Bibbed Jumper Pattern, A bit like overalls

I've not seen a pattern quite like this one.   It's Simplicity 8189, copyright 1977.   

They are calling it a Back-Wrap Jumper.   It's really a Wrap Skirt with a Button Closing, with both a front and back Bib that attach with buttoned shoulder straps.   (I'd probably just slip over my head and then button the skirt).  It's really a variation of overalls/coveralls, with a skirt instead of pants.   Seems like we should be able to make up a cute name for the style.   Perhaps  ... skirt-eralls?   

I'm still out on whether or not I like it.   As is, no.   In the tan fabric pictured, it's a bit dull (just like overalls would be).   It needs snazzing up a little.   Perhaps, one could put an advertisement on the front and back bib and rent out as a billboard.   (don't they have those in the large cities -- folks walking around with billboards?).      Or, perhaps a cute applique?  

This is in the Extra-Sure Pattern series, which are Easy to Sew, as well as Fashion tips included on the instruction sheet.    

Here's the Fashion Sheet for this one ....



So, what would you do with this pattern .... I'd love to hear your inspirations.

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie,

How to Decorate Flip Flops with Fabric Scraps

I was routing through one of the supplies cabinets, and although I didn't find what I was looking for, I did find this little handout.   It was one of those 'Oh ya' moments.  

I'd picked this flyer up at Hobby Lobby a little over a year ago.   I'd made a couple of valentines outfits for my grandgirl, and put together a pair of the flip flops to match.    

I looked over the brochure carefully, and it does not contain the standard 'no reprint' clause, so I'm going to share it with you here ... for those of you that do not have a Hobby Lobby close by.    (If you have to buy any supplies .... like the flip flop ... do keep Hobby Lobby in mind as a thanks for the brochure). 

Instructions ....  

This, of course, was located right next to their bandana's.   Any bright fabric would work.    This lists E6000 as one of the supplies, but does not tell you what to do with it.   I'd think that you would put a drop of it in each tie to keep it from coming untied.   E6000 is a waterproof adhesive.  

When I made them, I added in bits of ribbon and a couple of little bells (to drive her Momma crazy).   I wish I'd taken a picture before mailing them off.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Acorn Belt, Free Pattern

Late last summer, I blogged about a crochet acorn pin pattern, that seemed to be semi-popular, receiving a fair number of views.    Now, I of course, never know if anyone actually made up the little pin, but I hope so.  

Tucked in the 1935 Coats & Clarks Book 46, I found another acorn pattern that I thought you mike like.   This pattern is for a belt, with the acorn being the buckle, and a separate corresponding pocket.   I'm not sure about them as a set ... but individually, they are both cute.   

Perhaps you'd like to give them a try.  

This is a vintage public domain pattern to do with, as you wish.   To print, just click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your hard drive.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

A Vacation Pattern Sale at Todays Treasure

It's that time.  It's Mardi Gras.   Here in New Orleans, several hundred thousand people pile into the city for the Mardi Gras celebration.   And, oh, what a party it is.   The first years we lived here, I was out there on the parade route almost every event day, and then ... slowly ... we grew tired of the jostling and huge crowds and joined the other 1/3 of New Orleans.    What do I mean by the other 1/3?   Well, there are a 1/3 of us locals who actively participate, 1/3 who (other than eating King Cake regularly) ignore it and the remaining 1/3 ... who pack up and get out of town.    This year, we are joining the last third.  

Todays Treasure is officially closed for vacation.   We are headed down to the City, and instead of lining up for the Bacchus Parade, we are getting on that big Carnival ship and heading for the Caribbean.

7 days and 8 nights ... Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel ... Here we Come.  

Needless to say, this means that once again both of the TODAYS TREASURE PATTERN SHOPS are on vacation.   And to make it a (at least) small celebration for you, I've slightly reduced prices.

Todays Treasure Sewing Patterns - Reduced 10%

Todays Treasure Crochet & Knit Patterns - Reduced 25%

The sale lasts on February 26th.   Sunday afternoon, PDF patterns will be distributed and Monday morning the 27th, paper patterns and books will be mailed.    

