Savor your caffeinated beverage of choice and gaze upon the lovely that is Hollywood 1820:
The sheer overlay! The flowing sleeves! The tiny tucks at the hips (which look great here, though they might cause problems for me in real life)! And, most of all, those tiny bows along the neckline! Gasp, gasp!
Extra points for the pretty basket-shaped purse...even though I mistook it for a taco at first.
Ah, Memorial Day -- a time for fun, friends and BBQ. Mr. Pattern Junkie and I are having friends over for ribs, brisket and jerk chicken (Mr. P.J. being quite the king of the smoker), and I find myself wishing for the perfect barbecue ensemble. A quick search of the Vintage Sewing Patterns wiki provided answers beyond my wildest dreams. (It has a knack for doing that.)
First up: this little number, Spadea 602-A:
An Emilio Pucci?! Be still my pattern-loving heart. I'd love to be able to pull off this fetching ensemble, but snug capris would not be flattering to me. Cute as this illustration is, the description is even better:
This way to the beach, barbeque or buffet at home! Double tiers of shaped bands girdle the waist and garter the knees of these snug young pants. For exciting hostess fare that's spiced with Spanish flavor, make them in jewel toned velveteen and embroider the cuffs with swirls of metallic thread.
Snug young pants spiced with Spanish flavor? Love that, although "smug young pants" would be worthy of a T-shirt. What I wouldn't give to see these made up in jewel-toned velveteen and embroidered with metallic thread!
Next up is Simplicity 4061:
Pigs at the grill! A classic really, though I have to admit I've never understood it. It's a little macabre, no?
Here's another his and hers BBQ apron ensemble, this one from the 40s. McCall 1481:
It's another great example of how mid-century patternland men just can't stop having meetings, no matter the setting! Sure, he's wearing an apron -- but the suit and tie are on, and he's reading either an agenda or a memo. (Sure, it could be a recipe, but wouldn't that be in a book?)
Finally, here's the ultimate -- an actual dress designated for BBQ-wear, Hollywood 1989 :
Is it just me, or is this a horrible outfit for eating ribs? (Then again, Scarlet didn't eat at the barbecue, did she?)
U.S. readers, may your Memorial Day be filled with friends, fun, family and food -- non-U.S. folk, may your Monday be the same way!
A little Valentine's Day sweetness offered straight up, no chaser. I've stumbled across a few vintage dress patterns with heart-shaped pockets before, but had no idea there were so many. Enjoy this little collection! (Click the pattern picture to be taken to the listing in the Vintage Pattern Wiki.)
Here's a charming one, Hollywood 1144, circa 1940s. I especially like the striped/solid number on the left:
Here's another beauty from Hollywood Patterns, 1390, also circa 1940s. I love the beret and flowers in their hair, too!
Here are heart pockets on a bolero -- though I have to admit, I'd go with the bows instead:
And another approach. Mail order pattern 4777 has one simple heart pocket for one sweetheart, I suppose:
Jumping forward to 1971, here's Simplicity 9520, which decided that hearts belonged on the butt. Extra points for the fab shoes, fringed shorts and awe inspiring Heidi-hair:
For a dose of heart pockets in total 70s Technicolor, check out Simplicity 5423. Double gingham overload!
My favorite is this mail order pattern from the 1940s. I think the Rosie Riveter style jumpsuit with the heart pockets and sweet blouse is what really makes it work for me.
Happy Valentine's Day! May your pockets -- whatever their shape -- be stuffed with chocolate!
