This site is dedicated to the love of patterns from the past. I enjoy the styles, history, artwork and unique fashion.

Tuesday 27 December 2011

What to Wear?


It's not Christmas, not New Years Eve.
 It's the lull between celebrations and no reason to dress up.
So what to wear?
Its the lounge wear.
 You know what I'm talking about. You're at the Holiday house and you still want to be stylish just in case the paparazzi spot you.
I'm here to help you with ideas.

Simplicity 1168.
Excellent for the Beach House.
Versatile - beach wear or early evening to collect the groceries at the local General Store.

McCall 8413.
Summery, fresh, perfect for the Southern Hemisphere Xmas time.
Simplicity 7605.
Play suit and removable skirt.
Ideal for the neighbours BBQ !

Vogue Couturier Design 1865.
Loose fitting jumpsuit. A variation on the Caftan with a sleeveless design.
Best in the 1970s two tone fabric !
Simplicity 9370.
Very similar to the Vogue above.
Dress up with a wide belt.
Ideal in the floral, that way the paparazzi won't miss you in the garden.

I'm hoping the summer wax has been done for the short leg version.
Maybe just for the little Princess in your life.
Butterick 5133.
This is actually a Pajama for the ladies.
I'm not sure how its actually a PJ without the flannel pants.
However good for the popcorn, movie watching nights.

McCall 5140.
I love the artwork & colours in this cover.
Really feminine, but casual wear and I love the hats and gloves to accessorise.

Simplicity 1189.
I think the use of the satin in these garments is so luxurious and relaxing.
Also very 1930- 1940's.
Ideal for around the pool house !
Simplicity 1189.
A variation on the cover of the above pattern.

Butterick 7462.
So very 1960's. The quilted jacket with the Nehru collar and 3/4 pants.
Oh and wear the low heels to dress it up a little.

Vogue Couturier Design (Galitzine) 2731.
This is for you if you live at Palm Beach NSW.

A variation on the caftan with pants.
Bell sleeve and wide legs on the pants.
Put it on over the bikini after getting out of the pool with a headscarf, before being served cocktails.


Enjoy the recovery time between festivals. Now I have to look for something for the
NYE Party !

Monday 12 December 2011

Its Christmas Time Again !

We say it each year...where did that year go & is it Christmas already?
Some patterns to inspire the Silly Season.

Always a good idea to wear the vintage apron as a fashion statement
and also to protect your glamour dress.

McCall 2073.
"Instant" Full skirted & very bright & pretty.

McCall 917.
1940's full apron with tie back.

McCall 1597.
This one would be right at home here in Australia.
Note the motif of the running rabbit with snags in it mouth.
I thought rabbits are vegetarians? maybe its a dog?
What to wear on Christmas day?
 Not to worry, simply select from here.
Stylish and full of sophisticated girly glamour.
Vogue 1575
Full skirted dress in long or short sleeve.
Optional back bow.
Vogue Paris Original 1189.
Slim fitting cocktail dress at two lengths.

Givenchy by McCalls 3075.
One of my all time favorites.
So Audrey Hepburn - even the model is an excellent look alike.
You can never go wrong with this dress.

Butterick 'Retro" '52 (4919).
Halter style full skirted dress in two lengths.
Perfect in red !

McCalls 5200.
Full skirted tie strap top.
Very feminine, very flirty!

Simplicity 4688.
1960's bell skirted dress with or without straps.
Over blouse optional.
I did find some amusing christmas sewing patterns to add to your
decorations about the home...

Butterick 4661
Some very cute tree decorations made by you!

McCalls 9490
This I have never seen before - DIY smocked baubles!! LMAO

Simplicity4519.
Odd collection in a pattern - DIY purse, glasses case, collar
and santa stocking.
I wish everyone and all creatures a very peaceful, merry christmas.
May the world find love...