Happy Mardi Gras !
Lorrie

Crocheted Collar Moderne Vintage 1930s

Back in my more artsy days, I created a wide range of mixed media arts/crafts.    I loved most of them, but, wasn't much at marketing them.   Just create and stick them in the attic so I had space to move on.   Then, fast forward a couple years and I started pulling some of those works down to decide what to do with them and quickly decided ... many of them were just not as great as I had thought.  

I found myself thinking about this as I turned the page in the very Vintage (1934) Paris Sponsors Crochet, Coats & Clarks Book 46, and came across this pattern ...

Coats & Clark's call this pattern Collar Moderne.   It distinctly reminded me of some of those things that I created, that seemed wonderful at the moment, and then later, Not So Much.    I wonder if the creator of this pattern felt that way.   Great idea at the moment --- and I'm sure this would have been quite modern for 1934 -- and then later, Maybe Not.   Or, perhaps, it was money to the bank and who cares.

Basically, there are short and long crocheted bands that are connected together and then stitched to the garment of your choice.    I suppose, in the rights circumstances, one might be able to pull it off .... Maybe Not !  

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

What do you think?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

1953, Stylish Mail Order Patterns

It's summer, and the July 1953 issue of The Workbasket (most likely mailed out early June), contains two separate mail order advertising pages.  The first page is a  grand assortment of Summer Dresses.   And, although none bear the title of Summer Dress (that seems to have occurred in the 70's), all are sleeveless varieties and have a figure fitting appeal - Romantic one might say.    The second page, excluding the girls dress, put some sleeves back on to sprinkle thoughts of inpending fall.  

Workbasket 4592 (Left) - Two piece dress.  Top features a marvelous shaped and scalloped neckline and basic flared skirt.

Workbasket 9311 (Middle) - This dress features a square neckline, cap sleeves and a full flared skirt.   (Note - they are calling it a Date dress).   This dress was also marketed by Marian Martin.

Workbakset 9296 (Right) - This dress is side wrap, buttoning down the side, sleeveless with an incredible collar.   It's being referred to as a Coat Dress.    I wouldn't necessarily agree with that (being sleeveless), but it is grand.   This dress was also marketed by Marian Martin. 

Workbasket 4848 (left) - Here, they've given us a shirtwaist with sleeve and pocket variations. This particular pattern recycled several times during the 1940s and 50's.   With only a slight pocket variation, it was put out under (Anne Adams) number 4653 in the 1940s.

Workbasket 4543 (Middle) - Girls Summer dress and jacket. The scallop details moves this rapidly past cute and right into the Adorable category.

Workbasket 9035 (Right) - Another shirtwaist with shaped yoke and trim enhancement.

So, what do you think?   If you are like me, you'd be charmed to have anyone of these dresses hanging in your closet.   I'll admit that the shirtwaists look abit like my mother ... a woman at her fashionable best during this particular time period.  

Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

Easy Crochet Belt, Free Pattern

This belt pattern is super simple.   It's made up with two rows of cluster stitch, edged in stockinette.   Or, if you want it wider, add more cluster rows, or change the yarn, or changed the needle.   It's a good pattern to practice and experiment with.  And, you'll end up with several belts to supplement your wardrobe.

It's backed with grosgrain ribbon to prevent stretching.  Or, sew a fabric band to match the width you decide upon.    The vintage pattern is from a 1953 issue of The Workbasket.

To print the pattern, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your computer.  

I hope someone gives this a try.   These old public domain patterns should certainly be kept active !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Princess Doily Pattern, Violets in Spiderweb

Here is a beauty.   Officially named 'Princess Doily', she is pattern number 1043.  

The description - Violets in bas-relief are the motifs found in the spiderweb border of this lovely doily in crochet.  And that, certainly simplifies all that is going on here.   

Although this has all the signs (oversized paper and inconsistent strike print) of the vintage mail order patterns, it is in a different format.  So, my guess is there is another mail order company out there that I've not learned about.  I did a few searches on Princess Doily, and found a variety of them ... just not this one.  Based on the paper and print, I'm dating it to the 1940s.   Also unique in the pattern is some of the language used.    My favorite example being equidistant.   As in the blocking directions ' equidistant  around, then shape the scallops between them.   Seriously, I had to jump over to a google search and look up the word (which means = at equal distances).   

