Often, I would peruse the dress patterns that were always lying around and wish that Mom would sew something for me. (She never did, although I never asked. In my heart, I think she would have if I had only asked.)
By watching Mom do it so many times, I learned how to use a needle and thread well enough to sew on a button and make minor repairs. I never got the hang of using a sewing machine, but once upon a time I did stitch together a red satin micro miniskirt from scraps of cloth that Mom had used for some other project.
Fast-forward 50 years and Diana alerted me that "the Vintage Patterns Wiki has released more than 83,500 patterns of pre 1992, out of print patterns for all to use.
"The browsable collection runs the gamut from Dynasty-inspired pussy bow power suits to Betty Draper-esque frocks featuring models in white gloves to an 1895 boys' Reefer Suit with fly-free short trousers."
You can read all about it here. Meanwhile, you will find me browsing the 1950s collection looking for a "new" Easter outfit!
 |
| Wearing Bebe (Source: Bebe) |
 |
| Femulating in the 1960s |
Stana,
ReplyDeleteThat dress pattern brings back memories for me as well.
My mother also sewed, her own clothes and for her sister as well. She had drawers full of those patterns. I spent many hours sitting on the floor pinning hems, with both of them walking around in slips as they changed from one dress to another.
I didn't ask either.
This one is my favorite one...
ReplyDeletehttp://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/McCall_9919
Now if only I knew someone t make it in size 22
that is a very lovely gown.....
DeleteLearning how to sew sounds so great! Imagine being able to make anything and have it fit like a glove. And I still love all those pattern old illustrations.
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested in learning to sew retro patterns, find Gretchen Hirsch's books. Barnes & Noble usually has one on the shelf for browsing.
ReplyDeleteMy mother used to sew for my sister and herself. In the '50's & 60's, clothes made in USA were NOT CHEAP, and therefore many women sewed.
ReplyDeleteNews report this week stated 'world-wide GLUT of used clothing on world market--NOBODY wants. Except me? Explains why I have 12 size 22 evening/prom dresses, two wedding dresses, MANY size 16 girl stretch jeans all for mere pennies via thrift stores. If you must sew, plenty of vintage sewing machines ($15.00) and paper patterns at thrift stores, just avoid the Singer machines with the nylon drive gears,as the gears are old and break and NOBODY has parts or skill to repair.
Release your inner 'gurl.
Velma Dinkley
Faith
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of books on sewing avilable, most cover simple repairs and alterations to dresses etc
I believe sewing is something that should be done in female mode
Lucy
Mostly people who sew find themselves sewing in their underwear so they can fit as they go.
ReplyDeletejust beautiful, amazingly hot.... I loved this post
ReplyDeleteMary:my Mother made a lot of dresses&skirts or repaired them or new ones shorter/longer...i served as her "model" i had to put them on.so she could..mark the hemline....she feminized me because she knew i love it..when she cut my hair..i had always to wear her old dot wrap dress...we both loved the dress up
ReplyDelete