Simplicity 3954 - Girls' and Misses' Ski Suit
1940sThere is finally snow in the mountains, so it's time to wax up the skis and head out.Here's Simplicity's description of this ski suit pattern.The hip-length jacket buttons snugly down the front....
View Article4577 "Santa Claus" Suit
At a guess, the nineteen-teensThe envelope and typeface lead me to believe that this pattern might have been manufactured by the Beauty Pattern Company (1188-90 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.)...
View ArticleStandard Designer 3804 - Surgical Gown and Cap
1920sThis one could use a little research. I don't have enough context to know whether this is really intended for medical use or is a costume pattern. The only other costume pattern I have from...
View ArticleMaudella 2987 - Keep Fit Costume
Late 1930s, early 1940s.This seems to be a pretty early Maudella offering. In the United States this would almost certainly be called a "gymnasium suit," and might be worn with a white blouse...
View ArticleAladdin Apron Company - Bungalow Apron
1926This pattern is the first documentary evidence I've acquired showing that some women expanded beyond home sewing into cottage industry. It seems logical that a woman who sewed well and efficiently...
View ArticleButterick 7892 - Little Girls' Romper Dress
A few years before 1921In a time before it was acceptable for women or girls to wear trousers, this seems to me like a humane way to dress an active little girl. The rompers themselves aren't much...
View ArticleMcCall 1310 - Boys' or Girls Western Shirts
1946. With Embroidery or applique trim.A terrific western shirt, particularly appealing because it allows the girls to play, perhaps in the Dale Evans role. Who wouldn't want to be "Queen of the...
View ArticleLadies' Home Journal 2452 - Men's and Youth's Overalls or Mechanics' Suit
By the style of the envelope, this one is probably the late 19-teens to the 1920s.When you unite a shirt with a pair of pants, you get union overalls. In the UK this garment is called a boiler suit....
View ArticleMcCall 2379 - Girl's Middy
1920s.This is one of a special series of "school patterns" that McCall issued for beginners. After mastering other patterns in the series for a nightgown and a petticoat, the novice could move on to...
View ArticleSimplicity 4104 - Misses' and women's Slack Suit and Coverall
1942This one shows up on eBay now and again, and there may be a reason for this. In the '40s Simplicity published a periodical for Home Economics teachers called School Sewing Service News. The...
View ArticleButterick 4258 - Ladies', Misses' and Girls' Martha Washington Costume
Probably the first half of the 1920s.My town is too small to have a July 4th parade, but if we had one, it might feature a suitably costumed George and Martha Washington waving to the crowd from the...
View ArticleLadies Home Journal - Men's Overalls
At a guess, 19-teens. What I most like about this pattern (after the brilliantined hair, the jaunty pose, and the spats) is the fact that the gentleman is wearing a tie.I'd like to know if there is a...
View ArticleButterick 2360 - Women's and Misses' Work Garment
1940s (World War II)It's hard to think of a more generic description than "work garment." Simplicity called their similar pattern a "Slack Suit or Coverall," but the concept is largely the same - a...
View ArticleUllstein-Schnittmuster V 34 - BildhauerKittel
Based on the style of a women's dress pattern that was part of the same lot, my guess is the early 1920s.Since I have no knowledge of German, I've relied on Google Translate to help me out here, so...
View ArticleMcCall's 689 - Choir Cottas or Surplices
1939I suspect that right about now there are many church choirs out there that are right up to their floppy bows in performances that involve extended lines of "Gloria" and "Halleluja," and "O Holy."...
View ArticleMcCall 1104 - Ladies' and Misses' Apron
1944If you tell most people to close their eyes and imagine a "vintage apron" this is the apron they'll see in their mind's eye. This apron goes by many names: pinafore apron, bib apron, farmhouse...
View ArticleMay Manton 906 - Embroidery for Corset Bag
Best guess is the 19-teens.This one is in the category of "Who knew?" Who knew that ladies made bags for their corsets? Who knew that they then embroidered them? (and even spent money on transfer...
View ArticleMcCall 1597 - Mr. and Mrs. Aprons hat and Mitts
1950For your summer barbecue season we have another novelty apron. The theme is consistent with other McCall novelty aprons we've seen - there is always a dog in there somewhere! (See also McCall...
View ArticleMcCall 5040 - Man's Pirate Costume
Early 1930s. Another nice color illustration from McCall, very likely by the same illustrator who did our deadly handsome Spanish Gentleman.Pirate movies seem to have been popular from the dawn of the...
View ArticleButterick 4514 - Shawl or Travelling Case
May, 1892Are you traveling over the holidays? Don't forget your shawl case. What? You don't have one! How are you going to keep track of your shawl, raincoat, galoshes, train ticket, drawing tablet...
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