So, I don't know where it came from (company wise), but I do know that it is lovely.    The oversized page was in quite poor shape, so I took a couple hours and transferred this to a bright clear digital PDF, which is in my shop, should you be interested.   There are, of course, dozens of other doilies there as well.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Plastic Crochet Art, Vintage Recipe

I know I said I was going to put away the 1968 McCalls Magazine, but yet one more thing caught my eye.   This pretty picture of a crochet doily hanging as Wall Art.

I was immediately drawn in with the obvious question ... how did they keep it stiff for hanging?   And then, noticed the picture right below it.

Large doilies being used as chair and table mats.  Although doilies may be seen frequently on a table, chair mats wouldn't seem sturdy enough for this situation.      I flipped over to the pattern and there were those words I'd not come across in any of these magazines ....  PLASTICIZED CROCHET.      Curiosity got the best of me and I headed to the back of the magazine to the pattern.      Now, the crochet is a close stitch and I'm not going to list it .... by here's the Plastic Part:

Materials:  

• Castolite Liquid Plastic, Formula-AC, 2 Pounds
• Castolite Thinner, 1 pink
• Castolite Hardener, 3 units
• Castolite Opaque Color Pigmens, 4 ounces white
• Rustproof T Pins
• Corrugated cardboard,, 30" square
• Waxed Paper

Directions: 

1. Cover corrugated cardboard with waxed paper.  Tape paper to cardboard.
2. With pencil, describe a circle on waxed paper in size of piece to be plasticized.
3. When surface is prepared, mix plastic materials in an enamel or stainless stepp pot (After use, clean out pot with rag dampened with thinner).   Work outdoors or in a very well ventilated area.  
4. The following amounts are for one seat cover (double amounts for table top)
5. Mix 1 cup of Formula AC with 1/3 cup of thinner and 1 rounded teaspoon of white pigment.  Stir with stainless steel fork until ell blended. 
6. Add 160 drops of hardener; blend in thoroughly.
7. Wearing rubber gloves, knead crocheted piece in mixture until thoroughly impregnated with mixture.
8. Pin out piece on prepared surface using rustproof pins, placing a pin in every space around edge. (If any spots are not covered, touch up with a stiff brush dipped in mixture.
9. Let dry in in light; avoid heat.

Now, this sounds like a serious chemical treatment, but it obviously turns your your doily into a firm, rigid piece.  And obviously, more permanent that starch, stiffy or even polyacrylic treatments.   And from there ... the rest is art.   I can envision wall arrangements, bowls and an entire array of mixed media possibilities.

So, if you are one of those that collect old plastic recipies ... there you go !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

A New Handbag for Every Outfit, Vintage Advertisement

I'm looking through McCalls Needlework and Crafts Magazine (1968) one more time, before storing it back to the collection, and happen across this advertisement.  

Now ... how about that !    Here, we have the ultimate of ideas.   A bag frame kit that is interchangeable.   Stitch up a dozen different bags, all sides to fit the same frame.  The bags will slip right on and off the frame 'just like a curtain' rod.  (Hopefully, not while you are carrying it !).   AND, it even includes directions on how to make the fabric purse sections.   Just count the bags you can make for $4.95!   But, wait a minute ....

You have to buy additional interfacing packs @ $1.00 each for every two extra purses you want to make (although there is a bogo for two going on).       

So, you get $50 Worth of Quality Handbags for Less Than the Usual Cost of One ? 

Wouldn't you like to have Just One of these kits to play with?  And, Do you ever wonder why some products just don't make it?   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Slim Trim Figure Fashions, 1950s Mail Order Patterns

It's early 1950's - 1953 to be exact - fashions remained semi-fitted, with visually interesting features, making each piece a delight.   No ho-hum fashions for our mothers (or grandmothers).  No loose fitting, casual or comfortable.  Or, perhaps I'm really wrong ...

