

Flower Frosted and

Snappy to Sew 

Alice Brooks F7223 (top left) - Shaped fitted bodice with flared skirt, wide shoulder straps and shaped patch pocket.
Alice Brooks F7245 (bottom left) - Sweatheart neckline and slightly extended shoulders  on the fitted bodice, top a full flared skirt.
Alice Brooks F7382 (bottom right) - Fitted banded bodice, with shoulder straps, over a full gathered skirt.

Here, the patterns have been teamed up with the embroidery.   It's like a two-for-one offer.    I'd think any of these dresses would have been on the must-have list of any seamstress.  

Alice Brooks would have been just one of the companies offering these same patterns.   Anne Adams, The Workbasket and many of the newspaper services would potentially have been offering these same patterns, under the same numbers.   (So if you go on a search for them outside of Wikia, get creative).

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Cow Doll Patterns, For that Country Decor

Who doesn't love a cow?  From them we get ice cream, milk, cheese (I'm not going to discuss beef ... it just seems to inappropriate), ice cream.   Did I mention my favorite, ice cream.    I was just think about those things as I was entering the lastest cow doll pattern into my shop.     For that country decor, cows seem to be rather popular.   Or, I'm assuming, as they show up in each years' pattern catalogs.     Although I've not made any of them (my decor is more New Orleans French Quarter), I have to admit .... They are adorable.  

 McCalls 621 - These Cows are dressed to kill and ready to party !   (These have the sweetest faces).

Butterick 3521 - This cow, along with a few of his friends, are designed to be wall hangers.   They could be quite fun ... anywhere.  

McCalls 6319 - Here's a Mr. and Mrs cow, along with four legged babies, that can, in addition to dolls, can be made up as beanbags and doorstops.

These are three of my current favorites in my shop.  There are a couple others if you'd like to Cow on Over.

Okay, gotta go.   I think there is some Vanilla Bean in the freezer.  

Thanks for stopping by,
Lorrie

Yoked Dress Pattern, And What Goes With It, Simplicity 7049

Back in 1975 Simplicity offered Pattern No 7049, a nice yoked dress pattern.  

Make it up as either a top or a dress.   It's short sleeved, loose fitting and quite cute.   Perfectly in line with the fashions of 1975 (just as it should be !).   Checking of this pattern had one more thing in store for me ... and advertising page .... I so love these finds.

 I have only the page, but I assume this must have come out of a upper level Simplicity brochure, where we received not just a picture of the pattern with a descriptions of ways to accessorize (such as with the ESP - Extra Sure Patterns adding accessory details to the instruction sheet) in full glossy color.      This particular page not only gives us the dress and the shoes but suggestions on a hairstyle as well.    


I like the dress, I like the shoes (although they wouldn't do to well on my current middle aged feet), and I'll way, I like the hairstyle as well.   Now, if that isn't living proof that I was a 1970s teenager, I don't know what would do it !   


I have this pattern (at the moment anyway) in a size 10.    You might be able to find it it other sizes over at Vintage Wikia as well.  


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie  

Matching Jumper Pattern for Juniors and Girls

I happened across a matching jumper set quite by accident.   It was one of those occasions, where I picked up a pattern to list in my shop and started thinking it was quite familiar.   Familiar in the line of .... didn't I just enter that one?     Here they are, side by side.  

McCalls 4427 for Girls and McCalls 4360 for Juniors.  Both are vintage 1989.   Both have the exact same description:  Jumper A or B in two lengths has full gathered skirt and bodice variations. Jumper A has back buttoned shoulder straps and back button opening. Jumper B has shoulder and side button opening and front patch pockets. 


I've seen this a number of time; the same pattern under different names.   Typically though, the numbers are sequential when it is a size designation, or not sequential when reissued in different years.   Not that that matters.

Both these patterns were from the same lot that I'd picked up while on vacation.   My fairy tale story is running along the lines of a mother deciding to make matching jumpers for her girls ... one little and one teen.   She bought the patterns and the matching fabric.  BUT, upon presentation, she was immediately overruled - by the teenager of course; who wouldn't be caught dead in a matching dress with the little PIA sister.    What made me dream this one up?   Well, they are both uncut, factory folded and in perfect condition !

