Simplicity 5645 is a great little blouse pattern, isn't it? I love all the variations, from the ruffled neck to the sailor collar:
I had it in my etsy shop recently, and it just found its new home. I'm happy -- because there's something a little extra special about this particular pattern. Sometimes I find ephemera -- newspaper clippings, bits of fabric, notes -- slipped in with the pattern, and it always makes me wonder. Here's the newspaper clipping I found in this pattern:
The ad text reads: "Sure to be campus favorites...the casuals with the British schoolboy look in Dark Oxford and Bright Red or Pencil Yellow. Softer, fuller, but with meticulous attention to detail. Blazers that really blaze, sharp little vests and skirts pleated or slim." The "White oxford cloth, Chelsea collared blouse pin-lined in red and black or yellow and black" was priced at $5.99.
The thing is, the pattern itself was completely untouched. Someone obviously was inspired by this ad and bought the pattern. They folded up the ad, put it in the envelope and taped it shut...and then what? Did they decide to buy the outfit? Decide to make something else? Did they plan to make it for a sister or a daughter only to be told that it wasn't their style at all?
There's something a little sad about it. This pattern inspired dreams once, but those dreams never materialized. There are so many outfits in my head -- more than I'll ever sew -- that many of my own patterns will share this one's fate. It's good to know that this one's winging its way to a new home and new dreams.
By the way, there was an added extra -- another dress on the back side of the ad. How much fun is this green argyle dress?