Workbasket 9023 (top left) -  Notice what they are calling hip-curving pockets.   These are matched by a curved yoke going into raglan sleeves, and corresponding wide cuffs.  A nice variation on the shirtdress.  Perhaps a Western Shirtdress?   This pattern was also marketed by Marian Martin.  (A couple suppliers are shown over at Wikia Vintage Pattern, if you interested in sewing this for yourself).

Workbasket 9337 (Middle) - A nicely flared 8 gored skirt.

Workbasket 4528 (bottom right) - A shirtwaist variation with scalloped front button closing and both front and back shaped yoke.

The Workbasket pattern page was a bit short with just three patterns for the month - December, but very nice selections indeed.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Eastern Star Tatted Motif Pattern

Here is a tatting pattern, named Eastern Star, that I pulled out of the Dcember 1953 issue of The Workbasket.

It's a sweet little star motif that the pattern suggests you place on handkerchiefs.   Now, I don't know if many  ladies still use handkerchiefs, but it's still a nice motif to place, perhaps on collars or .....   I'll just leave that up to you.

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

Oh, you'll note that I forgot to remove the tip at the bottom of the pattern.   Unless you are wanting to get knocked on your behind ... I don't suggest it !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Coozie or Glass Mitt, Free Pattern

For today's convenience, we have coozies.   They come in all types and colors.   Some are insulated, some have zippers, some fit cans and some fit bottles.  They are frequently used for beer, and often for soda products.    I'm sure they are residents in the majority of households ... at least here in the States.    If you don't know what I'm referring to, take a look here.  

Apparently the concept was similarly popular back in the 1950s in crochet and knit versions.   The patterns frequently show them at use in ladies afternoon parties.   I'm sure they were also great bazaar and holiday items.  

I'm surprised they have not made a reappearance.   They would be that something unique.  Say, crochet up a set, in school or NFL colors.   Make up some in bright pink for your favorite girly girl, and serve her dinner.  Make them for gifts, make them for yourself.    If someone asks, you can say you are getting back to your roots !

To print this pattern, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your computer. 

This pattern, in case you are interested, is from the December, 1953 issue of The Workbasket.   It is a public domain pattern; do with it as you wish.     I've another free pattern for a Crocheted Holiday Coozie if you are interested, as well.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

How to Sew a Velveteen Shawl, Free Sewing Pattern

....

Now, for those nights, or moods for that matter, there are times that a woman just wants to wrap herself in something soft and luxurious.   Some like velvet.   Something, perhaps, like this shawl?

This simply elegant beauty is a vintage 1952 pattern out of the Coats and Clark's Book 296, Festive Stoles and Blouses.    Interestingly enough, it is the only pattern in the book that is not either crochet or knit.
text.    It's a simple pattern, calling only for 1 1/8 yards of Velveteen and 2 yards of Taffeta.  Sew it together and form the jabot style ends.  And, there you go.  Beautiful

a

To print this, simple click to englarge and then copy / paste to a word document on your computer.

I'd think elegant for the holidays, special evenings, or anytime you just want to feel special.   Go ahead, cook up mac and cheese and wear it to the table.  A woman has the right to feel special any time !  

Oh, the dress with the shawl is a crochet pattern, that is in my shop.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Festive Stoles and Blouses

Crochet Festive Stoles and Blouses.   Now only is it a great suggestion, but a complete pattern book, as well.    In actuality, it is knit and crochet, but since the crochet far outnumber the knit, I just left that part out. (Is that like clothing in the childrens department ... amount of crochet versus amount of knit?).

This is a delightful boo.  It was issued by Coats & Clark's back in 1952 ... yes 61 years ago.   The photos are just what they should be ... early 1950's drama and coloring.  Yep, color.  The folks at C&C (actually Spool Cotton Company) went all the way out and spent the money for ALL the photos to be color.  Typically, the 1950s gave us only the front and back cover in color.  But, although the patterns may be old, the styles should be referenced as Vintage.

  The front cover gives us a a crocheted blouse and a shawl.   

 The inside jacket, as typical, gives us the sole advertisement.  The booklet was issued as promotion to their new Rayon Crochet threads.     How pleasant is that.  15 pages in the book and this is the only advertisement!