If you came in looking for jumper patterns, I have a variety for little girls and a couple for juniors.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Straight Dress Pattern with Fashion Tips ESP

Back in the 1970's, Simplicity put out a pattern line they called Extra Sure Patterns (E.S.P.).    These patterns were generally on the easier side of sewing and came with easy to understand instructions.   They were not billed as beginner patterns, however, they were (still are) perfect for those nearing intermediate skills as well.    One of the things I liked about the E.S.P. (still do) patterns the best is the fashion information.     Like this one -

 Simplicity 8973 from 1979 - a straight dress with a neckline slit that can be worn tied or left loose, side slits and below elbow length cuffed sleeves.  

And, instead of giving you the standard insert showing a sketched version of the dress, front and back, you get just a simple view of the front along with another, softer, description and some fashion tips on how to accessorize and get the most versatility from the garment.

Here we learned
We can add a belt or wide leathery sash, slung at the hips.    A great variation if your hips are not too broad.
We can wear it without a belt (of course).
Add a stick pin or thin chain
As well as suggestion for shoes and other accessories.

Now sure, many would have already thought about those things ... but some may not.   Personally, I like the touch and wish they would re-instate it in an upcoming product line.

I've listed this one in my shop.   There are a variety of other Extra Sure Patterns there as well.

Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

Summer Dress Patterns, Vintage 1953

Paging through the April, 1953 issue of The Workbasket, I found two separate pages of Mail Order Patterns.    I'm not sure how they decide how many to feature; if it's a space available, or what is offered to them.   I also don't know how the money flowed - i.e., since mail order patterns were a service shared amongst a variety of Newspapers, Magazines and companies like Laura Wheeler, if The Workbasket received a commission for number sold, or ???   Do any of you know this information ????

Woops, I'm getting off track there.    The April 1953 issue gives us some wonderful selections.   

 Workbasket 4636 (bottom left):  a nicely flared wrap around skirt.   Notice they refer to is as a wrap-tie skirt.
Workbasket 4634 (center top):  A wrap dress for little girls.   This summer piece is delightfully flared and button shoulder straps.
Workbasket 4794 (Top Right):   Here's a must-have, any summer, any year.  Tie shoulders, V-neckline front and back and side buttoned !

Workbasket 4665 (Top Left):  Square Neckline, princess seams and flaps would easily make this a must have.  But, add in the little bolero and it moves to the top of the list !

Workbasket 9225 (Center Bottom):  Belted sundress, semi-fitted and belted with an added statement in the form of a capelet.  

Workbasket 9094 (Bottom Right):   Another highly desired sundress with matching spencer (close fitting jacket).   

I like every one of these patterns !    I'm sure they would have been a great success for an April issue, as Spring is approaching in the North, and it's already getting quite warm in the south.   I can almost see the readers, flipping back and forth between these pages and collecting their $0.35 for each pattern.      Oh ... did you notice the price?   That is $0.35 in coin.   

Hope you enjoyed the pattern pages.   Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Rose Doily, Free Crochet Pattern

This is a real cute sketch that I'm betting has potential to become a 'right pretty' crocheted doily.  

The pattern, which appeared in the April, 1953 issue of The Workbasket is crocheted using a No 8 crochet hook, and cotton thread.   The finished size is approx. 13 inches.   I copy/pasted the pattern together (you know how The Workbasket is .... a little of the pattern on page 22, a lot more on 27 and the rest on 32) and it's ready for your stitching pleasure.

To print this public domain pattern, click to enlarge and copy/paste

to a word document on your hard drive.

I've a number of other free crochet patterns here in my shop, as well as a number available in my shop for purchase.
 
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Mens Knitted Beanie Hat, Free Pattern

Today, I finally finished the blog post and pattern listings for Bernat 165.  I decided to offer one of the patterns here in my free section as well.

This time a Mens pattern, since there seem to be far fewer of them .... the patterns, not the men !    It is a nice knitted beanie style cap.    Happy Knitting !

To print, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your hard/drive.    This is a public domain pattern ... feel free to use in any manner you wish.

