I Love The Op Shop

There is an air of excitement when I walk into the local opportunity shops.

 I get a thrill out of what I just might find. Its a wonderful way to spend my lunch time when at work looking for treasure !

Here is just some of my magical finds...

This is an early pattern - pre decimal as the price is "3/6".

I am unsure as to what the maker is - Is it "Fashion cut pattern" or is it "Dewhurts SYLKO" as printed on back (see below).

No printing on actual pattern pieces. It has punched holes to indicate usage & pieces.

Simplicity 6535 - Year 1966.

Misses' one piece dress with some cute variations.

Simplicity 5915. Year 1965.

I found a newspaper cut out of the era inside, form the local area (Taree NSW).

Fascinating reading - pre decimal prices & people mentioned in the paper were formally referred to as "Mr, Mrs or Miss".

Love the Ad for these hats "Now in full swing !"

Back to school maps for projects.

Simplicity 7996. Year 1968

I love these Nehru jackets. They are described as "Meditation or Guru" Jackets.

Vogue 7137.

One piece dress - A line with side front pockets & back button closing.

So stylish !

McCalls 7337.

Summer dresses !

 Also nice for those fabrics with full pictured print.

McCalls 7775.

Two piece bathing suit, choice of back buttoned bra or high neck top.

Beach jacket with long sleeves.

So cute !

Weigel's 2411.

Is this brand Australian?

The fabric pattern looks Polynesian styled.

Makes me think of Hawaii !

Style 2541. Year 1969.

This is so adorable ! Gorgeous pleated dress with pants.

I think this is a favorite.

Op shop patterns are special. They find a new home with someone who appreciates their history and usually come from someone who loved them and has sadly passed on.

I have these and more, for sale on EBay as of 25th July 2012.

EBay Link.

Kim Novak in Bell Book & Candle.

I recently had a lovely Sunday afternoon watching this gorgeous old movie; Bell Book & Candle (1958)starring Kim Novak, James Stuart & Jack Lemmon.
A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancee, so she enchants him to love her instead... only to fall in love with him for real.
It inspired me to take a closer look at some patterns to conjour up some pattern magic, to match some of those bewitching fashions from the movie.

This was my favorite fashion of the movie. A unique black dress with attached pull over - draped hood. 

It was at times difficult to make out detail of the dress but the above screen shot shows it best.

Long sleeve knit fabric, darted at waist, with front midline bust seam.

How sweet the small detail of the trim bow ribbon at hip height.

Note the 1950's bullet bra !

She wore this with a fabulous cape, which I will get to next.

Simplicity 9500. 1971.

So I had to have this dress and rushed out (I mean onto the PC) and bought this.

I am going to make it in the black "slinky" knit style so the hood can sit folded in gorgeous layers.

 McCalls 2301 - 1970's.

This could be an alternative pattern. It has a thicker, larger hood with a more loose fit.

~

Here Kim wears the bewitching black hooded dress with her reversible, leopard lined cape (top).

Later she wears red with the cape reversed.

I wish more people wore capes in winter. They are an adorable piece - from designer haute couture to kids wear.

Vogue Couturier Design 2231 - Pucci.

Typically 1960's design. Zip front cape - remember those circular zipper grips !

   Vogue 6032.

I really like the medium length with the side pleats and top stitching.

Simplicity 7858.

The short and long length are so stylish and go so well with the movie fashion.

Kim does wear a long length cape, in the snow with attached hood and hand fur warmer.

Butterick 5897.

McCalls 4276.

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Simple yet classic sleek black dress. Note the strap detail in pic (above).
Simply dressed up with a scarf and opera gloves.

McCalls 6033

Butterick 5878 - Donna Ricco.

A seductive backless black dress. Plunging back with bateau neckline.

Butterick 2488.

 A gorgeous pattern that can be sleek & sexy or more formalised with added train.

Vogue 5886.

Kim in a Kimono style dressing gown with Pyewacket the cat.

Looks like chiffon, possibly silk or satin?

Simplicity 2467.

There isn't a lot of retro sewing patterns with a Kimono style, but this one is particularly nice.

 

In the story Kim's wardrobe brightens to lighter colours and fabrics and her shop changes from dark native voodoo styled artifacts to flower arrangements and sea shells.

Simplicity 3039.

McCalls 3043.

Typically 1950s full gore skirted dresses. An image of sweetness and innocence.

I couldn't focus just on the female fashion. Jimmy Stuart character always the well dressed

man of the 1950's.

Vogue 9445.

 For the suave man of the 1950's this classic suit can also be used for the "sports" jacket
version for weekend casual wear.

Can anyone help ?

I am looking for instructions to a pattern "Butterick 5857 - Mary Quant Design."

Body suit & full length coat.

Wondering if I could obtain a copy of the instructions only.

 Mary Quant was the designer of the original 1965 Mini Skirt.

She still has an online shop and does a cosmetic & clothing range still influenced by the MOD era.

please contact me if you can help.

 

Thanking you kindly Viennasgrace of Etsy for supplying me with the

missing instructions for the above mentioned pattern !

How very kind of you x

 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/viennasgrace

The Party Dress ! Its Party Time !

Its the New Year 2012.

 You don't need new patterns to make that Party dress.

True style never goes out of fashion.

I have some inspiration for you on this very first day of the new year.

Simplicity 1679.
A very pretty & feminine bateau neck dress.
Slim fitting with  with detachable cummerbund.

Its available on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86085179/vintage-1950s-party-dress-sheath

Style 2191.
This is a more modern pattern. A princess cut dress, open neck line with
full skirt. I could see this for formal / cocktail parties.

Advance 3312.
When I look at this pattern I see Elizabeth Taylor !
Very sexy 1960's pattern.
Slim fit, V neck (for those fabulous Elizabeth diamonds) with
darted bust.

Advance 7924.
Bateau neck, full skirted cocktail dress with V back.
3/4 or shorrt sleeve. Note the Tulip finish on the short sleeve hem.
So very Grace Kelly.

Retro Vintage Vogue 1950's Model Misses Wedding Dress 1956.
I see this as glamour or ball gown evening fashion.
Reproduction series by Vogue.

Simplicity 7117.
Empire waist dress. I like the idea with the sequin top with chiffon lower waist.
I once saw this design on "Bewitched".
Typically 1960's.
Optional bows at rear or underbust.

McCalls 7043.
Audrey Hepburn - Tiffany's !
Sleek look, Empire waist cockatial dress. Long or short versions.
Best with the opera gloves and strap shoulder version.

Butterick 2488.
Another Audrey Hepburn !
Bateau neck, sleeveless, princess cut dress.
Optional back train piece.

I hope that I have given you some inspiration for your next party.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2012 !