 One each - a crochet stole on the left; and a knit stole on the right.  

 Again, one each - a crochet stole on the left and a knit stole on the right.

 Here's a delightful evening wear contribution.   Remember in the 1950's one still dressed up as the norm to go out to dinner, or to friends' house.  On the left, we have crochet blouse; on the right a crochet evening length dress.  Both have the allure of low shoulder straps.   Notice the shawl with the evening dress.  This one is velveteen; not crochet or knitted (a break out from the book theme). The shawl, shown with the crochet dress is sewn of Velveteen and Taffeta.   I've listed it (the pattern) in the free section here in this blog.

 And here is another selection page for the evening crowd.  Although, pair them with casual clothing, and they would go that way as well.   The shawl, fringed three quarters around, is crochet, as are both of the blouses.   

And, on the back cover, an exquisite crochet shawl of hairpin lace, and sewn on rhinestones.  This piece bears both soft and feminine lace, but the wow of bling as well.   (What do you think they called Bling in 1952?).

One might say that the book, in addition to being heavy on crochet (only two knit) patterns, is heavy on the shawl side as well.  They were, no doubt, a popular accessory in that time.   But, wouldn't you think they still are.  Remember as a girl, how you loved to wrap yourself up in a shawl and parade around.  The truth is, you probably still would.   I know I do.   Although I don't seem to go out that much, I keep a couple in my living room to put around my shoulders when it is slightly chilly.  They just make one feel pretty, don't you think?

I've listed these patterns in my shop in PDF format, should you be interested to stitching up one of these yourself.     I hope you enjoyed the photo journal !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Straight, Not Tubular, Dress Pattern, Vogue 7266

Sometime back in the early 80's, our mystery seamstress experienced one of those 'Oh Wow' moments when she came across this advertisement in her newspaper.

Oh Wow;  What a great dress - V-neckline with a side buttoned closing, loads of topstitching and long comfortable looking sleeves.  A perfect look dress to balance that jaunty scarf.  

Oh Wow (and a you've got to be kidding); - $360 !!!

The price, of course, nailed it.   Nailed the entire idea of purchasing the dress closed.  Just like the final nail in the coffin.   But, being the enterprises type woman, she rose  .... undaunted ... and headed to her local fabric shop.  After a tedious search   .......  Ta Da !

Well, let's see.   Same great side buttoned.  The Neckline is a deeper V, the first button ending below breastline, versus above.   And, the sleeves have a small cap, and are tapered, versus cuffed.  That's a first glance.   At second glance, you might notice the advertisment has buttons all the way to the knee whereas Vogue 7266 is buttoned only to the waist.  (There must be some more buttons within).   Vogue are calling their pattern, in the description) a tubular dress.  (Note sure where they are getting that .... not stretchg, not strapless ... but it is there pattern and have the privilege of calling it whatever they want..  

(Woops, I was getting a bit sidetracked there).   So, perhaps our mystery seamstress realized that it was not quite the fit she thought because she never cut and complete the dress.    She did, however, tuck the advertisement into the envelope so I would have the opportunity to speculate about it .... some 30 years later.   

I've listed this one in my shop, should you be interested.   There are, of course, tons of other dresses as well.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Vintage 1940s Crochet Patterns

Actually, the year was 1947.   It appears that Womans Day (I'm assuming a branch of the magazine) put out a yearly Crochet Annual of the most popular patterns.     Here are some of the beloved Crocheted Doilies of the time period, covered in this book.

Fine Web Doily.   It's 12 inches of a intricate spider web.

Honeycomb Doily is just 6 inches, but captures those elements of a bee's interest.

Intricate doily gives of bands of varying design all in 9 inches.

This knot edged doily has a linen center.  It is also 9 inches finished.

Here is a 9 inch Ornate Doily that has the shape of a flower.

This lacy piece, 8 inches in all, has the petals of a flower in the center, bordered by varying lacy designs. 

A classic Pinwheel.  This one is 11 inches.

Called the Star Doily, at 14 inches, this one is made up of 253 little circle motifs.