There are many more mens knit patterns listed in my shop, should you be interested in stopping by.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Hats to Crochet or Knit, Bernat 165

Here's a fun booklet; entitled Hats Hats Hats.   It was brought to us in 1969 by Bernat; it is book number 165. It contains Hat patterns, as you might expect.  But, what a collection of hats to choose from.  There short and funky, tall and proud, stockings, berets, newsboys, tams.   There are some frills, a few ties, a fair number of Pom-pons and a whole lot of fun.

Hats Hats Hats from Bernat

All fun, but 2170 (bottom right) is smart enough to give one attitude and it's neighbor, 2164 (on the bottom left) is begging for stylish adornment ... put those pins and flowers (crochet or otherwise) to some use.

Note:  The men's beanie pattern is available as a free pattern in a separate blog post.   (There are also a fair number of other free patterns as well).  

The kids helmets here are so perfect for that cold weather wear (should warm all the mothers' hearts), and the looped fringe of 2162 and that long tail of 2158 should be on 'must have' lists. 

Again I like all of these, but the floppy, with or without the pom-pom braid tie, and the close fitting stocking (2157) are stand-outs.    Notice the bangle at the bottom right.   This bangle, and the model as well, appears to be right off the Walbead Bangles Book, although that book bears to reference to Bernat and the pattern are not exactly the same.

When I was a girl, I'd have given anything, well, at least cleaned my room, for 2173 - top left.   Now, I'd be incredible stylish, not to mention happy, with 2157. 

Here's another view of that beloved floppy, along with some others that are equally splendid.  Note:  The stocking cap shown in green is available as a Free Pattern here in my blog. 

And the back page again recaps a couple already seen.   The stocking cap on the little girl ... well, she almost gets lost in it.   But, can't you just see her spending hours modeling that hat?

And that's it; Bernat 165.    There are enough hat patterns, whether your knit or crochet, to stitch up most anything you'd need the rest of your life.   Well, maybe not ... considering those marvelous 1940s and 1950s styles.   But, these are up there.     What's your favorite ?

The majority of these patterns, on an individual basis are listed in my shop, should you be interested.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Striped Slippers Crochet Free Beginners Pattern, with a bowtie

I was paging through my copy of American Thread Book 177, Make it with Aunt Lydia's Rug Yarn and realized that I had scanned a slipper pattern to offer in my free section that, apparently, was never listed.    So, better late than never, here's the pattern.  

(To print, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your hard drive)

This pattern looks to be a great beginners project, two colors, heavy rug yarn, and a large gauge.   Not that more advanced stitchers' couldn't give it a whirl as well.    If you'd like to see all the patterns in the book, I highlighted it back in March in this blog post.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Pipe Cleaner Crafts, Fun for All Ages

I came across a How-To Make 'lots of stuff' Pipe Cleaner book at a flea market a couple weeks ago while on vacation.   I picked it up as it had that old, vintage public domain look - and a copyright date of 1958.   (Vintage and old .... ouch .... I was born in 1958 as well).   I browsed through it on the car trip home, and there is a whole lot of fun going on here.

The book touts 350 completed projects, which is mostly true .... my copy is missing one page.   The original owner apparently loved the Valentines page so much, they tore it out.   So. I'd say, perhaps, 330 projects.   Along with the proposed brand of Chenille Pipe Cleaners, others supplies (depending on project) include cardboard, fabrics, styrofoam, etc.

I'd think these projects would be perfect for the grade school age child.   Not saying, of course, that we adults might not have some fun here as well.    There's even a section on embellishing greeting cards with pipe cleaners, making hats, jewelry, a little bit of everything.

 Like small creatures

 Music instruments, pots, and little toys.

People, clothes, and small pets 

 Holiday decorations

 More holiday and a little whimsy.

Wedding and party favors

And, that is just a sampling !    I was curious about the booklet and went out to see if there were others.  I found one reference over at Amazon for $75.     Although it is a fun book with tons of projects .... They Must Be Kidding !

Even though it is missing one page, I've listed this one in my shop, should you be interested.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Beer Cap Christmas Ornaments

While on vacation, came across some great beer themed Christmas Ornaments that might just fit the bill for all those lovers of bottled beer.   

First off, is the Heineken (or cap of your choice) ornament.    This beauty, although on the large side, is quite a beauty.     To make, I'd suggest a 4" to 6" styrofoam ball.   To this, spray on a bit of green paint, apply, just a little white glue to the edges of the beer caps and push into the styrofoam.  

And then, in a beach hut in Curacao, this delightful piece.   Select 7 beer caps and glue to (hot glue or caulk would work great) to a paper based coaster.   Punch a small hole and hang from a ribbon.   If you want to get fancy, just apply beer caps on both sides. 

Here's another variation ... just let your imagination go wild.  

But, what if you don't drink you beer in the bottle ... here's a suggestion for those empty cans.   

 Just tie a small ribbon though the pop top and hang it anywhere there seems appropriate.   A tree could be great (perhaps you have a forest setting at your house), or in the case of the tiki hut pictured here, just drape some garland across the ceiling and have at it !

Bright, colorful and full of re-purpose .... what's better than that.  

Thanks for dropping by, and Happy Holidays,
Lorrie 

Vacation For Me; A Sale For You

I'm one of those people that have a difficult time dealing with the holidays.   I'm not sure why that is ... it just is. I don't deal well with the decorating, the shopping and, ... well, having to be Good and Cheerful for such a long time period.   So, DH devised this plan a few years back where we go on vacation for a portion of December ... no responsibilities, no specific chores and no expectations.   It is absolutely wonderful.

And ... it's that time of year again.    We departed home and will spend a couple days browsing around Florida, and then board a Cruise Ship for 8 days of being catered to, entertained and fed.  

I closed my Sewing Pattern Shop on December 8th.   The PDF pattern shop will be closed on Sunday, December 11th (since I can send you PDF files from anywhere).    To express my appreciation should you decide to wait my return from Vacation to mail (email) your patterns, I've decided to have a sale.  

If you are interested ....

Sewing Patterns are 15% off at Todays Treasure

PDF Knit Crochet Patterns are 40% off at Todays Treasure through December 21st.   

Joyous Holidays to you all !  
Lorrie

A Quarter a Day Calendar Bank

Now, here's one just for fun.   I found this vintage advertisement near the back of a February 1953 issue of The Workbasket.    This one is serious fun, and if I thought I could get them, I'd send my money right away ... seriously.

What a fun concept.   Put in a quarter each day to advance the calendar to the next day ... resulting in $100 savings.   Or, just a valuable, don't put in a quarter and stay right where you are.

I'm sure there are endless reasons one could want this bank for the favored present of all time !   Let's see.

• Don't put in the quarter to advance the calendar to Monday, No need to go to work. 
• Receive special treatment on your Birthday.   So no money in the bank and have several birthdays in a row

or ...  work this one in the reverse.

• Mother-in-law visiting until Friday, put in three quarters
• Vacation coming up
• Payday

There was alot of fun potential here, that I'm guessing not to many took the offer.   I tried several Google's, along with some Ebay searches, and nary a one.

How would you use yours?
Lorrie

Spider Web Lace, Free Vintage Pattern

I'm far (like really far) from being any kind of a crochet lace expert, but I do know that this pattern doesn't seem quite spider-y enough.    Just to be sure, I did a quick look over at Google Images, and nope ... definitely not spider lace.     But, The Workbasket, called it spider lace and so will I.

This (public domain) pattern is tucked away in the April 1953 issue of The Workbasket.  Tucked away literally ... a few lines on one page, a section 20 pages later and then the final clip way in the back.   (Do you think they do this to make you search, and perhaps pay more attention to their advertisements along the way?)    But, after scanning, I clipped it together in one document, which I hope you'll be able to use.    

Although not spider ... it would certainly be attractive on almost anything you'd like to apply a handmade edging.  

To print - click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a work document on your computer hard drive.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

P.S.  brought to you while on vacation by pre-scheduling.   Isn't technology great !

Crochet Potholder Pattern Sugar N Creamer Set

Here's one that you might find fun ... a sugar and creamer set in potholders.    What a perfectly no-calorie way to enjoy these fundamentals in the kitchen.   Or, perfect gift for someone who collects these items, to hang on their wall.      I came across the (public domain) pattern in the April, 1953 issue of The Workbasket, and immediate wrote it up to share with you on my 'while away on vacation' list.

To print = click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your computer hard drive.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Pleated Shirtwaist Pattern with Detachable Collar and Cuffs

Should I ever participate in a strip poker game, which really isn't that likely,  I think this is the dress that I would want to wear !  

Simplicity 5134 

Dress has button front band, stand-up collar, front yoke, elasticized waist, pockets in side seams and long set-in sleeves gathered to buttoned cuffs. V1 has front tucks, contrasting detachable rounded collar and cuffs and contrasting bow tie. V2 has contrasting detachable pointed collar and cuffs and purchased ribbon bow. 

I'm not much of a poker player, so I definitely need an advantage.  Let's see .. order of losses ...

1) bow tie
2) detachable collar
3 &4) detachable cuffs
5) belt
6) dress
 
And ... I've still got the half slip, bra, panties to go, garters and hose (ya right) to do.  Definitely a winner for a strip poker game.    

But, the title on this really nice dress is a bit overplayed with the detachable collar and cuffs (I mean, how many of us women really detach things like collars?).  What I like about this dress is the front tucks on View 1.   They give great visual interest to the blouson style and the yoke.   Nice touch.   

I do have a couple other patterns with detachable options, but not that many ... it apparently in not that popular of a thing ... 


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie 

Sew Up a Dress with Flutter Sleeves

According to Webster Merriam, the flutter sleeve first appeared in 1973 and is officially termed :  a loose-fitting tapered sleeve falling in folds over the upper arm.    Personally, I love these sleeves.   They have the soft feel of romance and have a tendency to make a woman feel ... well, young and pretty.    Like these .... 

Butterick 4131

The short sleeve version, View C, has wonderful sheer flutter sleeves .  They give this lightweight jacket a slim, stylish look with just a bit of whimsy. 

Butterick 3868 

This is a lovely summer dress.  The flutter sleeves, in my opinion, give the shoulders a slightly widened look (without those shoulder pads) to balance out the dirndl skirt.    This is a marvelous summer dress.  

Butterick 3612 

Here the flutter sleeves are attached to yoke and bodice giving a nicely rounded effect.  This dress flows ...

Simplicity 6215 

The flutter sleeves on this A-line, either contrast with shoulder, or not, give it a polished and fun look.  The dress won't twirl when you spin, but those sleeves will.  

There are, of course, a few more patterns with flutter sleeves in my shop, should you care to look.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Easy Striped Crochet Afghan, Free Bernat Pattern

A short time ago I previewed vintage pattern book, Bernat 64 in a blog post, as well as listed a number of the patterns individually in my shop.    Frequently, when I preview these public domain books, I like to add a couple of the patterns to my free section shop.

This is the second pattern for sharing.   It is Bernat 3187-64.    Now, I'm only in the most rudimentary stages of learning to crochet (call it pre-beginners), but it looks like it would be an easy one to create.  

Here's a close-up.   

And, here's the pattern.     

(To print, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your hard drive).

Create a marvelous afghan.    And, as always, thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Make a Hat with a Crochet Doily

Here'a an interesting use for vintage, or unwanted doilies ... turn them into hats.   This craft, as well as crochet pattern, is from the February 1953 issue of The Workbasket.      The first half of the pattern involves  taking existing doilies, dipping them in starch and then shaping them over a head form and attaching to a firm base.  

Liquid starch is a good adhesive, but, since this pattern was developed, Stiffy has hit the market, which would be an excellent alternative ... and, unless you soaked your hard would hold up nicely with a just a lightweight felt or medium weight fabric backing.   Stiff would also give you great versatality in using a slightly larger doily and shaping the edges different ways.    And, hope about a button or small PomPom on the top, or some beads stitched here and there.    I think this idea has a lot of potential.    

I've made a copy and set in my stack of things to experiment with.   Perhaps you'd like to give it a try as well.   

Or, don't have an extra doily to experiment with ... they included a pattern for the simple cobweb design in the above picture.  

To print, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your hard-drive.    

If you do try this, please stop back by and let me know how it goes.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie