pattern junkie

Treasure Hunting, Part Two

Part two of sharing the results of my recent etsy and eBay spree!  As before, I'll share the seller's names and link to the Vintage Wiki listing, if there is one.

Part of my little shopping fest was inspired by the Mini-Wardrobe Contest over at Pattern Review.  (The aim is to make 4 garments that combine to make at least 4 outfits.)  Even though I'm the slowest seamstress in the world, I came up with the fun idea of making the ultimate swappable wardrobe.  A jumper that could be worn as a dress, detachable collars to change the look, a reversible skirt, etc.  Considering the contest ends on April 16th (and I haven't even cut out anything!) I'll have to give up my dreams of glory -- but it did result in some fun pattern purchases.  Simplicity 1390 was only 99 cents from eBay seller mamajean2010:

All those collars and cuffs!  I love the idea of just slipping them on your dress to give it a new look.  I'd definitely take a pass on the baby hats, though.

I picked up Simplicity 1586 in a lot of 10 blouse patterns (for only $7!) because I was intrigued by the "Change 1," "Change 2," etc on the illustration.  Did this blouse offer change and go capability?  Today a I want the ribbon collar, tomorrow I'll wear it plain?  Sadly, no -- they're just different views -- thought cute ones!  From eBay seller kicker060.

McCall's 5801 was also part of my plan for world domination through ultimate wardrobe swappability.  This cute jacket is reversible!

I bought it from etsy seller elyse72, and while I was there this 1971 wonder jumped into my cart.  How cute is Simplicity 9254?  I love the high neck, the nipped-in waist and, of course, the belt:

Here's the other pattern I bought from Starlet on etsy.  I saw Simplicity 8648 a while ago and was thrilled to finally find it in my size.  I love the collar and the inverted pleat -- it seems like such a comfortable, wearable dress:

Finally...drum roll, please...there's the pattern that could not be resisted.  The pattern that had to be bought simply because it was there.  I present to you Authentic Patterns 252, which came to me via eBay seller purplegardencat.

You read that right!  It's FOR KNITS ONLY!  And what you can't tell from the illustration is that it's actually a BODYSUIT!

Yes, indeed.  This is a pattern for a Western-style bodysuit.  With turtleneck collar or pointed collar or lacing or curlicue details or...isn't each variation just more fantastic than the last?!  Oh, I just have to share the pattern back with you:

How astounding is that?!  I knew it would haunt me if I didn't get it.  I mean, some things you only see once in your lifetime. 

You know what's truly scary?  If I turned my back on all the pretty dress patterns to make this atrocity?  I'd probably end up wearing it to death.

Treasure Hunting, Part One

I did not name this blog "Pattern Junkie" idly.  No, my pattern addiction runs deep and wide.  And while I may go long bouts without indulging, I found myself with some Paypal funds burning a hole in my virtual pocket recently.  Over to eBay I went, and a blur of "Bid Nows" resulted -- I always forget what great deals there are to be found!  Mr. Pattern Junkie is baffled by the giddy squeals that greet each brown envelope, so I'll share my finds with you.  (I'll list each seller.  Some specialize in patterns, others sell an assortment of estate finds.  I'll also link each pattern to its Vintage Wiki listing, if it has one -- those that don't, I'll input soon!)

First, this gaspingly beautiful 1930s dress, overskirt and jacket, Simplicity 2718.  It's so fragile I'm almost afraid to touch it:

The belt on the overskirt is suede, by the way.  And I just love the color combination they used for the envelope.  Gray, black, red and taupe seems so elegant. 

I bought it in a small lot of patterns from eBay seller katchamp.  (Me to Mr. P.J.:  "See, then I sell the ones that aren't my size!"  (While thinking to self: "Please don't look in the 3 boxes of unchecked, unlisted patterns.")  Mr. P.J.: "And then you buy more patterns?"  Me: (as if speaking to small child) "Of course." Mr. P.J.: "But what about all the ones you haven't sewn?  And what about the other night when you got mad at the sewing machine and screamed at it?"  Me: "Isn't it time to watch House?") The lot included Simplicity 1120, which I've deluded myself into thinking I'll grade down one of these days.  What a blouse!

Here's another pretty, Simplicity 8230.  It jumped in my cart when I was getting another long-sought after pattern from etsy seller Starlet.  (I'll show that pattern tomorrow.)  I love how the bodice and skirt echo each other:

I couldn't resist this Vogue Designer, Vogue 1614, either (funnily enough, the back label tells you how to pronounce "Rodriguez").  Very mod!  (Though I do fear that if I wore it Mr. P.J. would interpret the plastron as an arrow and suggest writing "open here" on it.)  From eBay seller dresdenjunkshun.

And I fell in love with Butterick 4577 by Young Designer Jean Muir.  Aren't the lines great?  This was another one that I picked up in a small lot -- the four patterns cost me less than this single pattern would have cost me elsewhere.  I'm a sucker for a good deal!  From eBay seller joekool708.

This Christian Dior pattern, Vogue 2230, is a simple design.  I don't care about designer labels in general, but I guess I'm a sucker for them in pattern form -- especially when they're less than $5!  From eBay seller laneysnewagain.

I tried really hard to resist this Molyneux pattern, Vogue 2692, but ultimately caved.  I mean, a dress with a built-in fanny pack?!  From eBay seller trendybabes.

Tomorrow: you know I can't resist the late 60s and the 70s!  Have I got some wonders to share...

How DARE You Question Me and My Big Bow!

Green:  I'm just wondering if...in terms of balance, your outfit...it's just that, the uh...the bow...

Red Bow: How dare you question my bow?!  It is the HEIGHT of fashion!

Green: The height?  I'm not so sure.  The width, I'll give you...

 
You can go to the listing for Simplicity 3942 on eBay by clicking on the picture.  I have to say, I love how the illustrator acknowledged that the bow might get "hmms" -- it's like she/he was preparing the potential wearer.  "You're gonna have to be strong to wear this, OK?  Here's a good pose to strike."

No doubt about it, it takes a certain aplomb to carry off a bow the size of one's head.  Here's Vogue 1973, a Bill Blass version:

Me, I couldn't do it.  I'd have coffee or lipstick on that thing in a second!  Any thoughts on where you'd wear a dress with a lace bow the size of a turkey platter?

Of Balloon-Kneed Knickers and Killer Eagles

Wow!  I just stumbled upon this jaw-dropper on eBay -- act fast, the auction ends early tomorrow morning:

I KNOW!  They're not just knickers -- they're knickers that BALLOON OUT at the knees!  And look at the fantabulously garish fabric used to illustrate them!

In fact, this pattern may be the fashion equivalent of BIRDEMIC.  What is Birdemic, you ask?  A fantastically horrible movie I saw Saturday night that you MUST SEE if there's a late night screening in your area.  No, it has nothing to do with patterns, fashion or sewing.  But I was going to find a way to post it, so we might as well get it over now:

See?  The only thing that could make it better would be if the characters (or birds!) were wearing balloon-kneed knickers like the ones above!  Ah.  I'll just end today's short post with one of my favorite lines in the film: "I hear a mountain lion.  I'd better go." 

Find the Next Vintage Vogue Reproduction!

Have you heard that Vogue Patterns is looking for suggestions for vintage patterns to reproduce?  I can't seem to find much about it online, but here's a blurb from a recent issue of their magazine:

"Do you have a vintage Vogue pattern with all the pattern pieces and the instructions intact?  Would you like to see it become a Vintage Vogue pattern?  Send us a photocopy of the front of the envelope.  Do not send us the pattern.  (Unsolicited patterns will not be returned.) If yours is selected, we will ask you to send the original.  In appreciation, we will give you five free Vogue Patterns of your choice, on-page credit in our catalog, and return your pattern.  Mail a photocopy with your name, address, and daytime phone number printed on the back to: Vintage Vogue Search, Vogue Patterns Magazine, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.  You can also email a scan of the envelope front to [email protected].  Please put 'Vintage Vogue Search' in the subject line."

My only problem with this is the "send in the pattern" part.  Sure, they promise to give it back...but the thought of sending off a beloved pattern into the great unknown is too scary for me!  Why not just send your toddlers off into the woods to play with bears?

Still, if I had this great pattern, I might consider it.  I'd love to see Vogue 487 reproduced:

I love the gathered bust, collar detailing and the way the back bodice is shaped.  Of course, the fact that the back ruffles remind me of Leanne's lovely winning dress from last night's episode of Project Runway doesn't hurt!  (If only I had $650 to spare and a reason to wear that dress!)

If you're a 32 bust, you can grab the Vogue pattern on eBay today.  And if you have a B34, let me know..