Here'a classic Wheel Doily at 12 inches. 

There are actually 17 doilies represented in the book.  These are my favorites.   I know the pictures quality is not great, but since the originals were 3 to 4 inches to begin with, I'm surprised I was able to get them this sharp.  

I love these old doily patterns.   They remind me of my mothers' home when I was small.   She had dollies under (it seems) everything.  And, when we dusted (not very often), we'd lift up the doily, and the mirrored pattern will be perfectly left behind on the table.   One day, I'm going to have to do that in my own home; I certainly have enough dust.   And then photograph the image.     

Because of the quality of the pictures and vintage print, yellowing of the book, I've reworked each of the patterns to a bright and crisp, easy to read, copy.   They are available in my shop shop if you'd like to work one of them, or simply see the rest of the pictures.   

If I had to choose one of them as my favorite, well .... I'm not sure that I could. 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

1984 Spring Fashions To Sew, Mail Order Patterns

The year, 1984, was not, in my opinion, really high on the fashion chart.   Comfortable fashions - Yes.  A bit on the Frumpy side - A Times.   A simplified remake of previous years - Yes.    I wore these fashions.  They were okay.   Not highly remarkable, but certainly okay.

Here are some great examples of what I'm talking.  This is the pattern advertising page from the March, 1984 issue of The Workbasket.
 

Workbasket 9132 (on left)   Here is a standard shirtdress with a rounded, versus notched collar.  Putting neck bow tie brings out a soft and feminine look.

Workbasket 4852 (Top center) A nice sundress with shoulder straps, elasticized waist and a bottom contrast band.  The lightweight jacket is crossed at the waist.

 Workbasket 4777 (Top right) A basic shirtwaist scaled up with the addition of a tulip sleeve.

Workbasker 9344 (bottom left) - Skirt variations - one wrap skirt and one with an elastic waist.   Wrap skirt were quite popular during the early 80s.

Workbasket 890  (Bottom Center) - our non sewing offering for the month, a nice crochet jacket.

As I've said before, I'm sure I had both dresses and the skirts.  They were nice practical additions to my 'office work wear'.   But, nothing special.   They liked nice - Yes.   Remarkable - No.   These just are not the outfits you look back on 30 years later and say (with much glee in your voice) - Oh, I loved that dress !

Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

Charlotte Ford Long Evening Dress Pattern

Like many, I'm a visual person.   I like to be able to look at a picture and see what is going on, versus having to weed through paragraphs of text to find what I'm looking for.   Some might call this lazy, but I'm sticking with the word visual.    That's why, when I pulled the contents out of McCalls 6524 and found this picture, my first words were .....

 Now, that's what I'm talking about !

Now, compare the picture to the actual written description:   Misses Dress: Pullover dress gathered into yoke with forward shoulder line has side seam pockets, tie belt and elastic in waistline casing; lapped front is open below waistline.   Now, it's interesting that the words used in the picture are additional clarifers to the written descriptions, but they get the point across so well.     Compare the picture to the pattern cover ... 

Now, it's a nice and classy, but certainly does not grab me like the above advertisement.  

Perhaps for folks like me, McCalls could come out with another 'Show-Me' pattern series, where they design the front pattern around the description.     It would be like .... Don't just show me how I might look in this pattern, but, Show-Me why I'm going to love this pattern.     

Oh, by the way ... it's a lovely dress .. ankle length makes for splendid evening wear, or knee length for my the afternoon party, dinner out effect.   It's a Charlotte Ford design.   I've one listed in my shop, in a size 8; and a google search might find others.  I, of course, have a lot of other dress patterns, as well as a fair number of evening dress patterns, in my shop, should you be interested in browsing. 

Thanks for looking, 

Lorrie  

Knitted Tic Tac Toe Pillow, Free Pattern

Here one that is both fun and functional.    It's a tic-tac-toe pillow.   The cover is knitted in stockinette and the light embroidery work added.   It is then attached to a fabric cover and the foam pillow is added.  

 The pompons, five in each color are made.  The instructions indicate they attach to the pillow by use of snaps.    I don't, however see any snaps shown in the picture.   I'd think that tiny little pieces of Velcro (you know, they have those iron on one's) would work a lot better - particularly if the game is going to be played alot, or by younger hands.  This pattern is 1968 ... before Velcro was available.

It's a cute little pillow.  Seems like it would be great as a car trip with the kids.   Let them play and then, when tired out, they can use it for a nap (better make two !)

(To print, click on pattern to enlarge and then copy / paste to a work document on your computer). 

There are other 'free patterns' here in the blog, if you'd like to take a look.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

In Stitches Greeting Cards by McCalls

Tucked away in a 1992 pattern, I found this 'in perfect condition' advertising flyer.  It's In Stitches, TLC Greetings, which is (or was) a Division of McCalls Pattern Company.    Although it is not dated, I found it in a 1992 pattern.   Now, although it was an uncut pattern and the flyer could have been put in there at any point in time, I think 1992 may be a pretty good guess from the price points.   

Anyway ... it's a cute advertisement and I wanted to share it with you.   If you are in to this type of thing .... ENJOY. 



What do you think would happen if I filled it out and mailed it in with my check?  After all, it doesn't have an expiration date (back is blank).   Okay, so yes, I know.   What would happen would be either a) absolutely nothing ... check would be lost in life, or be, relatively promptly sent back to me with some kind of 'You've got to be kidding' note. 

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie

Slim & Sleek Low Waist Dress Pattern

This particular dress, McCalls 5518, is one that catches my eye. It has that look of slim and sleek and all but shouts, Look At Me.    

The official billing on the dress states it is a pullover with lowered waist seams, extended shoulders forming cap sleeves with a bateau neckline.   The jacket, a straight unlined affair with extended shoulders and a V-Neckline.  

I found myself wondering if the lowered waist in this dress gave it that slimming look, or if the look would have been just as successful being a one piece straight dress with those extended shoulders.   Perhaps, but View B with the Black and White contrast and the jacket, is absolutely SLIM LOOKING.  The lack of the collar just highlights  the look but leaving out any distractions. 
.  

 
Yep, SLEEK AND SLIM.   This one is listed in my shop;.   Not the right size for you, there should be more out there in Google Land (With a copyright 1991, it is not going to be in Wikia Vintage Patterns four another 4 years.  


I have tons of other dresses in my shop,both one piece and two pieces, should you care to browse.  


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie 

Shamrock Face Pin Accessory Free Vintage Pattern

This is an adorable pin to put on your lapel or bag.   The pattern states it is for children, but I certainly wouldn't let that hold me back from wearing it myself.

The pattern calls for felt, which would be great.   I think one could get quite creative here with a variety of fabrics and fabric markers.  Some sequins around the edges could add great sparkle.   Now there is no key to scale printed on the page, but print it out and use the pattern pieces for a guideline.  The shamrock piece is right at 2 inches square.  

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

This is a public domain pattern from the May 1955 issue of The Workbasket.   You may make and sell these little pieces to your heart's content.     

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Girls Patty Reed Jumper Hat and Paper Dolls

As you probably already know, Patty Reed designs  children and teen clothing patterns, which she partially markets through Simplicity.    I was looking through my patterns and once again found myself stopping at Simplicity 4824, when the Offer on the front cover jumped out at me .... 'Patty Reed Designs lets you sew adorble clothes for your child, and offers a free matching paper doll with each pattern.     Which, made me wonder ... Really?

Simplicity 4824

So, as instructed on the package I went out to Simplicity.com and couldn't find anything about free paper dolls.  But, in all fairness, this pattern is dated 2003.   So I did a general Google and found the section of Patty Reed's site where she specifically discusses her paper dolls.   Apparently the paper dolls are no longer being offered due to cost restrictions, which means, even though this is a new, uncut pattern, the Keisha Paper Doll is not obtainable.   BUT, Patty Reed does have six different paper dolls, along with a variety of outfits for each, that you can download and print off on your computer.

What fun, while you are creating this dress for that special young girl in your life, she can be dressing up her paper doll !    Thanks Patty for finding a way to continue your paper doll offer (even if it isn't the exact same doll).  


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie