It's Raining Outside !

I mean really raining !! We have had four days of torrential rain. Time to wear something appropriate to the weather conditions to keep warm dry and Stylish....

McCalls 3330

Just popping down the shops or meeting the Girls for a coffee?

This simple yet elegant 1955 coat will be just perfect.

Single breasted with front pockets to put your gloves in, with a sleek slimline design.

McCalls 9130.

Perhaps you want a night out - Opera ?

High collar, swing full coat with 3/4 sleeve. Its how you present this one that makes it formal or casual. Belt it for a coat - dress style or loose for a more formal presentation.

Mail Order R-125.

Glamour written all over this one. Only for the best fabrics of dazzling 1950's glamour.

Pleated back swing coat worn with a well fitted princess seamed dress.

Taffita, silks, satins...Ohhhhh

Simplicity 7700.

It can be hard to find good old fashioned style in the 1970's, but this is quite nice.

Rolled hem hooded raincoat with tie waist belt and front pockets.

Longer or 3/4 length depending on what you wear with this - some nice boots ?

Simplicity 8975.

Another 1970's Groovin' pattern. I like how the Models have their classic knee or even Over knee high boots on with this coat ( I think the 70's made boots fashionable) or you can wear it with pants (so 70's).

Vogue Paris Original 1019

Jacques Griffe.

Reversible coat with wide collar. No belt simply wear as is with your best evening couture.

I see this in Wool / blends or jacquard's.

Vogue Paris Original 1443

Pierre Cardin.

Classic iconic 1960's dress and coat. Dress with faux wrap style skirt and bow at hip, sleeveless so you can don your gorgeous coat that although single breasted, buttons to the side with tie belt. So very Audrey !

Vogue Paris Original 1472.

Christian Dior.

The designers of the day aren't famous by accident - all style and know what looks great.

Beautiful double breasted coat ( I live the touch of her gloves and clutch purse).

..and if you look closely only $3.00 ( I will give you $4.00 ! )

Vogue Paris Original 1939.

Nina Ricci.

I adore this pattern, but don't have it (yet) myself. I do have something similar (yet to make).

Just gorgeous single side button, belted coat with stand up roll collar. Just magnificent. Simple yet classically beautiful dress that says "I'm not trying hard but don't I look fabulous darling ".

Vogue 4289.

Can be an everyday coat for work, shopping or play. All depends on what fabrics you use.

You can have tie waist or as a simple straight coat. No collar or simple stand up straight collar.

Adorn with diamante brooch.

Don't forget your Hat !

Which to choose ? Go with your mood.

You would feel naked without your gloves...

Happy Rainy Days.

A Right Royal Wedding.

There is always a big event in a Wedding. Such a happy occassion and everyone is centred on the Bride and her dress. Of course there is an exraordinary Wedding on April 29th, that of William & Kate. I will definately be tuned in (as I did not get an invite) to see the whole affair !

So time it is to show some Wedding Dresses to inspire the romanace of the day....

Advance 5341.


A 1930's - 40's pattern with full length gown, short or long sleeve, princess seamed, and collar.
 Oh so elegant !

Advance 5814

This has Grace Kelly written all over it.

 Full length gown, button front with collar. So very feminine.

Butterick 4743

This is for all you 1980's ladies. Puffed sleeve, bow or train at back, princess seams.
I see Lady Diana in this one, but with the extra, extra long train.

Butterick 8704

1950's style full merangue dress. Sweetheart neckline. Optional lengths can be used for the bridesmaids.

Simplicity 6352.

1960's empire waisted, with optional train - note the train is fixed at rear top shoulder area.
I love the littel bow at waist.

Vogue paris Original Nina Ricci 1077.

Simple but elegant princess seam with slight flare skirt.

Vogue 2979.

This is a modern pattern of a retro style. This is another that screams Grace Kelly.
Beautirful skirt, so crisp and pleated ever so gently. Rear tie/ bow with train. I love this one.

Vogue 5942.

Empire waisted 1960's style dress. Modern, elegant, no fuss or frills. Very stylish.

Vogue S 4696.

This one looks like Royalty with her blue sash and brooch! 1950's style dress. Love the low cut back for that hint on allure! Full skirt which would be worn with tulle underskirt.

McCalls 6605.

1960's bell shape skirt with attached train. Not the pill box hat/headress.



And they all lived happily ever after......

Audrey Hepburn in Charade

It was time to get my DVD copy out and watch this 1963 movie, with Cary Grant & Walter Matthau. Its classical 1960's fashion and filmaking. It covers a variety of genres; comedy, thriller, romance & mystery. However best of all it has Audrey ! What a beautiful, stylish, pettit lady she was. She could wear a potato sack and look clasically elegant.

The coat pictured was a strong orange in colour and possibly wool.

Designed by Givenchy.

The coat has an open, stand up collar & raglan sleeve.



Large fabric cover buttons in contrast black, which went to wonderfully with her black leather gloves, black bag and black shoes. There is the golden rule - bag should match the shoes !

Vogue 2988



Vogue 2988



Coat in this pattern has very similar neck line and buttoning, however shorter than the Audrey, Givenchy original.

Wool Givenchy Dress with bateau neckline





Simplicity 2602



Without the optional overskirt, a similar style dress with bateau neck & short sleeve dress.

All thats needed is your black belt !

Butterick 9097

The bateau neckline is lovely, but how much sweeter does it look with the bow finish.



Givenchy wool button coat.




Simplicity 8455 - Circa 1969.



The classic Trench




Finished off with her little white leather gloves and scarf.



Vogue 7004



Simplicity 7307




McCalls 5525

I know its not a vintage pattern, but is a modern pattern of a vintage design.

And...don't forget your gloves !



Butterick 4260



Womans Day Vintage sewing pattern.

I have not yet made gloves, but do have a pattern. How hard cna they be? I think they may be a bit fiddley, but would be a pleasure to create in your own colours and textures.

At the start of the movie, Audrey in the Alps

Mcalls 8009

This pattern will create the hood scraf Audrey wears in the alps as well as her head scarf in her trech wearing scene.

Audrey with Pill box style head attire.

Vogue 6121

You too can create the 60's Pill Box Hat at home.